Choosing oil pastels involves considering several factors, primarily focusing on quality, composition, and intended use to find the best fit for your artistic needs.
To choose oil pastels, consider their quality grade, composition (especially the oil to wax ratio), pigment concentration, lightfastness, and your budget and intended use.
Selecting the right oil pastels can significantly impact your artwork's look and feel. Here are the key aspects to consider:
Quality & Grade
Oil pastels are typically available in two main grades:
- Artist Grade: These pastels contain a higher concentration of pure pigment, leading to vibrant colors and excellent lightfastness (resistance to fading over time). They use high-quality binding agents for smooth application and layering. While more expensive, they offer superior performance and longevity.
- Student Grade: These are more affordable and use less pigment, often with fillers. Colors may be less vibrant and lightfastness lower. They are good for beginners or practice but may not achieve the same results as artist-grade pastels, especially for professional work.
Composition: The Oil to Wax Ratio
Understanding the composition is crucial, especially the ratio of oil to wax used as the binding agent. As per the reference, check the oil to wax ratio and choose according to desired opacity.
- A higher oil content generally results in a softer, creamier pastel that blends smoothly and can achieve greater opacity.
- A higher wax content tends to produce a firmer pastel. If there is a high wax content, the colours can look transparent or even faded and will not allow layering. This makes them less suitable for techniques requiring thick application or blending multiple layers.
Consider what effect you want: Do you need opaque colors for solid coverage and layering, or are you looking for more translucent effects?
Pigment Concentration & Lightfastness
High pigment concentration means brighter, more intense colors. Lightfastness indicates how well the colors resist fading when exposed to light. For artwork you want to last, choose pastels with high lightfastness ratings (often indicated on the pastel wrapper or packaging).
Texture and Softness
Different brands have varying textures and softness levels due to their unique formulas. Softer pastels are easier to blend and layer thickly, while harder pastels maintain a sharper point for detail work and can be useful for initial sketches or dry blending. Some artists use a mix of different brands to leverage these differences.
Color Range and Sets
Consider the range of colors offered by a brand. Starter sets typically include a basic selection, while larger sets provide a wider palette. Think about the types of subjects you paint and choose a set that offers the colors you'll use most often. You can always buy individual sticks to supplement your collection later.
Intended Use & Budget
Your purpose dictates your choice. Are you a beginner experimenting? Student grade might suffice. Are you a professional creating pieces for sale or display? Artist grade is recommended for quality and longevity. Your budget will naturally influence which brands and grades are within reach.
By evaluating these factors, particularly paying attention to the composition's impact on opacity and layering, you can select oil pastels that best suit your artistic goals and techniques.
