Oil Pastels

[Angela]

When I bought my pastels, I didn't even realize that they were OIL PASTELS. I have no clue how to use them!!! I thought they were regular pastels!! What was I thinking?? I just bought an inexpensive set because I figured I could learn first, then buy the more expensive brand.

Now, does anyone have any tips/tricks on what the heck to do with oil pastels?

[Angela]

Well, I guess no one uses them, huh? That's okay because lo and behold, there was a question about them in the Technical Q & A in this month's Artist Mag!! So, I kind of understand them, and since you need to use turpenoid I probably will not use them. My cousin does alot of oil pastels so I'll give them to her.

[Lesley]

I do!! Although I am just experimenting at the moment. I have two sets, 48 Inscribe oil pastels, which are quite cheap, but not too bad at all, with some lovely colours, and a set of Sennelier, which are soooo soft, and also have metallics and pearlescent colours - beautiful!! You can spread them about with your finger, or with a colour shaper. Great for backgrounds. I have one on my website using cp with oil pastel as a night sky - much quicker and deeper than pencil! I've tried solvents a bit, but prefer not to use them. I am sure there is more to discover, given time :rolleyes: Don't give them away, have a play :D

Cheers
Lesley

[Angela]

I just checked out your website - your pics are gorgeous!!! I only have four or so finished pieces to my name right now. I lived in an apartment when I was younger and alot of my stuff from younger days was destroyed when the sewers from the main street overflowed from my toilet, my tub, my sinks, etc., There was 4 inches of sewer water in my apartment!! I had to throw everything that I had ever done away. None of it was salvageable. So, now I only have stuff that I've done recently and with two young kids, I only have time to do one good piece a year. But, I keep on drawing!

[Lesley]

What a disaster, I bet you wre totally crushed!

Even one good piece a year is better than no pieces :-)

Cheers
Lesley

[Rose]

Angela, wow, that must have been awful! I agree with Lesley, keep trying though, you may really enjoy them if you play with them a bit.

Lesley, I checked out your website as well! Wow, you have amazing paintings! :-) :D

[Denise]

please keep us posted on your discoveries as you play around w/ the op's