How to Make Paint Out of Oil Pastels

Are you tired of buying expensive paints for your art projects? Have you ever thought about making your own paint with materials you already have at home? Well, look no further because we’ve got the perfect solution for you – making your own oil pastel paint!

Not only is this a cost-effective option, but it also allows you to customize your colors and experiment with different hues. Plus, using oil pastels as the base gives the paint a unique texture that can add depth and dimension to your artwork.

But, before we dive into the step-by-step process of making your own oil pastel paint, let’s talk about some common struggles artists face when it comes to finding the right materials. Have you ever been frustrated with limited color choices or poor quality in store-bought paints? Or maybe you’ve struggled to achieve the desired texture in your artwork. These are all pain points that many artists face and can hinder their creativity. With our tutorial on how to make paint out of oil pastels, we hope to alleviate these struggles and inspire new artistic possibilities.

What are oil pastels and how do they differ from other types of art materials?

Definition of Oil Pastels

Oil pastels are a type of drawing and painting medium that consists of pigment, wax, and non-drying oil. They were first introduced in Japan in the 1920s by artist Sakura Morishige. The unique characteristics of oil pastels set them apart from other mediums such as chalk pastels, oil paints or acrylics.

Differences between oil pastels and other art materials

Compared to chalk pastel sticks, oil pastels have a much creamier texture that allows for a more seamless blending and layering effect. They also create less dust than chalk pastel sticks, making them easier to work with.

Oil pastels differ significantly from watercolor paints or acrylics due to their composition. Unlike these media, which can be diluted with water or thinned out with mediums such as gesso or matte medium, oil pastels cannot be diluted with water without losing their bonding properties.

The application process is another notable difference between oil pastels and other painting mediums. Oil painters often use brushes to apply paint to canvas while those using oil pastel use their fingers or blending tools.

Advantages of using Oil Pastels

• Vibrant pigments that offer excellent coverage on paper surfaces
• The creamy consistency allows for ease in blending colors together
• Can be used alone or combined with other mediums such as acrylics for mixed media pieces.
• The ability to draw fine details by sharpening the tip or create broad strokes by using the side of the stick.

Disadvantages of using Oil Pastels

• Oil Pastel can become brittle when exposed to air for long periods and can crumble or flake off the surface
• Difficult to get a consistent color when using blends of oil pastels
• Oil pastel sticks do not come in as many colors as other mediums such as acrylics or watercolors.

Why make paint out of oil pastels instead of using the pastels themselves?

Better coverage and smoothness

While oil pastels are great for drawing, they may not cover larger areas with the same level of consistency that paint does due to their waxy texture. Creating paint out of oil pastel pigment allows you to apply a smooth and even coat across your canvas.

Mixing colors

Another benefit of making paint from oil pastels is that it allows you to mix colors more effectively. When blending different colored oil pastels together by hand, it can be challenging to achieve the desired shade. By turning them into paint, however, you can create custom hues that are easier to control.

Different application techniques

Using the traditional method of applying dry Oil Pastel on paper typically requires fingers, blending tools or solvents. Painting with Oil Pastel Paint opens up new possibilities for creating brush strokes using various brush shapes and sizes.

Affordability

Making your own paint from oil pastels is also much more affordable than buying professional-grade artist’s paints. It gives artists an affordable alternative while still providing excellent results.

What supplies do you need to make paint out of oil pastels, and where can you find them?

The supplies needed for making paint out of oil pastels are relatively simple, and most artists may already have some in their toolkit.

• Oil Pastel Sticks: You’ll need to have oil pastel sticks in the colors you want to use for your paint.
• Pigment Binder: A clear medium that can hold pigment and create a paintable consistency.
• Palette Knife or Spatula: To mix the pigment binder and oil pastel together
• Empty Jars: for storing the finished oil pastel paint.

Most art supply stores carry these materials, including online retailers like Amazon, Blick Art Materials, and Jerry’s Artarama.

How to prepare oil pastels for use in making paint, and what techniques should you use?

Mixing the Oil Pastel Pigment into a Binder

To make Oil Pastel Paint from Oil Pastels, scrape off some of your desired color using a palette knife or spatula. Mix it thoroughly with a pigment binder until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Techniques

• If you want the consistency of thick acrylic paint, add more binder than pigment.
• For thinner layers of paint, mix less binder with more pigment.
• The ratio of Oil Pastel Pigment to Binder is subjective; You can experiment with different ratios to get the right consistency and texture that suits your project best.

