Colorado Fall Colors, 11x14, Oil Pastel
The newest medium I have discovered is oil pastel. Not to be confused with soft pastels. Oil pastels are not widely known today although they have been used by many well known painters since the early part of the last century. They are made of pure pigments and are held together in oil and wax binders of differing formulations depending on the company manufacturing them and the softness or hardness achieved. They are vaguely similar to the crayons of our childhood.
Soft pastels are made of pure pigment compressed in different compositions to form soft and firm sticks. They are vaguely similar to chalk. They have dust associated with their use which limits use by some sensitive people.
Oil pastels, according to oil pastel authors John and Sheila Elliot, who wrote Oil Pastel for the Serious Beginner, were really misnamed from the beginning. They say oil pastels should be called more accurately, "dust-free pastels." Many pastel art competitions do not allow any oil pastels paintings to be entered in their competitions. Why that discrimination exists I have not figured out. It has not discouraged me either. I find the vivid colors wonderful to use. I can achieve much different pictures than I can with oil painting due in part to oil pastels not needing the drying time between sessions as oil paint requires. Oil pastels can be matted and framed almost immediately upon completion. They are usually displayed under glass.
Soft pastels are made of pure pigment compressed in different compositions to form soft and firm sticks. They are vaguely similar to chalk. They have dust associated with their use which limits use by some sensitive people.
Oil pastels, according to oil pastel authors John and Sheila Elliot, who wrote Oil Pastel for the Serious Beginner, were really misnamed from the beginning. They say oil pastels should be called more accurately, "dust-free pastels." Many pastel art competitions do not allow any oil pastels paintings to be entered in their competitions. Why that discrimination exists I have not figured out. It has not discouraged me either. I find the vivid colors wonderful to use. I can achieve much different pictures than I can with oil painting due in part to oil pastels not needing the drying time between sessions as oil paint requires. Oil pastels can be matted and framed almost immediately upon completion. They are usually displayed under glass.
Surveying My Kingdom 11 x 14 Oil Pastel
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Fall #2 11 x 14 Oil Pastel
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He Thinks He's Driving 11 x 14
Oil Pastel
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Quaking Aspens 12 x 16 Oil Pastel
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Butterfly Kiss 11 x 14 Oil Pastel
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Supernova Remnant: The Heart 16 x 12
Oil Pastel
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