10 MUST TRY Oil Pastel Techniques!

In this video, I will show you my favorite techniques for oil pastels. Try these tips on your next painting for fabulous results!
Techniques & Supplies *I am using the Paul Rubens set of 72 Flower Color oil pastels: amzn.to/3FVCYoJ
1. Light application
2. Color Mixing
3. Heavy Application
4. Blending a gradient
5. Stippling & Pointilissim
6. Sgraffito (scratching back)
7. Impasto with a palette knife: amzn.to/40jgdDu
8. Using Blending tools:
paper stump: amzn.to/3lJycDX
Silicone tipped tools: amzn.to/3TTbUMH
q-tips, make-up sponges are also nice
9. Using Solvents (I like Gamsol) amzn.to/3JKcvvr
10: Using Colored Pencils to add details and sharpness: I like Prismacolor for this but any soft lead pencil should work well: amzn.to/42ETKCh
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Credits:
Video production and Craft ideas: Lindsay Weirich
Music: Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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#thefrugalcrafter #watercolor #art

[@KlingonPrincess]

One thing I've learned from you overall is to be loose and free when creating. I have ideas but the execution is awkward and looks childish. Through watching you I've learned that art is a process that develops the vision in stages. I never saw myself as an artist and avoid art classes in school. You've become my teacher 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I am honored to be your teacher!

[@angieallen7363]

You summed up my experience very well!

[@phillipstroll7385]

Isn't that wonderful. So many feel the exact same way you do, including myself. Even if we don't say it.

[@asherrogers2687]

You've stolen everyone's comment because of our common issues. Small world :) She's definitely an awesome teacher too!

[@Linda-qq5mg]

The examples that you did are a big help in knowing the ways of using oil pastels! Thank you so much.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@amygermaine6636]

Because I love treasure hunts...I rewatched your filming/studio tour video from a couple months ago, and you show your silicone tools at about 4:35 into that video in the grey canvas bin in the middle of the top row of the white cube shelf.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thats where I usually keep them but they weren't there. So odd.

[@petalpusher]

@@thefrugalcrafter Maybe you used them for pottery or resin, packed them in a travel tote, or accidentally put them away with your paintbrushes?

[@kathleenmcculloch4898]

A couple of days ago I made the decision to learn how to use oil pastels by watching KZbin videos. I can't explain how thankful I am that you posted this. Thank you so very much!

[@smitachengappa]

I'm pretty sure your silicon tip tools have run off with my kneaded erasers😂. My son has just learnt about Seurat and pointilism at school. I should get the oil pastels out with him and try it out.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

😆

[@rtd1791]

This was worth watching just for the Gamsol and cotton ball tip. I shall definitely be doing this as my bottle of Gamsol has a wide mouth. Transferring some to a smaller jar with cotton balls will help prevent spills and evaporation. This reminded me of why I don’t like pastels, oil based ones anyway. It’s part of my oil avoidance. I don’t like oil paint; I’m iffy on the pencils; I like oil pastels only slightly better than paint, but that’s not saying much. My favorite technique with oil pastels is using them as a resist either with watercolor or acrylic paint. I recently saw a video where pastels were used to make marks on magazine pages before making a transfer on to a gel plate. It’s an interesting idea to play with. I think it was on Understand Blue’s channel, but don’t hold me to it. I don’t know where your silicone tip tools are. Mine are in my black tool box with all of my other tools that resemble sticks. This won’t help you. I misplace stuff all of the time. So aggravating 😖 🙃 But one of my tips for dealing with it is to write it down. I keep a list of everything I am missing. Somehow this helps to relieve the anxiety that comes from missing items. Being less anxious makes it easier to find stuff. For me anyway. It’s so satisfying to cross an item off the list when I find it.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good tips!