Tips for mixing oil pastel pigment with a medium to create desired consistency and texture

Start With Small Amounts of Pigment & Binder

Oil pastels vary in viscosity and strength depending on their brand. To achieve consistent results when making paints from them, start with small amounts of both pigment and binder first. This will allow you to gauge how much binding agent you need without wasting too much material.

Mixing Colors Together Thoroughly

Mixing oil pastel colors together can be challenging, especially if you’re working with multiple pigments. To ensure that the paint is blended evenly, mix it thoroughly using a palette knife or spatula. This will help prevent streaks and uneven color distribution.

Experiment with Different Ratios of Pigment to Binder

The ratio of pigment to binder plays a significant role in the final texture and consistency of your oil pastel paint. Experiment with different ratios until you find one that creates your desired thickness and texture.

Customizing homemade oil pastel paint by adding additional pigments or modifying the medium used

Adding Additional Pigments

One of the benefits of making your own oil pastel paints is that you have full control over the pigments used in each color. You can add additional pigments to create unique shades and tones that are unavailable from commercial Oil Pastels.

Examples:

• Mix white pigment with any color to create a lighter shade.
• Add black pigment to darken a hue.
• Mix multiple colors together to create custom hues.

Modifying the Medium Used

You can also modify the medium used for making oil pastel paint. For instance, instead of using a typical clear binder, you can use linseed oil for added luster and shine.

Examples:

• Add water-based mediums such as gesso or matte medium for a matte finish.
• Add turpentine for faster drying time.
• Mix Clear Wax Medium into your Oil Pastel Paint mixture for added body while maintaining its glossy finish.

Best practices for storing homemade oil pastel paint, and how long will it last before it dries out or becomes unusable?

Storing the Paint

The best way to store your oil pastel paint is by transferring it into an airtight container. You can use a small jar with a lid or airtight plastic container. It’s essential to keep the paint away from air and sunlight, which can cause it to dry out and become brittle.

Shelf Life of Homemade Oil Pastel Paint

The shelf life of homemade oil pastel paint depends on the type of binder used, but it typically lasts up to six months when stored correctly. When exposed to air, oil pastel paint tends to dry out quickly. To prevent this, ensure that you seal your storage container tightly after each use and keep it in a cool, dark place.

Safety precautions and environmental considerations when making and using homemade oil pastel paint

Safety Considerations

When making homemade oil pastel paints, it’s essential to take safety precautions such as wearing gloves while mixing the pigment binder with your Oil Pastels.

Additional Safety Precautions:

• Avoid inhaling dust particles from pigments.
• Wash your hands with soap after handling pigments or binders.
• Avoid ingesting any materials used while making your own oil pastel paints.

Environmental Considerations

Oil Pastels are non-toxic and eco-friendly art materials compared to other mediums like acrylics or oils. However, when disposing of unused portions of Oil Pastel Paint or empty containers, it’s crucial that you consider its impact on the environment.

Tips for Proper Disposal:

• Clean all equipment thoroughly before disposing of them properly.
• Avoid pouring paint down the drain or throwing away empty containers in landfills.
• Dispose of all unused portions and containers in accordance with local environmental laws and regulations.

In conclusion, making paint out of oil pastels is a simple and cost-effective way to create unique colors and textures for your artwork. With just a few materials and some experimentation, you can achieve stunning results that are sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make Paint Out of Oil Pastels

Can you make oil paint from oil pastel?
Blending oil paint and oil pastels together can produce interesting and distinct outcomes, making it a worthwhile technique to experiment with.

Can I use oil pastels as paint?
Oil pastel is a medium used for both painting and drawing that comes in the form of small sticks or thick crayons made from a mixture of pigment, non-drying oil, and wax binder.

Do oil pastels dry like oil paint?
Oil pastels and oil sticks are alike, but the key difference is that oil pastels use a non-drying oil in their production. This results in a higher wax content and a texture similar to soft pastels, with the added benefit of never fully drying.

Do oil pastels dry hard?
Oil pastels do not completely dry on their own and may develop a protective layer over time. However, even after several decades, the pastels can still be easily scratched off with just a fingernail.

Can I melt oil pastels?
First, turn on your hairdryer and let it heat up before melting the oil pastels. As the pastels liquefy and pour down the board, use a glass to shield your umbrella from this colorful downpour. After the oil pastels have dried, take a moment to appreciate your beautiful, melted rainbow creation.

Can oil pastels colours mix in the water?
To create a watercolor effect with pastel crayons, first load your brush with plenty of water and then draw with the thick crayon. The crayon will dissolve and blend together, creating a beautiful effect. Be sure to rinse your brush before switching to a new color to avoid blending the hues too much. This technique was first shared on September 29, 2008.