The Best Surface for Oil Pastels: Tips and Tricks

Discover the perfect surface for oil pastels and learn tips to enhance your artwork. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, knowing the right techniques can take your work to the next level.

Introduction to Oil Pastels

Oil pastels are a versatile and fun medium, especially when combined with techniques like turpentine washes. For best results, it’s important to choose the right surface. This article explores several surface options and provides valuable insights to help you achieve the desired effect.

Selecting the Right Paper

Sugar Paper

Sugar paper, available in various colors, is a great option for base colors. When using sugar paper, it’s advisable to avoid pencils and instead use light-colored sticks such as white, grey, yellow, or pink. These colors allow you to draw without leaving pencil impressions.

Textured Surfaces

For oil pastels, a textured surface is ideal for better adhesion. Consider using canvas or textured paper, which grip the medium effectively. Priming the surface with gesso or a similar primer can further enhance adherence. Avoid using smooth surfaces, as they do not hold the oil-based medium well.

To experiment with different textures, lightly sand the back of the paper with different grades of sandpaper. This can also be done on used sheets to save costs. Grinding a bit of pastel and blowing it onto different textured surfaces can also provide interesting results.

Priming and Fixing Pigment

For a more durable finish, after your oil pastel work dries, you can spray an art varnish over the surface. This helps fix the pigment and prevent bleed-through at the back of the paper.

Personal Experimentation

As with many art forms, there’s no definitive answer as to which surface works best. It’s best to experiment with different papers available to you. A medium weight paper is usually a good starting point. Over time, you’ll find one or two favorites that work best for your style.

If you plan to create oil pastel paintings frequently, you’ll likely discover a few surfaces that suit your needs. Another option is to work on canvases. Applying oil pastels and thinning them with turpentine or paint thinner can allow for blending and creating a fluid effect. Additionally, you can enhance your paintings with pencils or colored pencils that will blend slightly with the solvent turpentine or thinner.

Conclusion and Encouragement

Oil pastels have been a cherished medium for many artists, myself included. They are easy to get started with, and the forgiving nature of oil pastels makes corrections simple. Experimenting with different surfaces and techniques can greatly enhance your creative process.

Go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the vibrant colors and textures that oil pastels offer. Good luck on your artistic journey!