Oil Pastels
Get ready to dive into the magical world of oil pastels as we present you with a roundup of the best products on the market. From vibrant hues to smudge-free formulas, we’ve gathered everything you need to know to make your artistic endeavors a success.
The Top 14 Best Oil Pastels
- Van Gogh Artistic 12 Color Oil Pastel Set — Unleash your creativity with the Van Gogh Oil Pastel 12 Color Set, featuring vibrant colors, soft laydown, and versatile usage on various grounds.
- Assorted Round Stick Oil Pastels for Superior Artistic Expression — Experience the vibrant and long-lasting colors of Pentel Round Stick Oil Pastels Crayons, Assorted — 12 pack, a non-toxic, affordably priced, and highly blendable art tool for achieving oil-paint-like results.
- Pentel Vibrant Oil Pastel Set with Carrying Case (36 Colors) — Indulge in vibrant creativity with the 36-color Pentel Oil Pastel Set, designed for home decoration and arts & crafts projects while offering excellent color blend and resistance to humidity.
- Oil Pastels Set with Carrying Case — Experience the creamy softness of PENPHN36 Oil Pastel Set with Carrying Case, offering rich, fade-resistant colors that blend smoothly for subtle shades and tints, perfect for creative expression on various media surfaces.
- Van Gogh 24 Color Oil Pastel Set: Creative Art Expressions — Van Gogh 24 Oil Pastel Set: High-quality, versatile, and perfect for both school and home use, the soft and blendable colors offer outstanding warmth and lightfastness for artists of all ages.
- Sennelier 48-Color Oil Pastel Set — Sennelier’s Oil Pastel Set 48 offers a versatile, light-resistant, and non-toxic set of colors for artists to explore their creativity on various surfaces, inspired by the collaboration between Henri Goetz and Pablo Picasso.
- Sennelier Picasso 50 Oil Pastel Wood Box Set — Sennelier 50 Oil Pastel Picasso Wood Box Set offers a high-quality, lightfast set of oil pastels with a creamy texture and soft intensity, suitable for a wide variety of surfaces.
- Pentel Oil Pastel Set: Creativity Unleashed — Experience the boundless creative possibilities with the Pentel Oil Pastel Set of 16, backed by its 4.8-star rating and 875.0 reviews. Perfect for students, artists, and everyone in between.
- Artist’s Palette: 24-Color Assorted Oil Pastel Set — Unleash boundless creativity with our 24-color Assorted Oil Pastel Set, boasting artists’ quality, versatile application, and top-grade pigments.
- Sennelier Oil Pastel Portrait Art Set (24 Colors) — Experience the artistic magic of Sennelier Oil Pastels, a set of 24 vibrant colors that boasts excellent lightfastness, versatile usage on various surfaces, and Picasso’s seal of approval.
- Faber-Castell Oil Pastels 36 Set: Vibrant Artistic Creation Tools — Explore endless creative possibilities with the Faber-Castell Creative Studio Oil Pastels 36 Set, featuring 36 highly pigmented, versatile colors that offer easy blending and perfect coverage for a variety of surfaces, suitable for mixed media techniques.
- Sennelier Oil Pastel Plein Air Wood Box Set — Versatile and Vibrant Artistic Tool — Sennelier Oil Pastel Plein Air Wood Box Set of 36: The creamy, acid-free, high-pigment pastels, favored by award-winning artists, offer velvety textures, rich vibrant colors, and perfect for travel in a secure, compact foam-lined wood box.
- Sennelier Oil Pastels Grand Set of 36 — Experience unmatched quality and expressive potential with Sennelier’s signature Oil Pastel set, designed in collaboration with Pablo Picasso and adored by legendary artists.
- Mungyo Gallery Oil Pastel Cardboard Set — Discover the versatile and richly hued Mungyo Gallery Oil Pastels Box Set of 36, perfect for all levels of art enthusiasts and available in convenient back-to-school packaging.
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Reviews
Van Gogh Artistic 12 Color Oil Pastel Set
During a recent exploration of our art supplies, I stumbled upon Van Gogh’s Oil Pastel 12 Color Set. I had heard about its excellent color vibrancy, but I was curious to see how they would perform in my hands. The first thing I noticed was the creamy texture of the pastels — they were extremely soft and easy to work with. I took a few strokes and the color spread smoothly and evenly.
However, I also noticed that the colors had a bit of a stiff edge to them that I wasn’t used to in my other oil pastels. While they were still soft enough, I felt that they lacked the “buttery” feel that I was expecting. The color transfer was easy and the pastels blended well with one another, but I couldn’t help but feel that there was a slight lack of control when using them.
