I sat down to watch the news when I got home today and there was a box of various art supplies at my feet that I had been sorting the night before. I took out some oil pastels and played around with them, creating this apple core from memory in a small sketchbook.I have never really done anything with oil pastels. I see work of others that looks effortless, yet I struggle with child-like lines and blobs of colour, hoping they meld into something that looks vaguely familiar. Oil pastels do not seem to have a strong following of artists who use them exclusively. Often they are used to set up an preliminary drawing for an oil painting.
I was getting them to blend a little and that is when they seem to come into their own. I know that with any medium that I'm unfamiliar with, it is a matter of practice to be able to be anywhere near proficient.
This article on Empty Easel is a good starting point for those who want more information about how to use oil pastels. And more detail and information on oil pastels in a squidoo lens.
6 comments:
I've only tried oil pastels a few times, but every time they come out looking like scribbles. Course I've never tried to put any serious effort into learning the medium. I suspect that I just haven't been patient enough with them, giving up too early.
Love this apple core. I should have a go at some apples. The oil pastels here are great, Jeanette. I really like the varied colors you introduced here.
That's my problem too Sydney. I haven't given it enough time to develop it well enough. Maybe in the future I'll tackle it.
Thanks Sue. I'd love to see some of your apples, I know they'd be great.
Great sketch/drawing. Oil pastels are a puzzle to me as well. I have a pretty nice set. I should practice, they would be nice for traveling.
I can never get oil pastels to blend :/ so just give up with them. we got a set for college but we haven't used them yet.
your core looks great, nice colours to the white part
I have a set that I've never done anything with either even though I've had them for ages. It just feels like trying to make a masterpiece with crayons - I know it can be done but I can't figure out how to do it!
Good job on your apple core!
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