Oil pastel - Paper and Surfaces - All you need to know

I have received a lot of questions regarding the different kinds of paper you could use for oil pastels. So today I will discuss all the different surfaces that I have painted with oil pastel on.
Let us start with the cheaper and not the best stuff and slowly work our way up.
1) Sketchbook paper
2) Construction paper
3) Toned sketchbook paper
4) Drawing paper
5) Watercolor paper - cold pressed - my brand is Strathmore but any heavyweight paper is fine
6) Pastel paper
7) Artagain
8) Canvas paper
Please note:
9) Oil pastels can also be used on canvas, wood and glass, but I cannot recommend them as I have not tried them yet
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Materials used: (these links are Amazon affiliated)
Sketchbook - Strathmore www.amazon.com...
Construction paper - www.amazon.com...
Toned Sketchbook - Strathmore - www.amazon.com...
Drawing Paper - Strathmore - www.amazon.com...
Watercolor paper - cold pressed - Strathmore - www.amazon.com...
Pastel paper - Canson Mi-tientes - www.amazon.com...
Artagain - www.amazon.com...
Canvas paper - Fredrix - www.amazon.com...
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Note: It's ok to copy my art for your personal use as long as you are not trying to make money off of it :) Having said that, my videos are for you to enjoy, learn and paint along with me.
Also if you post your copied work on any social media, please give me a credit stating it's a "copy of an original painting by “Sayanti Fine Arts".
Although I hate writing these things, I know you would understand I am just trying to protect my content! Thank you for your support!!

[@marlenevincent6019]

Thanks you this was very helpful. As I am a 74 year female have wanted to do art since I was a small child so decided it was about time .

[@saintsaens1992]

that is so cool honestly! you rule! most people get afraid when they get older that its too late to start but its never too late! you go marlene!

[@fauziya624]

Way to go!!!👍🏻

[@elisehoogardie]

Oui, il n'y a pas d'âge pour commencer !

[@Studiolussoalberta]

What are you waiting for????? Good for you!!!!!!!!

[@scp-09698]

1:38 - rough sketch is a masterpiece in my eyes!!! beautiful work, love your channel. I recently started oil pastels so I look forward to this. 2:58 - Genius!!! Toned paper

[@ronnihatcher295]

Best video ever. I love how you didn't just stick with pastel specific paper. So many examples show too! I love it. Well explained and everything.

[@SayantiFineArts]

thank you for your kind words

[@LKJagoda]

Thank you so much for such a detailed explanation of paper types and why/how they differ for pastels. I am putting together art kits for 10-14 year olds (on a budget) but I am not an artist myself. I got a great deal on a case of 12 color pastels sets. This video was just fantastic. I will now include construction paper and watercolor paper along with the sketch pads and drawing pencils and oil pastel sets. What a blessing you are for sharing your knowledge so freely!

[@SayantiFineArts]

all the best

[@providencevalleyfarm5270]

Please read my comment I just added, you might find it helpful

[@Linda-qq5mg]

I forgot to tell you that your paintings are lovely!

[@craftykat]

Thank you so much! I just bought some oil pastels and was going to order some paper but I already have watercolor paper so I'm good to go!

[@SayantiFineArts]

happy drawing

[@aiyanah_shayne8929]

Im very young i love to draw i just started using oil pastel then i saw your channel i improved a lottt so thank youvery much❤

[@deeman524]

Very helpful, thanks

[@Michael-TheArchAngel]

Watching this 3yrs after its release but must say nothing has changed as i went with my wife to the market today to buy Oil Pastels and Paper and saw the very same brands and products in the shop today... Though we could not buy the paper as we were confused with so much variety and options, should have seen your video before going... anyway now can buy confidently..

[@SayantiFineArts]

great to know that the video is still relevant

[@mike7gerald]

Awesome 'ballet dancer' and 'spirit girl'. I use Fredrix for oil pastel. I'm going to put a tone on the watercolor paper using acrylic and gesso wash.

[@SayantiFineArts]

thank you.... I am glad that I could give you a new idea to try out

[@lcarolc03]

I finally watched and always learn so much from you. You are so talented and have such a pleasant delivery. Excellent , my friend!