Despite the minor drawbacks, I must say that the vibrancy and color intensity of these pastels were truly impressive. They handled beautifully on a variety of grounds and could be used in conjunction with other media to create interesting effects. While they may not be the smoothest, they certainly make up for it with their bright hues.
Overall, these oil pastels proved to be a reliable tool in my art supply arsenal. Although they were a bit challenging to work with at first, I found that they offered a unique combination of color intensity and versatility.
Assorted Round Stick Oil Pastels for Superior Artistic Expression
The Pentel Round Stick Oil Pastel Crayons are a fantastic addition to any art enthusiast’s collection. Offering a wide array of assorted colors, these crayons deliver brilliant, blendable pigments that create stunning works of art on a variety of surfaces.
One of the standout features is the unique blendability of these oil pastel crayons. They easily layer and create subtle shades, making it a breeze for artists to achieve the desired effect. Furthermore, the pastels glide smoothly on the paper, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable art-making experience.
These oil pastel crayons are also fade-resistant, ensuring that the vibrant colors maintain their intensity even after years of storage. And, with a non-toxic formula, they are perfect for kids and beginners to explore the world of art safely.
However, there are a couple of downsides to consider. Firstly, the pastel sticks are smaller compared to other brands, which may not be ideal for those with larger hands. Additionally, these oil pastel crayons can sometimes shed crumbs while in use, which might be a minor inconvenience for some.
All in all, the Pentel Round Stick Oil Pastel Crayons provide a versatile and affordable option for art enthusiasts of all skill levels. Their blendability, vibrant colors, and fade-resistance make them an excellent choice for creating stunning artwork, while their smaller size and potential crumbing issue may be minor drawbacks for some users.
Pentel Vibrant Oil Pastel Set with Carrying Case (36 Colors)
I recently started using the Pentel Oil Pastel Set for my art projects, and I must say I’m impressed! The set contains 36 vibrant colors that are suitable for various home decoration and arts and crafts projects. The pastels apply smoothly and blend easily, making shading and color mixing more manageable.
One of the highlights was the variety of colors included in the set. As an artist, it’s always great to have a good range of hues to work with. Also, the pastels are relatively easy to use and store, thanks to their compact design.
However, I did notice a few downsides too. The pastels are not as creamy and soft as some higher-end brands, which made layering and blending a bit more challenging. Additionally, the colors opposite each other on the color wheel tended to clash more, making it trickier to achieve smooth transitions.
Lastly, I’m sensitive to smells, and found the oil pastels to have a strong odor, similar to petrol. Fortunately, leaving them out to air for a day or two helped a bit.
Despite these small issues, I found this Pentel Oil Pastel Set to be an excellent value for the price. The set offers a great introduction to oil pastels for beginners and a versatile option for artists of all levels. Overall, I would recommend this product to anyone looking to add some vibrant color to their art projects.
Oil Pastels Set with Carrying Case
Introducing the PENPHN36 — Oil Pastel Set with Carrying Case, a versatile tool for artists of all ages. The set boasts a creamy softness that makes it easy to use, while its fade-resistant colors provide a striking, vibrant finish. With 36 oil pastels in the pack, you’ll have a wide array of colors to choose from. Utilize it directly on canvas, paper, or any other medium to achieve thick, thin, rough, or smooth effects.
The PENPHN36 is an excellent choice for beginners, offering smooth and vibrant colors at an affordable price. Its unique color selection makes it perfect for artists seeking to explore a variety of shades and tints. However, some users have noted a slightly harder texture compared to more expensive brands, suggesting that it may be less creamy and require different blending techniques. Despite this minor setback, these oil pastels continue to impress artists with their blendability, intensity, and affordability.
Van Gogh 24 Color Oil Pastel Set: Creative Art Expressions
The Van Gogh 24 Oil Pastel Set offers a vibrant palette with 24 rich colors that are popular for their outstanding warmth and color strength. These pastels have a creamy texture that blends seamlessly and can be used for various techniques, including direct application, building up colored layers, and creating transparent washes. Their impressive quality and smooth blending allow users to achieve an extensive range of effects when combined with other mediums.
The pastels are made with pure pigments making them lightfast, ensuring that they maintain their vivid colors over time. The set features a compact and portable design with its dimensions being 0.63 inches in height, 6 inches in length, and 7 inches in width. The Van Gogh 24 Oil Pastel Set has garnered a 4.5 rating based on 56 reviews, with users sharing their satisfaction with its versatility and performance.
Sennelier 48-Color Oil Pastel Set
The Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 48 is a high-quality set of pastels that boasts excellent light resistance and non-toxic properties. With a versatile range of colors, users can create artwork on various surfaces like wood, paper, canvas, and metal.