[@debbien3933]

Thank you for sharing these tips, Lindsay! I especially love the idea of using an impasto technique with a pallette knife, and the colored pencils to refine details! Just getting back to using pastels, and oil pastels,,so perfect timing, too. 😀

[@MeanColleen]

Thank you so very much, once again. I have all of the supplies but have really struggled with oil pastels. Thank you for the kick start! I can't tell you much I look forward to every one of your videos. I know I probably speak for many here, I would LOVE to meet you in person one day if I could. I live in Idaho and you live in Maine. That would be a major road trip for me! 😁

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@reneescott6249]

Love oil pastels! And this was such a great video! I’m excited to try all these techniques, but especially the palette knife. I love that “oil painting” look without the mess (and intimidation 😜) of oil paints! I’ve been wanting to try it. Now I definitely will with this tutorial! Thanks, Lindsay! Would love more videos on both oil and soft pastels! Pastel month last year was super awesome. ❤️

[@lisasternenkind6467]

Same here. 😊

[@wulfseig1864]

Very helpful. Love the carnation flower.

[@georgesgentry5835]

Thanks for the tips Lindsay. Never tried oil pastels, but looks fun. YT shorts are featuring simple oil pastel paintings using many of these techniques. I've learned so much from you.

[@tracygregory3973]

I love the cotton ball in Gamsol tip…brilliant. Perfect for classroom use!

[@destresswithyoga]

Thank you for posting this!!! I’m in spot take out my oil pastels again! I didn’t know about the palette knife technique!!! When you used the silicone that made me think of the silicone tips that you can put on your finger tips from the dollar tree…. never thought of blending with silicone. Thank you Lindsay!! ❤

[@Pepuli]

Wow, I’ve never thought of using a palette knife. What a great idea!

[@SheilaLandry]

I love oil pastels! Ever since your bird you did in them, I saw the possibilities. Thank you for the wonderful examples of how we can use them! (PS - the Sennelier oil pastels come in BIG sticks so you can get black and white (I did!) very cheaply (well - 'relatively, cheaply') ;)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Nice!

[@angb1923]

You make it look so easy! I love how dimple the flowers were to do! Gonna try!

[@andree-annblais9221]

Ohh please ! More technique tutorials like this one ! Im a beginner in love with oil pastel and your tutorial a very easy and fun to practice. Thank you for sharing your knowledge !

[@angelag9346]

Love it!! I always learn from you Lindsay....thank you!

[@patriciaschoenberg1261]

This looks like so much fun! The carnation is fabulous! Thank you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@JC-il4or]

Thank you! Reminder to me of the many techniques available.

[@nidhishshivashankar4885]

This is a great way to break down the medium, thorough and explanatory 👍

[@R4CHEL__]

Just starting oil pastels and can’t wait to try these techniques!

[@yelsyels]

Thanks for sharing these techniques! I have a box of Inscribe oil pastels in a drawer! So will get them out and have a play!

[@wandagutierrez5338]

Gosh I love this tutorial. I’ve been trying different mediums of art supplies I’ve collected over many years, didn’t care for watercolor but acrylics better, and I happened to have oil pastels and colored pencils; I think this last may be my favorite medium. Gonna stick with this for awhile. I found a plastic toothpick/floss thing is great for scraping color off without tearing the paper, a crystal nail file helped with blending. I think scraffito gonna be my fav but I love all the options. Thanks so much.

[@sondrabrown442]

Awesome video, so many great tips! Thanks Lindsay!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You're so welcome!

[@renee1292]

Thank you!! This is so helpful!

[@jasminw.7024]

I have never used oil pastels but always wanted to try, thank you for showing some great ways how to!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

My pleasure 😊

[@christinearmstrong4099]

Thank you for this really great overview of technique. I’m new to pastels, and excited to get started.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@julianalira5266]

omg i absolutely love this video!! thanks a lot for all your tips and explaining the techniques! i got a set of oil pastels for college a few years ago and didn't end up using as much, but i'm going back at it as a hobby and as a mental health asset. i'll defenetly use several of these techniques!! 🤩🤩

[@sylwitcha5325]

Another great video! Would you be able to talk about water soluable oil pastels at some point? Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great suggestion!

[@kayclark4406]

So helpful! Thank you ❤

[@andreaizumoto9180]

Great tips! I’ve never used oil pastels before.