[@SayantiFineArts]

thank you.... artists need to share and learn from each other...

[@4paws70]

Thank you for your advice it was very helpful, I have a variety of papers and canvas sheets that after watching your video I know I can use, it is nice to know I don't have to go out and buy anything, thank you!!! 🙏

[@madisonbaker7056]

Thank you so much for your clear and detailed explanations. You’re immensely talented also ❤❤ beautiful works of art shown!!!

[@ColleenM61]

Thank you! This video is a great resource! I just got a 24 set starter oil pastel and needed to know what paper to get! Your artwork is amazing! I subscribed, it looks like you have quite a few nice videos!

[@SayantiFineArts]

Thank you for your kind words. I am glad that you found an useful resource to put your art supplies to good use!!

[@allencampbell1058]

@@SayantiFineArts when using Canvas pad for oil pastels do I need to apply gesso before using pastel or I can just draw without gesso.

[@SayantiFineArts]

@@allencampbell1058 you can use the canvas pad right away... no need to gesso it

[@cp3675]

What type of paper for oil pastels?

[@RythymBeast]

A fantastic video full of great info and even better artwork. Thank you Sayanti.

[@SayantiFineArts]

thanks

[@SmillyDonut]

Your oil pastel paintings are besutiful. So inspirational. I want to reach that level one day.

[@SayantiFineArts]

thank you... all this motivation plays a key role in whatever I do. Always remember "Rome was not built in a day" - keep working hard and learning new things..... you will achieve whatever goals you set for yourself

[@SmillyDonut]

@@SayantiFineArts Thank you. Its nice to have something to aspire to as well. Right now I want to upgrade from my Pentel's to the Sakura Cray-Pas Specialist set, so I can sell my work as well. Enjoying your videos. Love the simple accessibility of them. 🙂

[@jimmygarcia3068]

Very nice info....i like the Ballerina .....resembles a Edgar Degas style......

[@danyelhudon458]

Thanks a lot, it is an a very excellent review tutorial as summary. In term of watercolour paper, I love very much to work on thick board such 300gsm and 650gsm which can take a lot layers as we can use for blending any oil diluants for oil paintings, essence or térébenthine. I discovered more your paper is thicker more you can do layers in a confortable way!

[@SayantiFineArts]

I agree about thicker paper.... and thanks

[@maxinewelch8836]

Thank you so much I really enjoy and learning a lot about what books to buy oil pastel

[@SayantiFineArts]

you are welcome.....unfortunately, I have never really come across any book for oil pastels that I would recommend

[@aquazoe1204]

thank you! this is very helpful for me :) in my paint 3 class im trying to explore other mediums and surfaces so this is a big help!

[@SayantiFineArts]

exploring new mediums and surfaces are great fun.... sometimes you like them, other times you don't.... like a adventure

[@jezasvlog8158]

Your voice is calming

[@Angela-jy8um]

Thanks! This video was very organized and helpful.

[@SayantiFineArts]

my pleasure

[@Someone-fn3ij]

im supposed to be paying attention to the paper but your art is too gorgeous

[@SayantiFineArts]

awww... than's so kind of you

[@Arcea.Garlan]

Conclusion: 200+ GSM is best than 90- GSM.

[@raylt7]

THANK YOU

[@SayantiFineArts]

you are welcome

[@beckyquick4025]

Sorry so many comments. When you use mineral spirits to blend does it make the paper or canvas less sticky with the pastel? And allow more layers to go on? This was informative to me and the art work with this medium was great!

[@SayantiFineArts]

Mineral spirit blending does not make it less sticky but the smooth blend definitely makes the application of further layers much easier and yes that helps in adding more layers... I love to communicate with all of you, so feel free to ask questions or leave as many comments as you wish

[@CharlesJones-rd4jy]

Thank you very much. Love your instruction. You're so relaxed and easy to follow. Thanks again.

[@SayantiFineArts]

you are welcome.... I was not so relaxed when I started on youtube; it gets easier with time

[@LKJagoda]

PS Your work is beautiful too! You are so talented. :)

[@beckyquick4025]

The owl is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SayantiFineArts]

thank you dear!!