These pastels are perfect for blending and even work well with oil paints, providing a variety of techniques to experiment with. While the Sennelier oil pastels are slightly more expensive than other brands, their longevity and superior quality make them a worthwhile investment for serious artists. These oil pastels are highly regarded by many artists for their consistent and vibrant colors, which hold their intensity even after numerous applications.
Overall, the Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 48 is a premium choice for those looking to enhance their artworks with its rich colors and user-friendly features.
Sennelier Picasso 50 Oil Pastel Wood Box Set
The Sennelier 50 Oil Pastel Picasso Wood Box Set is a premium artists’ quality pastel range, designed specifically for the famous artist Pablo Picasso. This high-quality set offers a creamy texture to provide effortless blending and application, similar to the sensation of applying a thick buttery balm.
A stand-out feature of the Sennelier oil pastels is their unique mixture of nonaggressive oils and waxes, which allows them to be used on a wide variety of surfaces like paper, without damaging the substrate. One downside, however, is the sensitivity of oil pastel works to heat, making a protective fixative necessary. All colors in the set are 100% lightfast, ensuring longevity and preservation of your artwork.
The set consists of 50 highly pigmented colors, each creating a vivid and intense hue suitable for professional artists or anyone pursuing fine art. With a smooth and creamy texture, the oil pastels are a popular choice among those keen on exploring different mediums of drawing.
The Sennelier 50 Oil Pastel Picasso Wood Box Set can be a costly investment, particularly for beginners who may prefer to explore other options at a lower cost. However, it caters to those eager to elevate their oil pastel skills and is worth the extra expenditure for professional artists.
The pastels are enclosed in a round wooden box, offering a protective storage solution for your art supplies when not in use. While the individual pastels are secured in their casing, occasional mishandling can result in the tips being smudged, which is a minor inconvenience considering the overall quality of the product.
The Sennelier 50 Oil Pastel Picasso Wood Box Set is an exceptional choice for those seeking a premium oil pastel set that offers vibrancy and intensity in their work while providing the desired creamy texture for seamless blending. However, it’s essential to note that the extra cost may not be suitable for beginners or those just starting to delve into the world of oil pastels.
Pentel Oil Pastel Set: Creativity Unleashed
The Pentel Oil Pastel Set is a versatile tool for artists of all levels, with its full range of colors and ability to be diluted with mineral spirits. The round-shaped, non-toxic pastels support the development of manual skills and encourage creativity. While the colors may not be as vibrant as some more expensive brands, their affordability and wide availability make this set a great option for any artist or classroom.
Artist’s Palette: 24-Color Assorted Oil Pastel Set
As an artist who has dabbled in various mediums, I’ve found the 24-color assorted oil pastel set from Sennelier to be a true gem in my collection. The extra fine artists’ quality is evident in the smooth, buttery texture of the pastels, making them a joy to work with. The blend of colors is effortless, allowing for a wide range of subject matter and creative possibilities.
One of the standout features of this set is the top-quality pigments, which create vibrant and intense shades. The versatility of the pastels is impressive as well, with the ability to work on a variety of surfaces, making them a versatile tool for any artist.
However, there is a downside to note — the price point for this set is quite high, which may deter some artists from investing in it. Additionally, the size of the individual pastels might be a concern for those who require more coverage on larger surfaces.
Overall, the 24-color assorted oil pastel set from Sennelier is a high-quality set that offers a range of colors and a smooth, blendable texture. While the price might be a hindrance for some, the top-quality pigments and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for serious artists.
Sennelier Oil Pastel Portrait Art Set (24 Colors)
For artists seeking a high-quality oil pastel set, look no further than Sennelier’s Portrait collection. These creamy, lipstick-like pastels boast outstanding opacity and lightfastness, making them an excellent choice for vibrant and intense artwork.
They come with a set of 24 colors, capable of being used on various surfaces such as wood, paper, canvas, and metal. The pastels are even praised for their buttery texture and ability to blend colors without leaving a “stuttered” look.
While they may be pricier than some alternatives, their rich pigmentation and long-lasting vibrancy make them a worthwhile investment.
Faber-Castell Oil Pastels 36 Set: Vibrant Artistic Creation Tools
As an artist who loves to dabble in various mediums, I was intrigued when I heard about the Faber-Castell Oil Pastels. I had heard they were versatile and perfect for creating stunning artwork on a variety of surfaces.
Right out of the box, I was impressed with the sleek packaging and the fact that each individual pastel was wrapped in paper, protecting them from getting damaged. The set came with an assortment of thirty-six different colors, all highly pigmented and capable of creating a deep coverage, from bright hues to pastel tones.
