Oil Pastels

Oil pastels are pastel sticks similar in size and shape to the familiar "dry" or chalk-like pastels. They are made by combining raw pigments with an oil-and-wax binder. The result is a pastel that is oil-soluble, water-resistant and dustless. Oil pastels adhere well to paper and there is little risk of damage from shaking off particles of pigment. The pigments are rich and brilliant, and the oil pastels blend well and can be built into thick layers.

Oil Pastels can be applied to many surfaces. I use heavier grade papers such as those used for printmaking or watercolor. When I am working with very thick layers of oil pastel I begin by applying a layer of acrylic gesso, before applying oil pastel.

Care of a work in oil pastel is simple: it should be kept in a frame, matted and behind glass. Though works in oil pastels become almost-dry quickly, they only become 100% dry slowly if at all. Framing/matting/glass therefore protect against dust or accidental contact. Oil pastels have excellent lightfastness and I have not heard of any damage from exposure to sun. However, I try to avoid hanging any artwork in strong direct sun, regardless of medium.