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thank you for the wonderful review.

[@SayantiFineArts]

thank you for your kind words

[@nicoletrasmanasllosis622]

thank you! This is a big help.

[@gnostie]

This is a lovely video! I noticed several drawings of Shiva in your collection. Please could you show them separately in a video?

[@danielmendivelso7759]

Just what I was looking for

[@SayantiFineArts]

glad to be of help!!

[@astridKol]

Great video, Thanks

[@janellej1]

I realize this video was made 6 years ago but you used a sentence that I would absolutely love more insight into! "Fighting against the white." So starting with a midtone allows you more freedom of expression with values? I'm guessing that's it? Thanks for this video, was very informative!

[@SayantiFineArts]

yes, that and also you have a base color set..... so you are just layering on top of it and layering and finishing is what you toil over.... rather than covering all the white with some color

[@amandajsullivanmusic]

Thank you so much

[@kathrynsloan4694]

You are so pretty and your art is beautiful

[@SayantiFineArts]

:) thank you!!

[@halfabee]

Thank you I am considering Oil Pastels and first thought was what type of paper to use. I have a good supply of heavy Cartridge paper so I will give that a trial.

[@SayantiFineArts]

typically cartridge paper is pretty smooth and oil pastels work better with a little tooth to the surface.... but it is worth giving a try

[@jennaostroff6742]

I use charcoal paper, water color paper, and toned gray paper, but I find that when I blend the colors, I really have to work really hard to blend. I blend with paper napkins.

[@SayantiFineArts]

try using clay shaper tools I love them for blending !!

[@suzanneboily5224]

Thank you!

[@brannonmcclure6970]

Thanks again.

[@allencampbell1058]

I've tried on a mix media paper and I think it's the paper not my layering or blending that looks terrible. I can see my finger tips and background of paper. I'm a beginner

[@SayantiFineArts]

everything does not work for everyone.... try other options and see what suits you

[@artiskalai1970]

I love your artwork. Thanks for this informative review. At one point you mention that the toned paper is acid free but you are not sure its archival. I always thought that acid free is enough to make the surface archival. Can you tell what the difference is?

[@SayantiFineArts]

some paper even if acid free can change color over time.... then those are not archival. The term archival is applicable only if it has been proven that the material used will ensure preservation of artwork for ages

[@AprilMayFineArt]

Love your work. Much support from one artist to another. Liked and Subscribed.

[@SayantiFineArts]

thank you for your lovely words and support and subscription

[@mattys2260]

What brand or type of paper should I use if I plan to sell original oil pastel drawings? Would sketchbook paper seem unprofessional? I mostly paint on canvases so I’m a beginner with selling drawings 😅

[@cp3675]

Is the Strathmore with the lady ;good for blending in oil pastels?

[@gottacheckyourself]

Thank you for this. I had a question, what about blending manually without any solutions? Will you still see the grain of the paper after blending? Especially with the heavier ones? Thanks

[@SayantiFineArts]

it will depend on the type of paper. heavier the paper the better for blending without solvents. However the technique may lead to losing some tooth of the paper, which may defeat the purpose. in the end everything depends on practice and finding the right way

[@eshajain7915]

Very helpful video! Thanks for sharing. I was wondering if we could use oil for blending oil pastels on watercolor paper?

[@SayantiFineArts]

depends on what kind of oil. if linseed oil or any other that is meant for art purposes, then yes. coconut oil and all that are not created for art purposes will serve the purpose of blending but would interfere in the longivity of the artwork as it would react with the paper/canvas

[@yellowrose9880]

Thank you :)

[@bali-artist4405]

Great!

[@SayantiFineArts]

thank you...... it means a whole world to me!!

[@beckyquick4025]

Michael's arts and crafts sell black pads of the artigan paper. Hobby lobby sells the black frederick canvas as well. Have you tried the spectrum noir colourblend pencils as they are like smooth oil pastels but is an oil based pencil or kohinoor are oil as well .

