Oil pastels are a unique art medium, distinct from dry pastels (hard or soft). Due to their waxy, crayon-like texture, they are typically not sharpened in the same way as pencils or dry pastels using a standard sharpener. Attempting to use a pencil sharpener on an oil pastel can often result in a messy, clogged sharpener and a damaged pastel stick.
Understanding Oil Pastels
Unlike hard or soft pastels which are made with a gum or methylcellulose binder, oil pastels use a binder of oil and wax. This composition gives them their creamy texture and makes them smearable and blendable, but also makes them difficult to shave to a fine point like a pencil.
Methods for Creating a Point or Edge
While you don't "sharpen" oil pastels in the traditional sense, there are ways to achieve a finer point or expose a fresh edge for detailed work:
- Using the Existing Edges: New or less-used pastels often have square or angled edges. These can be used to create sharper lines or details. As the pastel is used, new edges naturally form.
- Peeling the Wrapper: As the tip wears down, peel back the paper wrapper to expose more of the pastel stick. You can then use the newly exposed end.
- Shaping on a Scrap Surface: You can rub the end of the oil pastel stick on a piece of scrap paper or cardstock to wear it down into a desired shape, including a point or a chisel edge.
- Careful Use of a Craft Knife: For a precise point, you can very carefully and gently shave the tip of the oil pastel using a craft knife or blade. Hold the pastel firmly and shave away small slivers of the material, rotating the pastel to form a point. Use extreme caution when handling sharp blades.
Note on Sharpening Dry Pastels (Hard Pastels)
It's important to distinguish between oil pastels and dry pastels, as sharpening methods differ. Dry pastels, especially hard pastels, can be sharpened to a point. As mentioned in some contexts regarding dry pastels, for a new stick that "comes square," you would typically:
- Stand the pastel up.
- Gently take the four big ridges off the edge of the new pastel to create a point or a rounded tip.
This method involves carefully shaving or wearing away the corners and is suitable for the drier, firmer texture of hard pastels, which behave more like large crayons in terms of sharpening. This technique is not generally applicable or effective for the soft, waxy nature of oil pastels.
Summary of Techniques
| Method | Description | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Use Existing Edges | Utilize the natural corners and sides of the pastel stick. | Oil Pastels |
| Peel Wrapper | Reveal more of the pastel stick as the tip wears down. | Oil Pastels |
| Shape on Scrap | Rub the pastel on a rough surface to wear it into a point or edge. | Oil Pastels |
| Craft Knife | Carefully shave the tip with a blade to create a point (with caution!). | Oil Pastels |
| Remove Square Ridges | Stand pastel and gently shave/wear away corners to form a point/round tip. | Hard Pastels |
In conclusion, while dry pastels like hard pastels can be sharpened by carefully removing their square edges, oil pastels require alternative methods like using existing edges, peeling the wrapper, shaping on a scrap surface, or gentle knife work due to their soft, waxy composition.
