Pastels are a beloved medium among artists for their vibrant colours and blendable texture. However, when it comes to choosing between oil pastels and soft pastels, many artists are unsure which is best for their artwork. In this guide, we'll explore the key differences between oil pastels and soft pastels, as well as techniques for using each effectively.
Oil Pastels:
- Composition: Oil pastels are made from pigment, wax, and a non-drying oil, giving them a creamy texture that is easy to blend.
- Colour Intensity: Oil pastels are known for their intense colours and ability to create rich, opaque marks on paper.
- Layering: Oil pastels can be layered to create depth and texture, making them ideal for creating bold, expressive artworks.
- Fixing: Unlike soft pastels, oil pastels do not need to be fixed with a spray fixative, as they do not smudge easily.
Soft Pastels:
- Composition: Soft pastels are made from pigment, chalk, and a binder, giving them a powdery texture that is easy to blend.
- Colour Intensity: Soft pastels produce softer, more subtle colours compared to oil pastels, making them ideal for creating delicate, atmospheric effects.
- Layering: Soft pastels can also be layered, but they are more prone to smudging than oil pastels, so they may need to be fixed with a spray fixative.
- Blending: Soft pastels can be easily blended with fingers, blending stumps, or brushes to create smooth transitions between colours.
Drawing Techniques:
- Scumbling: This technique involves lightly layering pastel marks over each other to create a textured effect.
- Impasto: Impasto involves applying thick layers of pastel to create a three-dimensional effect.
- Sgraffito: Sgraffito involves scratching into layers of pastel to reveal the underlying colours.
- Blending: Blending can be done with fingers, blending stumps, or brushes to create smooth colour transitions.
Featured Product: Holbein Artists’ Soft Assorted Set of 144 Pastels:
The Holbein Artists’ Soft Assorted Set of 144 Pastels is perfect for artists exploring the world of soft pastels. This set includes a wide range of colours that are easy to blend and layer, allowing for endless creative possibilities. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, the Holbein Artists’ Soft Assorted Set of 144 Pastels is sure to inspire your next masterpiece.
At Kings Framing Art and Gallery, we offer a wide range of oil pastels, soft pastels, and pastel sets to suit every artist's needs. Whether you prefer the bold, intense colours of oil pastels or the soft, subtle colours of soft pastels, we have the perfect pastel for you. Visit us online or in-store to explore our selection and take your pastel art to the next level!