[@peanutpearson3333]

Loved this technique demo! I recently picked up some inexpensive oil pastels and this will be the perfect opportunity to use them.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Have fun!

[@cherylbrewer1218]

Thank you for this very helpful video Lindsay 🙂

[@rubberartist]

This video is taking me back to art class in the 8th grade. Stippling! Scratching with palette knives! Happiness❤.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Love that!

[@dianeensminger38]

When I was a teacher - early childhood - now retired - We (teachers) used to color in the learning tools we made (such as pictures of objects with different beginning sounds) with oil pastel that we blended ( sometimes just blended into the paper picture was on) by using a regular school type pink eraser. Very easy and more economical than using so many magic markers to color in those pictures we made.

[@dianeensminger38]

Also - didn't have to worry about the stickiness of the oil pastels. Since they were learning tools for classroom, they were laminated. You wouldn't be lamenting art work of course but might be varnishing with something. .

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That is awesome!

[@DarkMoonSanctuary]

Stunning as always...❤

[@theartofetta]

Thank you for this video😊 as always very inspiring

[@karent9837]

Thank you for this. All of these techniques will be very helpful for my art creation. Really appreciated your share 🙏🏻

[@schnook-in-boots1027]

Yes, oil pastels are so much fun! And very versatile. Kinda makes you feel like a kid again but you really can make some very beautiful paintings with them. I've had good success with a blending solvent called Zest It. It works well for pencils and oil pastels. Good for a large background. I love how you show us how to use so many different mediums.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Absolutely!!

[@annettefournier9655]

Oooo fun! Oil based markers can be used over them too if the oil pastel is too thick to accept the colored pencil. Thanks Lindsay 💜

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That's a great idea!

[@marytesta3003]

Would the markers be damaged, collect pastels?

[@rainiera4060]

Thank you for much for the video! You did such a good job keeping it entertaining ❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sierracarscadden6049]

This was so helpful!

[@simonnemason2162]

I'm sitting here in the UK on a dull day working with my oil pastels and had your review on in the background. It was so helpful while I was working and I picked up loads of useful tips. Thank you. Oil pastels are not very popular over here so it's good to have such an in-depth overview.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LePetitChatNoir79]

This is so helpful, thank you. I’ve had some oil pastels that have been sitting around for over a year. I’m too afraid to use them. 🫣

[@CraftingwithQuillingLady]

Wow! This video is an eye opener! I've never liked oil pastels when I was a kid because I couldn't cover the paper the way I wanted, unfortunately my art teacher did not teach us how to use them properly. Now, I want to get the oil pastels and play! Thank you for sharing, now I need to give another go 😊 thank you and happy crafting

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sandyb4693]

This is just what I needed... I got some oil pastels and messed with them a bit, but had trouble getting the effects I wanted. I did have luck blending with a tool (I think it's used for clay work) that is like your silicone nail tools, but has a metal ball on the end. It's more of an aggressive blend than the silicone tool which I liked. I just used a light touch with it. I also tried blending with walnut oil and liked the effect.... It just took days for it to dry. And it's more archival than baby oil (I think). Thanks again for this. I found it *extremely* helpful and look forward to trying them out.

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Lindsay, I do wish I could help you with finding your tools but I simply cannot recall even seeing them in your last studio tour. I enjoyed all of your techniques I thought you explained them quite well clearly and concisely. I have seen a few recent reels on Instagram with the impasto technique creating flowers. I have watched them cut chunks off of the pastel stick onto a piece of glass to smooth and make them a bit more pliable using just the blade of the pallet knife dipped In oil to add to the chunk cut off the stick. Thank you for sharing all of your ideas with us! Please take care and have yourself a lovely day!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

I always wondered how pallet knives were used with oil pastels! Thanks! 💜💜💜

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@dawnkieffer6865]

Excellent info. Thanks.

[@ginafarinaart]

Beautiful Tutorial! Thank You!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@ValleyMermaid]

Thank you!! Love this info!!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@starvingartistscollective]

Bought some Paul Rubens oil pastels last year but haven't used them yet...... this is a great primer!! Thank you Lindsay!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Enjoy!

