What Are Oil and Pastel Paints Mainly Used For

Painting is a beautiful art form that allows artists to express their emotions and creativity on a canvas. However, choosing the right type of paint can be quite daunting for beginners and even experienced artists. Oil and pastel paints are two popular types of paint used by artists worldwide. But what are they mainly used for?

Oil paints have been widely used since the 15th century and are known for their slow drying time which allows artists to blend colors easily. They are made by mixing pigments with a binder consisting of linseed oil or other drying oils. On the other hand, pastel paints consist of pigment mixed with a binder, usually gum tragacanth or methyl cellulose, resulting in a dry, powdery texture. They come in various shades and hues and can be applied directly to paper or canvas.

Whether you’re a professional artist or just starting, understanding the main uses of oil and pastel paints can help you create stunning artwork that reflects your unique style. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the world of oil and pastel paints, exploring their uses and benefits while providing tips on how to choose the best one for your next painting project. So grab your brush and let’s dive in!

Understanding the Difference Between Oil and Pastel Paints

Overview of Oil Paints

Oil paints are a popular medium for many artists, thanks to their versatility and longevity. They are created by mixing pigments with oil to create a thick, buttery texture that can be applied to a wide range of surfaces. Oil paints dry slowly, which allows artists to blend and mix colors for extended periods of time. They also have a high level of opacity, which means that they can completely cover underlying layers of paint.

Pros and Cons of Using Oil Paints

Pros:

• Versatile
• Durable
• Easily blended
• Highly opaque
• Can be used on a variety of surfaces

Cons:

• Takes longer to dry than other mediums (up to several days or weeks)
• Messy and requires solvents for cleanup
• Sometimes has a strong odor due to the use of solvents
• The oils used in the paint can yellow over time, affecting the color of the painting

Overview of Pastel Paints

Pastels are another popular painting medium that is often favored by artists who enjoy working with vibrant colors. Unlike oil paints, pastels are made from pigment mixed with a binder (usually gum Arabic) and then shaped into sticks or pencils. They come in two forms: soft pastels and oil pastels. Soft pastels contain more pigment and less binder than oil pastels, which makes them more powdery and fragile.

Pros and Cons of Using Pastel Paints

Pros:

• Intense and vibrant colors
• Easy to blend and mix
• Can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including paper, canvas, and board
• No drying time required
• Good for creating textured effects

Cons:

• Difficult to control due to the powdery texture
• Can smudge or rub off easily if not fixed with spray fixative
• Pastels are fragile and can break easily
• Oil pastels can be difficult to blend depending on the brand used.

The Process of Making Oil and Pastel Paints

Making Oil Paints

The process of making oil paints involves mixing powdered pigments with a drying oil (such as linseed oil) in a grinding mill. The mixture is then rolled out into thin sheets and left to dry. Once the sheets have dried, they are ground into fine powder again and mixed with more oil until the desired consistency is achieved. The finished paint is then packaged in tubes or jars.

The Ingredients Used in Making Oil Paints:

• Pigment: this is the color component of the paint. It comes in powdered form.
• Drying oils: these are vegetable oils that dry when exposed to air. Common drying oils include linseed oil, walnut oil, poppy seed oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil.
• Solvents: these are used to thin the paint and clean brushes. Common solvents include turpentine (a distilled resin from pine trees), mineral spirits (a petroleum-based solvent), or odorless mineral spirits (an alternative petroleum-based solvent).

Making Pastel Paints

Making pastel paints involves mixing powdered pigments with a binder (usually gum Arabic) and shaping the mixture into sticks or pencils. The ingredients are mixed together in a bowl, then rolled out into long strips. Once the strips have dried, they are cut into smaller pieces and shaped into sticks or pencils. The final product is then wrapped in paper or packaged in boxes.

The Ingredients Used in Making Pastel Paints:

• Pigment: this is the color component of the paint. It comes in powdered form.
• Binder: this is a substance used to hold the pigment together. Common binders include gum Arabic, methyl cellulose, and cornstarch.

Exploring the Common Uses of Oil Paints in Art

Oil paints have been used by artists for centuries to create some of the most iconic pieces of art. They are versatile and can be used to create a wide range of effects, from delicate glazes to thick impasto textures.

Portrait Painting

Oil paints are often favored by portrait painters because they allow for subtle gradations of color that can capture the nuances of skin tone and facial features.

Landscape Painting

Landscape painters also favor oil paints because they allow for easy blending and layering, which can create depth and texture in their work.

Still Life Painting

Still life paintings often feature objects with reflective surfaces, such as glass or metal. Oil paints are ideal for capturing these surfaces because they can be blended to create subtle gradations of light and shadow.

How Artists Incorporate Pastel Paints into Their Work

Pastels offer a unique set of challenges and opportunities for artists who work with them. They can be used to create delicate, ethereal effects or bold, vibrant colors.

Landscapes

Pastels are ideal for creating landscapes because they can capture the subtle variations in color and light that occur in nature. Artists often use pastels to create sweeping vistas or detailed studies of individual elements like trees or rocks.

Portraits

Pastels can also be used to create stunning portraits. They offer a level of control and detail that is difficult to achieve with other mediums, allowing artists to capture the nuances of facial features and skin tones.

Still Life

Still life paintings created with pastels often feature objects with rich textures and colors, such as fruit or flowers. Pastels can be blended to create soft edges and gradations of color that give these objects a lifelike quality.

Combining Oil and Pastel Paints in a Single Painting: Is it Possible?

While it is possible to combine oil and pastel paints in a single painting, it can be challenging due to the differences in their texture and drying times.

