Oil pastels are one of the most vibrant, versatile, and beginner-friendly art mediums available today. Their bold colors, creamy textures, and ease of use make them an ideal starting point for anyone stepping into the world of drawing—whether you’re a complete beginner, an adult rediscovering art, or a parent encouraging your child’s creativity.
Unlike other mediums that require complicated tools or advanced techniques, oil pastels offer immediate results and an enjoyable, tactile experience. You can create beautiful art using just your hands, paper, and a simple set of colors.
At Picasso Artists Dubai, we specialize in guiding beginners of all ages through hands-on, enjoyable art experiences. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the fundamentals of oil pastel drawing and help you start your journey as an artist—no prior experience needed.
What Are Oil Pastels?
Oil pastels are sticks of pigment bound with a combination of non-drying oil and wax. They differ significantly from soft pastels (which are powdery) and wax crayons (which are harder and less blendable). Oil pastels glide smoothly onto paper, offering bold strokes, rich textures, and strong color payoff.
One of the most exciting features of oil pastels is their ability to blend and layer colors, allowing you to achieve both vibrant contrasts and soft gradients. Whether you’re drawing a sunny beach, a moody sky, or a bright still life, oil pastels can bring your vision to life with their creamy and bold effects.
Artists of all levels appreciate oil pastels for their expressive capabilities and ease of use—making them a favorite in many of our classes at Picasso Artists Dubai.
Essential Supplies for Beginners
1. Oil Pastel Set
Begin with a student-grade set that offers a wide range of colors. Look for well-known brands like Pentel, Sakura, or Faber-Castell, which provide smooth application and consistent quality.
2. Paper
Oil pastels work best on thick, textured surfaces. Choose papers like:
- Canson Mi-Teintes
- Sanded pastel paper
- Canvas sheets or mixed media paper
Avoid glossy or thin paper, as it won’t hold the pastel well and may tear when blending.
3. Blending Tools
While your fingers are your best tools for blending, you can also use:
- Cotton swabs
- Tissues or soft cloth
- Blending stumps
- Sponges
4. Fixative Spray (Optional)
Oil pastel drawings are prone to smudging. A fixative spray can help preserve your finished artwork—especially if you plan to frame it.
💡 Tip: At Picasso Artists Dubai, we provide all the necessary materials in our beginner workshops—no need to bring anything but your creativity!
Basic Techniques to Try
Once you have your tools ready, here are some beginner-friendly techniques to experiment with:
Layering
Layering is one of the most essential techniques in oil pastel drawing. It involves applying one color lightly and then adding another color over it to build depth and complexity. You can create shadows, highlights, and rich tonal variations simply by stacking colors in a specific order. Start with lighter shades and gradually move toward darker tones. This approach not only helps in controlling the final color outcome but also adds a sense of dimension and form to your subject, making your artwork look more lifelike and detailed.
Blending
Blending allows you to smooth transitions between colors and create soft, gradient effects. With oil pastels, you can blend directly using your fingers, cotton swabs, or blending stumps. This technique is particularly useful for rendering realistic skies, skin tones, and water reflections. By gently rubbing two or more colors together, you can create a seamless flow of hues that enhances the visual appeal of your drawing. Just remember to clean your fingers or tools frequently while blending to avoid muddying your colors.
Sgraffito
Sgraffito is a fun and creative technique that adds texture and contrast to your artwork. To use this method, apply a thick base layer of one color, then cover it with a second contrasting color. Once the top layer is in place, use a pointed object like a toothpick, stylus, or palette knife to scratch into the surface, revealing the color beneath. This scratching technique is great for adding intricate details like grass, hair, or decorative patterns. It’s also an excellent way to explore abstract designs and unexpected visual effects.
Scumbling
Scumbling involves applying oil pastel in a loose, broken manner over an existing layer to create texture and visual interest. Rather than pressing hard or blending smoothly, you allow bits of the underlying color to peek through. This technique is especially useful in landscape drawing—think of the rough surface of rocks, the bark of trees, or the grainy texture of sand. It’s also helpful in abstract compositions where a textured appearance adds dynamic energy to the piece. Try experimenting with different pressure levels and hand motions to achieve a variety of effects.
Step-by-Step Project: Easy Sunset Landscape
Let’s try a simple project perfect for beginners—a colorful sunset:
Step 1: Draw a horizontal line across the center of your paper for the horizon.
Step 2: Apply yellow at the center of the sky, followed by orange, red, and purple as you move outward. Blend the edges gently with your fingers.
Step 3: Color the ocean or ground area using cool tones like blue, indigo, and a hint of black for contrast.
Step 4: Use a dark pastel (like black or deep brown) to draw silhouettes—trees, mountains, or birds.
Step 5: Blend lightly again and spray with fixative to preserve the drawing.
🎨 Want to try this project with expert guidance? Join our beginner classes in Dubai for step-by-step instructions, live demos, and lots of creative fun!
Avoiding Common Mistakes
A Every beginner makes a few mistakes—here’s how to avoid the most common ones:
- Over-blending can result in muddy, dull colors. Use gentle blending and layer thoughtfully.
- Thin or glossy paper can’t hold the pastel properly. Always opt for heavyweight or textured paper.
- Applying too much pressure too early can flatten the pastel and make blending harder. Start light and build up layers.
- Skipping color tests may lead to surprises. Always test your pastels on a scrap before applying to your artwork.
Why Learn with Picasso Artists Dubai?
At Picasso Artists Dubai, we make learning art enjoyable, accessible, and rewarding for everyone. Whether you’re a complete beginner or want to refresh your skills, our studio provides engaging adult art classes and fun-filled kids art classes in Dubai.
👩🏫 Experienced instructors who guide you every step of the way
🖍️ All materials provided—no need to buy supplies in advance
🎨 A supportive, creative environment with small class sizes
🧒👩🎨 Programs for both kids and adults
Book your beginner’s oil pastel class at Picasso Artists Dubai today and unlock your inner artist!
Conclusion
Oil pastel drawing is the perfect entry point into the world of visual art. With their vibrant colors, smooth textures, and forgiving nature, oil pastels invite creativity and experimentation. All you need is a little curiosity and the right guidance.
Whether you’re sketching for fun, bonding with your child through art, or exploring a new hobby, Picasso Artists Dubai is here to help you every step of the way. So grab your pastels and start drawing—your creative journey begins now.
