Oil pastels are made with a mineral oil binder and thick sticks of pigment.Their composition makes them very versatile and recognizable.Oil pastels can be applied, manipulated, and blended in a number of ways.
Step 1: You should pre-blend your oil pastels.
Before applying the materials to your canvas, you blend the colors together on a palette and apply the oil pastels.The method yields one color.It can be used when you are trying to create a specific color or if you don't want to mix the wrong colors on your canvas.You can use a knife to cut off pieces of oil pastels.The pieces should be placed on the palette.If you mix the colors together, they will form a thick, oily paint.Once you achieve the desired hue, apply the pigment to your canvas.You can use your fingers instead of a knife.
Step 2: Take your oil pastels and blend them.
You can apply one color of oil pastel to your canvas.Next to the first color, apply a second color of oil pastel.Rub or blend the adjoining edges until they appear smooth.When you want to achieve a smooth organic gradient, this method is used.It is possible to blend oil pastels in this way because they are thick and oily.
Step 3: Take your oil pastels and mix them with a color mix.
A process of mixing oil pastels is called color mixing.Blending larger areas of color as opposed to smaller areas requiring fine detail work would be better achieved with this method.It creates rich tones.Next, apply a second layer of oil pastel to the canvas.Add more layers and blend the pastels together.Light pressure blending is a good way to experiment.Thin coats of oil pastels can be used instead of thick applications.
Step 4: The scumbling method is used to blend oil pastels.
Artists can use the scumbling method to develop texture and value in their works.Select two or more colors of oil pastels to blend this method.Pick one color and start writing on your canvas.If you want to overlap the colors at random points, repeat this process with the remaining colors.Continue to layer the scribbled colors until you get the look you want.
Step 5: Cross-hatch method is used to blend oil pastels.
Artists blend colors by drawing lines in two different directions.You can sketch the area you want to cross.Choose between a light and a dark shade of oil pastels.Determine the direction of your lines.Each direction has a color assigned to it.A series of lines with one color going in a different direction.The second color goes in a different direction when you draw a second series of lines.Continue to fill in the area with lines.
Step 6: The sgraffito method needs to be applied.
Artists using the sgraffito method scratch through layers of oil pastels to create designs.You can apply multiple layers of oil pastels to your canvas.The last layer can be a dark color.Pick a pointed object of your choice, such as a paper clip, comb, or wooden stylus.An intricate design can be left behind by using this sharp item to scratch away the layers of oil pastels.
Step 7: Put your fingers in the blend.
Your fingers are very efficient.Blending colors together that cover large areas of your work can be done with your fingers.Blending with your fingers is quicker than grabbing a tool.When using your fingers, make sure to wash your hands frequently and not blend the wrong colors together.You can wear rubber gloves.These will make it easier for you to keep your hands clean and will protect your fingers from being rubbed by the sand on the canvas or in the pastels.You can remove the pastels from your hands with wet wipes.It may be difficult to blend smaller areas.
Step 8: Use shapers to blend the colors.
The shapers are designed for working with oil pastels.There are hairs on one end of a pastel brush.There are a variety of sizes and styles of pastel shapers.If you want to blend large areas of colors together, flat pastel shapers are the way to go.You can purchase dual-purpose tools that have a brush on one end and a shaper on the other.
Step 9: It is recommended to blend with stumps or tortillions.
There are tightly wound rolls of paper with a pointed end.These inexpensive tools are great for creating details and sharp edges.If the stump's tip becomes dirty, you can unwrap the wound paper to make a new tip.There are three sizes of these tools: small, medium, and large.
Step 10: To blend the pastels, use a chamois.
There is a soft and flexible piece of leather.This tool can be used many different ways.To blend large areas of color, you can either wipe or rub the majority of the chamois across your canvas, or wrap a portion of it around your finger.You can either hand wash or machine wash it.
Step 11: Blend with rubber.
A rubber tool is flexible.Blending together oil pastels is possible with this multi-functional tool.You can reform the rubber into different shapes to meet your needs.
Step 12: Household items can be used to blend colors.
You can blend your oil pastels using common household items.When you don't have the right tools on hand, these items are an acceptable replacement.Q-tips Cotton balls Cloths Paper towels are included.