Q&A for How to Blend Oil Pastels

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  • Question
    What paper do you use for oil pastels?
    Kelly Medford
    Professional Painter
    Kelly Medford is an American painter based in Rome, Italy. She studied classical painting, drawing and printmaking both in the U.S. and in Italy. She works primarily en plein air on the streets of Rome, and also travels for private international collectors on commission. She founded Sketching Rome Tours in 2012 where she teaches sketchbook journaling to visitors of Rome. Kelly is a graduate of the Florence Academy of Art.
    Professional Painter
    Expert Answer
    Use a paper that’s okay for oil paint. You could also use cardboarding that you prepare with a clear matte gel. Or you can put some acrylic gesso on the paper you’re using. The point is to create a barrier so that if you use turpentine, it doesn’t eat away at the paper.
  • Question
    Do I apply light or dark colors when blending?
    Community Answer
    Apply dark colors first, then apply light colors. Applying light colors first will not work because there will be a harsh line between the colors. By applying dark first, you can create a smooth transition between the colors.
  • Question
    Can I mix pastels with olive or mineral oil to make a thick paint?
    Community Answer
    Yes, I have done this before myself with good results.
  • Question
    Can you blend with more than three different colors?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can always blend with as many colors as you want.
  • Question
    Why shouldn't I use hairspray and oil pastels?
    Community Answer
    Hairspray is used to set chalk pastels. Oil pastels do not produce dust like chalk pastels, so hairspray will not work in the same way. You will make a sticky smeary mess.
  • Question
    Can I use boiled linseed oil and a brush to blend oil pastels?
    Community Answer
    You can use almost any oil product, but some work better than others. Boiled linseed oil is excellent in helping to increase the drying time and hardness of the pastels, while unboiled oils take longer to dry. And a brush is a wonderful tool to blend. If you want to get into small areas and fine details, use a small brush; to blend larger areas increase the brush size. Remember to clean your brush with a mineral spirit or paint thinner, since oil is water-soluble, or else some pigment or oil may remain on your brush and affect your next project.
  • Question
    Do you use hairspray over the oil pastels?
    Community Answer
    No, you use hairspray when you have a chalk drawing so that it doesn't smudge.
  • Question
    What type of paper is used for oil pastel drawing? Is normal drawing paper enough?
    Community Answer
    I use either watercolor or primed canvas, depending on what I intend to do with the finished piece. What you are looking for is a little texture or tooth for the pastels to grab onto (but not essential, read on). You can always apply some gesso to smooth card, and that will work just as well; just be aware that you are going to apply a wet medium, and this could easily warp light card and paper. I also use them on parchment and vellum to color my designs. This works well, but I do prefer soft pastels and some hairspray, as they are easier to work and achieve a softer look.
  • Question
    How do I know if my oil pastels are water soluble or not?
    Community Answer
    Oil is non-soluble in water. Since oil pastels are oil-based (which is why their texture is thick and creamy), they are non-soluble in water.
  • Question
    Could I use oil pastel crayons on my painting after it is completed without ruining it?
    Stuart Gordon
    Community Answer
    Yes, since paintings should always follow the "fat over lean" process to avoid cracking. Oil crayons are going to sit on top of your paint with no issues.
  • Question
    Can you mix two oil pastel crayons, say with a palette knife on glass, and make or mold them into a new stick?
    Parthipandit
    Community Answer
    I have done it myself and the result was very nice. I added a drop or two of almond oil and kneaded it to make a sort of clay-like mixture. After that, I molded it, and let it dry for a day or two.
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