[@SayantiFineArts]

as of now I haven't used colored pencils but I have again ordered some fabercastel oil based pencils and am looking forward to using them

[@urvashichahal5251]

Can we use oil sheets which we use for oil painting for oil pastels

[@SayantiFineArts]

yes, sure

[@urvashichahal5251]

@@SayantiFineArts thanks

[@diyamehendiratta3225]

Hey !Can u suggest a sketch book for oil pastels sketching as well as water colours🥰

[@SayantiFineArts]

you may want to use a good quality cold pressed watercolor paper sketchbook

[@diyamehendiratta3225]

@@SayantiFineArts Of which company?

[@SayantiFineArts]

@@diyamehendiratta3225 I like Strathmore, but there are many other good brands too!!

[@sonalikaganguly9380]

Which brand oil pastel you use I only have camel oil pastel which brand is the best Plzz tell

[@maribeloriola856]

Con la pintura al pastel los dibujos se ven mas finos y los colores mas limpios

[@SayantiFineArts]

Maribel Oriola thank you. There is a common misconception that fine art and realism doesn't go with oil pastels. Which is totally wrong. I am hell bent to bring it to light

[@raginighag6595]

@@SayantiFineArts sorry but which language is this and how did you understand.

[@DolceFioreRosa]

Ragini Ghag It’s spanish; The person said: “With pastel paint (the word ‘pastel’ used by itself in Spanish is not in reference to Art. So it’s necessary to add pintura (paint), the drawings look finer and the colors are cleaner.”

[@raginighag6595]

Hi Di, I am your new subscriber from India and even new to this oil pastel medium and right now I have only camel oil pastel, I liked your videos aur aap kitne shantise aaramse baat karte ho cool ya , just exactly opposite to Lisa from Lachri fine art even she's my favourite her speed is like rajdhani express but it's clear. Well I like your artwork. Have you tried on Strathmore Bristol smooth paper.

[@SayantiFineArts]

thanks for subscribing and your kind words. I am a big fan of Lachri - Lisa Clough too. Her speed may seem a little fast to some, but you get used to it. I like Bristol paper or graphite and charcoal - for oil pastels I prefer a bit more tooth in the paper. the texture helps in adding more layers

[@raginighag6595]

@@SayantiFineArts thanks for replying.

[@SayantiFineArts]

I always try to reply.... sometimes later than expected!!

[@watchingvideos7564]

Mam please saying best Watercolor pad and paper

[@sanjanakumari561]

In this which paper do u recommend. For selling purpose.???..and as a beginner can't afford too costly...please recommend me..for selling purpose

[@SayantiFineArts]

all of the paper types are archival... so good for selling. rest it depends on your preferences

[@padmavathi9744]

what is the cost of sketch book and other books you prefer???

[@SayantiFineArts]

cost depends on where you buy from... I suggest start with a good quality drawing paper

[@SathishKumar-pw9fu]

very good review but there is a correction as you said in this video artagain is not canson its strathmore

[@SayantiFineArts]

Sathish Kumar thank you for bringing it to my notice- didn’t realize the mistake

[@mananrajput1510]

A oil pastal ke liye he

[@ankursharma1461]

Haan

[@gillinacook1477]

May I ask? Do you sale your art work

[@SayantiFineArts]

I do not sell as much as I would like to, but it is there

[@VS-dx7cd]

how would you frame the canvas paper?

[@SayantiFineArts]

my preferred method is to frame oil pastel work behind glass, but I like to add thick matting to allow some space between the artwork and the glass

[@padmavathi9744]

can I use the craftbook?

[@SayantiFineArts]

I am assuming you are asking if you can use sketchbook kind of paper..... I prefer to use any paper that is around 90 gms in weight, gives you a sturdy base to work on if you plan to layer colors like me

[@padmavathi9744]

@@SayantiFineArts tq

[@syahirahn6387]

can i use A4 paper?

[@SayantiFineArts]

A-4 refers to a size of paper - not type.... if you are asking about normal printer paper, then the answer is no

[@syahirahn6387]

@@SayantiFineArts i see thanks fr that information☺

[@mananrajput1510]

Mem Hindi main samjo

[@Artinsane]

Are u Indian???

[@SayantiFineArts]

Indian origin

[@thehypnox]

Wow she straight up called out poor people "If you are a small child with a limited budget"