How to start with your first Oil Pastel Drawing?

Welcome back!! In this post I will talk about how to create your own oil pastel drawing. As we have learnt about gathering the necessary materials like a canvas, oil pastels, blending tools and some tips like how to blend pastels and reduce mess. Let us now see how to start practicing…

1.    Choose a subject you want to draw

a.    Well this step looks really basic as we all know that we need to choose a subject. But here, as you are trying it for the first time select something easy and basic. It will help you gain some confidence with the techniques.

b.    Begin with images that contain 1 to 3 colors, and with these 2 to 3 colors you can create different shades so you will still have plenty to work with.

2.    Draw a rough sketch to plan your image

a. Don't draw too many details – focus on getting your outline and getting a feel for the paper. 

b. Don't draw the sketch with pressure as it might not come out the way you wanted and will leave marks on the paper. It will make the drawing look untidy. 

3.    Start with outlining the sketch

a.    Never use black color for outline, it will contaminate other colors

b.    The strokes of the color should depend on the shape of the object you have drawn. As a circle has to be blended differently than a square.

 

4.    Base layer

a.   One of the most important things in oil pastel painting is the base layer. For example, if you are drawing an apple, draw the outline in a medium red color. Afterward, start coloring it with the same shades of red.

b.    Always apply generous amount of pressure while creating your base layer.

5.    Add other colors when you start with the second layer

a.    Save the extreme colors like dark red or primary red for later

b.    Smudge the primary color into the outline using a blending tool for a more seamless transition

c.     You can blend the colors with a tissue

d. Utilize your symmetry lines to separate colors and blend them where they meet.

6.    Blend different colors to create a flow in your image

a.    After you are done applying the layers start blending the colors and start with blending the dark colors to light color.

b.    Use the method of blending you are comfortable with and start blending the colors together. This will smooth the edges that divide the color and create a blending effect.

7.    Keep practicing and don’t overextend yourself

a.    You are not going to make a perfect picture right away.

b.    Keep experimenting with different kind of objects and scenes to build your skills

c.     Remember that everyone needs practice to do something well.        

I hope this helps you with how to begin with you first drawing. In my next post I shall show some of my drawings and the tricks I followed while making them. Until then, keep practicing!!