[@rainangel159]

Will have to give these a try👌

[@jerryreynolds4948]

POTTERY SHED TOOLS. That's where I got my original tools. I dabbled in sculpting for a bit. You may have used them while experimenting with patterns in your clay.

[@CreativePhenomenonArt]

I am so doing this activity tomorrow. Thank you Lindsay 😊 What great tips You Rock Sorry I don’t recall seeing the silicone tools.

[@giverny28]

Incredible video! Thank you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you liked it!

[@poulos801]

This was the best tutorial. Thank you so much!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@prachidongre4484]

Great video. I am just starting with oil pastels and learned so many new things. Thank you! 😃

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Wonderful!

[@bevotto8279]

Have just watched your tutorial and it has helped me so much. Thank you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it helped!

[@bconsilio3764]

Thank you Lindsay!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@jackielubeck]

Loving this kind of video. Spending lots on all things you talk about including the cubes of Sarah Renae Clark. They are on their way and wow what a tool. Thanks so much. Going to buy some PR oil pastels now. Hugs. Jackie

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Wonderful!

[@angelafitzmaurice1147]

This tutorial was very helpful. Thanks!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@starr-starr]

Oooh, I was just playing with my pastels the other day - will definitely make a sheet like this

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Have fun!

[@williammcneill2753]

I have been anxiously awaiting this. Looking forward to trying these tonight. Thank you Lindsay.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@jesseb5112]

Thank you for this!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You're so welcome!

[@mcremex827]

Loved this tutorial! You made me smile at the end when you mentioned how you came to love oil pastels. I also remember being about 7 or 8 when my dad bought home a set of Craypas for my sister and I. I loved them right away. Finally returned to them after almost 40 yrs during lockdowns. Up graded to Mungyos and had a blast during some really scary and lonely times. also thanks to wonderful generous tubers like yourself sharing their knowledge and tutorials with us.💕💕

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Aww:)

[@sallytreloar6425]

Great video!

[@pushserver9689]

Fabulous tutorial...thank you so much 🙏

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You’re welcome 😊

[@JAsisterti]

great tips ! thank you :)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You're so welcome!

[@darlenelaubenstein627]

Thank you Lindsay,

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Any time!

[@Nena108]

So helpful, thank you! I have oil pastels but I lack imagination on how to use them in fun ways.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@susanfontaine5214]

Great video!😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks! 😊

[@JustFun-iz9rf]

thank you

[@ahmadrashwan5231]

Perfect Thank you

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Our pleasure!

[@created2bless322]

I missed this one!!! Learned a lot, more than I thought I knew, shame on me. I have a smaller set of these and they came with 6 extra whites, palette knives and a paper pad! I also have the silicone nail tools with the stencils you shared a couple of years back and I misplaced those tools too! I ordered another brand of oil pastels from an arsty creator I follow on IG and they are so smooth and are water soluble!! Super fun! I wanted to use the silicone tools to play with just blending but I guess they will show up when they show up!!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

They are sneaky things!

[@naomijoyamena4483]

Thank you for this video very helpful 💖

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@loati94]

I bought the caran dache pencil blender pack that comes with a pencil blender and a full lead burnisher and they do nothing for my pencils but I realized they blend oilpastels quite well. Specially if you have a thin coat and you want to get rid of the paper showing through

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Nice! I'll try it!

[@dillaarts2]

Just got an oil pastel with 12 colors yesterday so I could learn color theories as well as new techniques with new medium that i never tried. I did use it back in the day but didnt like it cuz the pastels were expired 😂 but thanks for this! They are so helpful for a newbie like me! Edit: I tried using cotton bud (without solvent) and it blends well too 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Wonderful!

[@clarefrenchum9696]

Thank you

[@GreenEyedGamingGal]

Thank you so much for a great video :)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@debbiemitchell6055]

Oil Pastels always seemed to act like crayons to me, this video is very helpful about the medium, thank you so much!

