In this post, I’ll highlight the best oil pastels available, suitable for both professionals and beginners in the oil pastel realm.
Having tested numerous oil pastels over the years, I present my recommendations along with their pros and cons. I’ve personally tried most of these but not every option on this list.
It’s important to note that the quality of materials doesn’t outweigh your skills. A skilled artist can produce remarkable work with bad materials. However, investing in high-quality art materials enhances the learning and drawing experience, making it significantly more enjoyable.
Which is the best oil pastel brand?
Determining the “best” oil pastel brand is undoubtedly subjective. Artistic preferences vary, and what suits my liking may not necessarily work well for you. Personally, I appreciate soft and smooth oil pastels that can create texture, allowing for layering and seamless blending.
Through my research, I’ve observed a consensus among many that Sennelier and Holbein are regarded as producing the “best” oil pastels.
I’ve categorized this list into artist and student-grade oil pastels. Artist-grade art materials are designed for professional use and typically feature the highest-quality pigments, albeit at a higher price. However, being labeled as student-grade doesn’t imply inferior quality. There are many affordable yet high-quality oil pastels available in the market, and I’ll be introducing some of them to you.
Artist Grade
Sennelier Oil Pastels
Sennelier oil pastels stand out as the best I’ve tried thus far. They boast a smooth and creamy texture, rich pigments, and impressive lightfastness. While they come with a higher price tag, the option to purchase them individually is available.
Keep in mind that they tend to be used up relatively quickly, especially when covering larger surfaces. For more extensive works, consider using alternative oil pastels for foundational layers and save the Sennelier oil pastels for those final touches.
If you’d like to delve deeper, click here to read my extensive review.
Quantity: 1 – 120
Can be bought individually? Yes
Available set sizes: 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 50, 72, 120
Price: About $5.35 per stick
Where to get them:
On Amazon
On Blick Art Materials
Holbein Artist’s Oil Pastels
Although I haven’t personally tried these oil pastels, they are reputed to be among the best. They come with a relatively high price point, being the most expensive on this list.
Known for their even application and non-sticky texture, Holbein Oil Pastels strike a balance between being neither too soft nor too hard. They are less oily compared to Sennelier pastels, resulting in a longer lifespan. One distinctive feature is their wrapperless square design, which is great for creating sharp edges in drawings.
Most of the oil pastels in their range provide excellent lightfastness.
Quantity: 1 – 141
Can be bought individually? Yes
Available set sizes: 15, 25, 40
Price: About $6.85 per stick
Where to get them:
On Amazon
On Blick Art Materials
Caran d’Ache Neopastels
While I haven’t personally tried these oil pastels, I’ve come across numerous positive reviews. They are reputed to be slightly firmer than Sennelier and Holbein oil pastels but excel in blending. Notably, Caran D’Ache Neopastels are entirely dustless. Boasting a smooth, creamy, and vibrant texture, they incorporate high-quality pigments and earn an excellent lightfastness rating.
Quantity: 1 – 96
Can be bought individually? Yes
Available set sizes: 12, 24, 48, 96
Price: About $2.75 per stick
Where to get them:
On Amazon
On Blick Art Materials
Are expensive oil pastels worth it?
For professional artists consistently selling their work, investing in high-quality art materials is crucial to ensure the longevity of their pieces and customer satisfaction. The decision of whether it’s worth it depends on your specific needs and, of course, your budget.
However, it’s worth noting that you can find good-quality oil pastels at a price that won’t break the bank.
Student Grade
If you’re new to oil pastels, unsure if you’ll enjoy working with them, and operating on a limited budget, consider these affordable yet high-quality options. While not the absolute cheapest, they ensure a more satisfying experience.
Mungyo Gallery Artists’ Soft Oil Pastels
The Gallery Soft Oil Pastels by the Korean brand Mungyo stand out as my preferred choice for student-grade oil pastels. They possess a smooth and creamy texture, striking a balance between the not-too-soft, buttery feel of Sennelier and a not-too-hard consistency. This makes them ideal for beginners in the world of oil pastels. Offering an extensive color range, solid coverage, and easy blending capabilities, they present a great option for novice artists.
Unfortunately, these pastels are unavailable for individual purchase, and obtaining the largest set (120) can be challenging. However, the 48-set serves as an excellent option to kickstart your journey.
For a more in-depth review, you can explore it here.
Quantity: 120
Can be bought individually? No
Available set sizes: 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 120
Price: About $0.53 per stick
Where to get them:
On Amazon
On Blick Art Materials
Paul Rubens Haiya Oil Pastels
Paul Rubens, a Chinese art brand renowned for its affordable art supplies, presents two types of oil pastels, with Haiya oil pastels being one of them. Remarkably similar to the ones by Sennelier, they share the same bullet shape and exhibit a very soft and smooth texture. However, it’s important to note that not all pastels within the set perform identically – some may be slightly harder, while others could be more oily. Despite these variations, they serve as an excellent alternative to the Sennelier counterparts.
Regrettably, these pastels cannot be bought individually. For a comprehensive review, feel free to read it here.
Quantity: 72
Can be bought individually? No
Available set sizes: 48, 72
Price: About $0.92 per stick
Where to get them:
On Amazon
Paul Rubens Oil Pastels
The ‘Standard’ oil pastels from Paul Rubens marked my introduction to this medium, sparking my love for it. These pastels boast easy application and a creamy texture. However, it’s worth noting that the colors exhibit some inconsistency, with certain shades being slightly sticky and streaky. While not as soft as the Haiya variant, these pastels excel in creating impasto-like textures.
For an in-depth review, you can explore it here.
Quantity:
Can be bought individually? No
Available set sizes: 50, 72
Price: About $0.73 per stick
Where to get them:
On Amazon
Arrtx Soft Oil Pastels
If you enjoy creating textures, these are perfect for you. The soft oil pastels by Arrtx are exclusively offered in a 72-color set, providing excellent value for the price. With a fantastic color range and exceptionally creamy texture, they are ideal for application in thick layers, although they can be somewhat sticky and streaky.
For a comprehensive review, read this post here.
Quantity: 72
Can be bought individually? No
Available set sizes: 72
Price: About $0.54 per stick
Where to get them:
On Amazon
Hwawon
Hwawon, a Korean brand, started producing oil pastels in 2019 and has recently expanded its availability on Amazon US. While I haven’t had the opportunity to try them yet, I’m hopeful to do so in the future. Presently, their quality appears to fall between student and professional grades.
Notably, the colors are richly saturated and feature high-quality pigments. In terms of texture, these pastels are creamier than the ones by Mungyo.
Quantity: 96
Can be bought individually? Yes
Available set sizes: 24, 48, 96
Price: About $1.66 per stick
Where to get them:
On Amazon
Hwawon Website
What are the best oil pastels for beginners?
Any choice from this list would be a solid decision. If you’re uncertain about committing to this medium, opting for one of the student-grade options is more than sufficient to kickstart your journey. Once you become more comfortable and acquainted with the medium, you can explore higher-quality oil pastels.
If you can acquire Mungyo oil pastels, I highly recommend them for your initial set.
I hope this list was helpful and facilitated your decision on which oil pastels to choose. Feel free to share your favorites and provide feedback if you believe there’s anything missing from this list.