What really stood out to me was the creamy consistency of the Oil Pastels. They were incredibly easy to blend with other colors, allowing me to create a wide range of textures and shades. The lightweight feel made them comfortable to hold, even during long periods of use.
One of my favorite features of these oil pastels was that they could be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, canvas, and wood. This versatility opened up a world of creative possibilities for my artwork, permitting me to try different techniques and styles.
The Faber-Castell Oil Pastels were also lightfast, meaning they retained their vibrant colors even when exposed to sunlight, a crucial factor for any artist who wants their work to last.
However, I did encounter one downside: the pastels did require a solvent to clean them up. While this wasn’t a deal-breaker, it did add an extra step to my cleaning process that I had to keep in mind.
Despite this minor inconvenience, I have to say that the Faber-Castell Oil Pastels have quickly become a staple in my art supplies, inspiring me to try new techniques and experiment with different mediums. They’re a must-have for any artist who’s looking to expand their creative horizons.
Sennelier Oil Pastel Plein Air Wood Box Set — Versatile and Vibrant Artistic Tool
Sennelier Oil Pastel Plein Air Wood Box Set of 36 is a highly-regarded set of pastels, favored by award-winning artists for their creamy texture and vibrant colors. The set comes in a secure, compact foam-lined wood box, perfect for travel. Sennelier pastels were created in collaboration with Picasso in the 1940s and are known for their rich pigment, opacity, and lightfastness. They can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including wood and metal, and may be thinned with turpentine and worked with a brush.
This set is renowned for its range, featuring more darks, greys, blues, greens, and earth tones. The pastels have a softer, creamier texture, making blending easier and more appealing. They create smooth, velvety textures and rich, vibrant colors that retain their intensity without fading. Each stick comes in a sturdy varnished wooden foam-lined set, making them easy to carry and use.
While the Sennelier Oil Pastel Plein Air Wood Box Set of 36 is slightly more expensive than some other brands, it is considered a top-tier option by many artists. The creamy consistency and brilliant colors make it a worthwhile investment for serious artists looking to elevate their work. With the variety of shades and the durability of the materials, these pastels provide a high-quality, professional experience for anyone using them.
Sennelier Oil Pastels Grand Set of 36
I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Sennelier Oil Pastels set from Blick Art Supplies. I’d been putting off trying them for a while since they’re not exactly budget-friendly, but after dabbling in a few of the colors, I can confidently say they’re worth the investment.
One of my first and foremost experiences with Sennelier Oil Pastels was immediately impressed by the sheer size of them, each one nearly the size of my thumb. They’re more than twice as big as the standard oil pastels, making them great for larger paintings and quick strokes.
Their creamy texture is a delight to use. It allows for easy blending, which is perfect for those ‘happy accidents’ when colors meet that you can incorporate into your art. The balance of ingredients used to create them ensures they’re both high in pigment and have excellent light stability, which is a huge bonus for any artist.
However, the downside is the price. As you can imagine, with each pastel being significantly larger than the regular ones, it means buying fewer. But considering they last so much longer than other pastels, you’re likely to save money in the long run. Despite the monetary investment, these Sennelier Oil Pastels delivered on quality and performance, and I’m glad I made the switch.
The set I purchased comes in a neat wooden box, which is perfect for storage. It also makes it easier to carry the pastels around — a nice touch, especially for artists like me who travel a lot for events and workshops.
In conclusion, the Sennelier Oil Pastels are worth every penny. They’re high-quality, versatile, and perfect for larger pieces. Yes, they’re a little more expensive than the regular, but they also last a lot longer. Try to balance the price with the value they bring to your art for the best use.
Mungyo Gallery Oil Pastel Cardboard Set
Experience the versatility of Mungyo Gallery’s oil pastel cardboard box set of 36 standard assorted colors. These high-quality pastels, characterized by their oil and wax-based binder, perform well on various surfaces such as paper and cardboard.
The 19mm x 70mm stick size ensures precise application and the 72 mutually blendable colors cater to a wide range of creative endeavors, including rough, manga, or scrapbooking styles. Ideal for artists of all levels, the assorted colors are beautifully housed in matching boxes, making them perfect for back-to-school or school of art environments.
Buyer’s Guide
Oil pastels are a popular choice for artists of all skill levels due to their versatility and vibrancy. However, choosing the right oil pastels can be overwhelming, especially with many brands and sets available on the market. To help you make an informed decision, this buyer’s guide provides essential information on the features to consider, general advice on using oil pastels, and important considerations when selecting the right set for you.
