You can use oil pastels wet by using a solvent like white spirit or turpentine to blend and manipulate the pastel pigments after application. This technique allows you to create effects similar to oil paint.
Here's a breakdown of how to use oil pastels with solvents:
Steps:
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Apply Oil Pastels: Liberally apply oil pastels to your chosen surface (e.g., paper, canvas) in strong, sweeping lines. Don't be afraid to layer colors. The more pastel you apply, the more pigment you'll have to work with.
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Choose Your Solvent: White spirit (mineral spirits) or turpentine are common solvents used with oil pastels. White spirit is generally considered less toxic and has a weaker odor than turpentine.
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Apply Solvent with a Brush: Moisten an oil painting paintbrush with a small amount of your chosen solvent. Be careful not to saturate the brush; you want it damp, not dripping.
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Blend and Manipulate: Gently brush the solvent onto the pastel. You'll notice that the pigments start to blend and move, behaving much like oil paint. You can use different brushstrokes to create various effects.
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Experiment with Techniques:
- Blending: Use soft, circular motions to blend colors seamlessly.
- Moving Color: Drag the brush across the pastel to move the pigment to different areas of your surface.
- Creating Washes: Dilute the pastel significantly with solvent to create transparent washes of color.
Tips for Success:
- Ventilation: Always work in a well-ventilated area when using solvents.
- Brush Cleaning: Clean your brushes thoroughly with solvent after use.
- Surface Preparation: Consider using a surface prepared for wet media, such as watercolor paper or canvas primed with gesso.
- Layering: Allow layers of pastel and solvent to dry before adding more layers. This prevents colors from becoming muddy.
- Experimentation: Practice different techniques to discover what works best for you. The versatility of oil pastels and solvents allows for a wide range of artistic expression.
Using oil pastels wet provides a unique approach to creating art, blending the characteristics of drawing and painting. The result can be vibrant, expressive, and full of texture.