[@Shupainting777]

Oil pastels are attractive. I want to try it, too It's so beautiful It's full of art Thank you 💕😋

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Most welcome 😊

[@loati94]

Speaking of oil pastels. I got the 48 set of neopastels for my birthday and I realized that the 48 set of mungyo professional set are an exact copy of the neopastel set and I have seen no one on youtube talk about it. The neopastels are creamier, more pigmented and more saturated and some colors vary more than others, but they are the same exact set. When I realized that even the names were the same I was flabbergasted

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Wow!

[@catherinepan3792]

thank you very much.

[@donnabost4445]

Oh Lindsey!! Thak you so much for this, i just purchased Paul R, oil pastels ..WHY?? cause they looked so cool!! But at a total loss on how to use them, Now i feel more able to use these "successfully" .......

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@128titanic9]

Hello! Thank you for your video. Lindsay.❤.💞.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@crystalfranklin2583]

Thank you so much for this video, Lindsay! I have a couple of sets of oil pastels, nut never really knew how to use them or what to do with them. I'm definitely going to try these techniques and see where it goes. Thanks again so much! You really make art and crafting fun and interesting and your teaching methods are simple and straightforward and easy for me to follow along with. You are such a great asset to this community!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you!

[@lindapryor5027]

I loved your video it has really helped. What kind of paper is best with oil pastels? I’ve tried using what I use for watercolors but it doesn’t blend well.

[@Deasi_]

Thank you so much ❤❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You're welcome 😊

[@bellajaid]

I've recently started homeschooling and art was a subject my kid chose.... I have zero artistic ability. So thank you for this. Definitely using this for his lesson!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@That1HippieChick]

The silicone blending tools must be with your clay tools in the little stand from after you put the wheel corner together! ?? 🤷‍♀️ 😊✌️🎨

[@Pebblesmas]

OMG love this video, thx so much, love your tutorials, akways learn so much and a bonys: you so make me laugh.. Don'tknow where you got the tools, but, i have them, the exact same ones LOL , but i live in Holland, so yiu can't justborrow thwm🤭😂😁, thx again 4 a fab video !!!!!!!

[@catherinecarlson6164]

I bought lyra oil based pencils several years ago to go along with my Sennelier oil pastels. I didn't know much about the difference between that and wax based pencils. I've largely left oil pastels alone for years compared to colored pencils, but your techniques will expand my use of them. They are a nice medium except they don't dry. Who can afford so many frames? I really like your hydrangea and carnation drawings. Liked how quickly you were able to render them.

[@That1HippieChick]

Oohh thrift stores are a fabulous place to find great frames for so so cheap, like 1-2 $ 😊

[@catherinecarlson6164]

@@That1HippieChick I forgot about that.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I wrap them in glassine and store them

[@flychk1229]

Have you used the silicon tools around the pottery wheel?

[@mermaidlafemme1022]

BRILLIANT video love your work and presentation skills ❤....I have liked and subscribed to show support for your channel....best wishes and hugs from Scotland 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@eileensnyder7356]

Hi Lindsay, I remember you using the silicone tools in a gel plate demo.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I found them with my palette knivrs!

[@created2bless322]

@@thefrugalcrafter YAY!!!

[@TerrieJohnson731]

I found that Lightwish is offering a 52 set with four white and I jumped on them! Thank you for thiis demo. I'm just wanting to scribble 😂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Have fun!

[@sharmilamalhi4121]

Was looking for a tutorial because someone gifted my kid a set of oil pastel … and I never worked with pastels - I always thought they where for people like Van Gogh (very talented artists - not people who cut their ear of😅) Thank you so much I learned more in this 30 minutest then in my school art classes - 15 years ago ❤❤❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Christine__D]

I literally just bought oil pastels with no knowledge of how to use them. Perfect timing!

[@Shalinee2212]

Thank you! This is a really usefulness video. Is it possible to spray a finished oil pastel painting with some kind of fixer so that it doesn’t smudge when framed?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Of you use a mat or spacer you don't need to spray it but sennelier makes a good spray for oil pastels.