Key Features
When choosing oil pastels, consider the following features to ensure you get a high-quality set that meets your needs:
- Pigmentation: Look for oil pastels with bright, vibrant colors that blend well. High-quality oil pastels should have excellent coverage and color intensity even after multiple applications.
Material
- Material: The best oil pastels are made from high-quality wax and pigment blends, ensuring they are smooth, long-lasting, and easy to blend. Avoid sets made from low-quality materials that may chip or crumble easily, which can result in unsatisfactory results and a waste of valuable time and materials.
Softness
- Softness: Oil pastels come in different firmness levels, from soft to extra-hard. Soft pastels are easier to blend and apply, while harder pastels offer more control and precision. Choose oil pastels that match your preferred drawing style and skill level. Soft pastels are generally best suited for impressionist-style work, while harder pastels are better for detailed line work.
Set Variety and Sizes
- Set variety and sizes: Consider whether you would prefer a smaller, more compact set or a larger set with a wider range of colors. Also, choose oil pastels that come in a variety of sizes, as this allows you to work with different strokes and techniques, creating a diverse range of effects in your artwork.
FAQ
What are oil pastels?
Oil pastels are a distinct type of artistic medium that combines the properties of paints and pastels. Comprised of pigment, oil, and a specialized binder, they yield rich, vibrant colors on varied surfaces. Their velvety appearance and seamless blending capabilities enable artists to create a diverse range of effects.
In contrast to traditional chalk pastels, oil pastels contain a wax-based binder that allows them to be dissolved in a variety of solvents for color blending purposes, while providing exceptional coverage and an intense, deep look to the artwork produced. They are suitable for individuals of all ages and expertise levels, as well as artists aiming to experiment with different art techniques and styles.
What are the advantages of using oil pastels?
Utilizing oil pastels in your artwork presents several benefits. They offer a unique blend of paint-like and pastel-like properties, making them applicable in various art styles and techniques. Many artists value the effortless blending capabilities and abundance of possible effects achievable with oil pastels.
Oil pastels provide an extensive variety of vibrant colors and the capacity to produce rich, saturated works of art. Additionally, the materials employed in oil pastels possess a smooth, creamy texture that enhances the drawing and painting experience. Moreover, their versatility allows them to be utilized on various surfaces, including paper, canvas, and even fabric.
What are some tips for effectively using oil pastels?
When working with oil pastels, it is crucial to follow these guidelines to achieve the best results. Firstly, prepare your work surface by covering the desired area with paper or a protective layer of gel medium to prevent smudging or transferring oil pastel onto other parts of your artwork.
Secondly, practice blending and layering to achieve various effects and textures. Be patient while blending and layering, as it might take some time to obtain the desired appearance. Experiment with different techniques and strokes for unique results.
Lastly, clean your oil pastels regularly to prevent chalk buildup and maintain their quality and appearance.
What are some essential tools for working with oil pastels?
To maximize your experience with oil pastels, you will require the following essential tools. A set of high-quality graphite pencils is recommended for sketching and line work prior to applying oil pastels. A good set of brushes is also necessary for blending and layering colors, while a sharpener will help maintain your oil pastels’ sharpness and point.
Additionally, you may require a paper towel or cloth to remove excess color, a smudge tool (such as a tortillon) for blending, and a fixative spray to protect your completed artwork from fading or smudging. Investing in a suitable storage case will also aid in organizing your oil pastels and prevent color transfer between them.
What are the different brands and sets of oil pastels available?
Numerous brands and sets of oil pastels are available in the market to cater to different levels of artists and budgets. Some popular brands include Crayola, Caran D’Ache, Faber-Castell, and Derwent. These brands provide a wide range of sets, from beginner kits to professional-grade oil pastels, with various color options and price points.
Newer artists might prefer beginner-friendly sets with a restricted color palette, while more experienced artists may opt for larger sets with a broader range of hues and color families. Many oil pastel sets also include additional tools, such as brushes, a smudge stick, and a paper palette, to assist you in exploring your creativity.
How can I clean or store oil pastels?
Maintaining the quality and appearance of your oil pastels necessitates proper storage and cleaning. To clean the pastels, hold them under running water for a few seconds, gently twisting them to remove any excess color. You can also use a paper towel or cloth to wipe them clean. Ensure they are stored in a dry location to avoid damage or discoloration.
Several methods exist for storing oil pastels. Storing them in a resealable plastic bag or a dedicated storage case, contingent on their size and quantity, is recommended. A dedicated storage case is ideal for preserving the pastels’ quality and preventing color transfer between them. When storing oil pastels, organize them for easy access to the desired color.
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