The Challenges

Oil paints take much longer to dry than pastels do, which means that if you apply pastels over wet oil paint, you risk smudging or blending them together unintentionally. Additionally, oil paints have a thick, buttery texture that doesn’t easily lend itself to being overlaid by pastels.

The Technique

One technique for combining oil and pastel paints involves using an underpainting of oil paint as a base layer for the painting. Once this has dried completely (which may take several days), the artist can then apply layers of pastels over the top. The underpainting provides a stable base for the pastel layers while also adding depth and richness to the final piece.

The Benefits

When used together, oil and pastel paints can create stunning effects that are difficult to achieve with either medium alone. Oil paints can add depth and richness to a painting, while pastels can provide vibrant colors and delicate details.

Picking the Right Surface for Your Oil or Pastel Painting

Choosing the right surface for your painting is essential to achieving the desired effect. Both oil and pastel paints can be used on a wide range of surfaces, but some surfaces are better suited to one medium than the other.

Surfaces for Oil Paints

Oil paints can be used on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, paper, wood, and board. Canvas is often favored by oil painters because it provides a stable base that doesn’t warp or buckle over time. Paper is also popular because it’s affordable and easy to use.

Types of Canvas:

• Cotton: this is the most common type of canvas used by artists. It’s affordable, durable, and easy to stretch.
• Linen: this type of canvas is more expensive than cotton but offers a smoother surface that’s ideal for detailed work.
• Synthetic: synthetic canvases are made from materials like polyester or nylon. They’re less expensive than natural fibers but don’t have the same texture as cotton or linen.

Surfaces for Pastel Paints

Pastels can be used on a wide range of surfaces as well, including paper, board, and sandpaper. However, some surfaces are better suited to pastels than others.

Types of Paper:

• Pastel paper: this type of paper has a rough texture that holds onto pastel dust, allowing for easy blending and layering.
• Watercolor paper: this type of paper has a rough texture that’s ideal for creating textured effects with pastels.
• Drawing paper: this type of paper is smoother than pastel or watercolor paper but can still hold onto pastel dust to some extent.

Mastering Techniques and Tools for Working with Oil or Pastel Paints

Both oil and pastel paints require specific techniques and tools to achieve the desired effect. Here are some tips for working with each medium:

Techniques for Working with Oil Paints

• Use a palette knife to mix colors instead of a brush. This will prevent your brushes from getting clogged with paint.
• Start with thin layers of paint and gradually build up thickness as needed.
• Clean your brushes regularly using solvents like mineral spirits or turpentine. This will help keep them in good condition.
• Experiment with different brushes to achieve different effects. For example, flat brushes are ideal for creating broad strokes, while round brushes are better suited to detailed work.

Techniques for Working with Pastel Paints

• Start with a light-colored underpainting to give your painting depth and richness.
• Avoid using fixatives until you’re finished with your painting. This will prevent the colors from becoming muddy or dull over time.
• Vary the pressure you apply when using the pastels to create different effects. Light pressure will create delicate lines, while heavy pressure will create bold strokes.
• Clean your hands regularly while working to avoid smudging the painting.

Choosing Between Oil and Pastel Paints: Tips from Professional Artists

Choosing between oil and pastel paints can be difficult, especially if you’re new to both mediums. Here are some tips from professional artists to help you make the right choice:

Consider Your Subject Matter

Different subjects are better suited to different mediums. For example, if you want to paint a landscape with vibrant colors, pastels may be a better choice than oils.

Think About Your Working Conditions

Oil paints require solvents for cleaning brushes and thinning paint, which can create strong odors. If you don’t have adequate ventilation in your workspace, this could be a problem.

Experiment with Both Mediums

The best way to decide which medium is right for you is to experiment with both. Try creating small paintings using both oil and pastel paints to see which one feels more comfortable and natural for you.

In conclusion, oil and pastel paints are primarily used for creating various forms of art, including portraits, landscapes, still life paintings, and abstract art. Their unique properties make them suitable for different techniques and styles, allowing artists to express their creativity in a variety of ways.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Are Oil and Pastel Paints Mainly Used For

What do you use oil pastels for?
Oil pastels are currently a popular choice for artists because of their vividness and instant effects. These pastels can be used as the base of oil paintings or to create stunning standalone drawings. Due to their portability, they are an ideal tool for artists who enjoy drawing outside and can easily be packed in a bag.

What is pastel paint used for?
Pastel can be used for both basic drawing marks and broader strokes, as demonstrated in a preparatory work by Jacopo Bassano from the 16th century. However, its capabilities can also be intricate and more advanced.

What do you paint with oil pastels?
Oil pastels can be used either dry or wet on various surfaces such as paper, board, canvas, glass, metal, wood, and even rocks. While some surfaces may require a coat of gesso for better adherence or protection, oil pastels can be confidently used on any rounded object for mixed media or collage artwork.

What are the benefits of drawing with oil pastels?
Oil pastels are a great choice for creating large pieces of art. They offer several advantages, including affordability, portability, ease of cleaning, and ease of control. Additionally, they are a great option for artists of all experience levels and ages.

Do you use oil pastels on canvas or paper?
Oil pastels are a versatile medium that can be used on different surfaces such as canvas, paper, card, or board. Each surface provides a unique opportunity to apply your oil pastel skills or learn new ones.

Are oil pastels painting or drawing?
Oil pastels are a type of painting material that comes in the form of a stick or crayon and uses a combination of binders and pigments. The binder is made up of mineral oils and waxes, giving the stick a slightly oily and soft texture. Other similar mediums include pastel sticks and crayons.