Table of Contents
Mastering the Art of Applying Fixative to Pastels
What Are the Different Types of Pastels and How Do They Perform?
How Do Oil Pastels Compare to Other Types of Pastels?
How Do Oil Pastels Compare to Other Types of Pastels?
Mastering the Art of Applying Fixative to Pastels
Pastels, with their rich and vibrant hues, are a popular choice among artists. However, they can be quite fragile, often requiring a fixative to preserve the artwork's integrity. The Sydney Art Store offers a curated selection of premium-quality fixatives that promise lasting performance and protection. To use a fixative with pastels, first ensure your artwork is completely finished as the process is irreversible. The artwork should be placed in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhalation of the fixative's fumes. Hold the fixative can approximately 12 inches away from the artwork and apply it in a sweeping motion across the artwork. It's essential to apply the fixative evenly and avoid oversaturating any part of the paper as it can darken the pastels. Allow the artwork to dry completely before touching it. Using a fixative not only protects pastel artworks from smudging but also enhances their longevity, allowing artists to share their creations with the world without fear of damage.
What Are the Different Types of Pastels and How Do They Perform?
Pastels come in several forms—soft, hard, oil, and pencil—and each brings a unique texture and performance quality to artwork. Soft pastels are highly pigmented and ideal for expressive, painterly techniques, blending easily across textured paper or pastel board. Hard pastels offer more control and precision, making them excellent for detailed work or underdrawings. Oil pastels, with their creamy texture, allow for bold strokes and layering similar to painting, while pastel pencils combine pigment with control for intricate compositions. Each type serves different creative purposes, so understanding their characteristics is essential. Artists often mix formats within a single piece, using soft pastels for vibrant colour and pastel pencils for sharp highlights. Choosing the right pastel medium ensures both creative freedom and the ability to achieve your desired visual effect.
How Do Oil Pastels Compare to Other Types of Pastels?
Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 24 Assorted Portrait
$118.80
Sennelier Oil Pastels
$5.31
Sennelier Oil Pastel Set 24 Still Life
$118.76
Oil pastels differ from soft and hard pastels in both composition and handling. Containing a non-drying oil and wax binder, they behave more like a crayon and never fully dry, giving them a creamy texture that’s perfect for blending and layering. Oil pastels work on a wide variety of surfaces, including paper, wood, and canvas, without the need for a primer. Unlike soft pastels, they don’t produce dust, making them a cleaner alternative. They’re excellent for impasto techniques, rich colour application, and even mixed-media layering with solvents or sgraffito. Because of their bold texture and long working time, oil pastels are often used for energetic, painterly effects. Whether used alone or alongside other media, oil pastels provide a unique combination of vibrancy, durability, and tactile expression.
What Makes The Sydney Art Store’s Oil Pastel Selection Stand Out?
For artists working in oil pastels, The Sydney Art Store offers a curated lineup of brands that balance creaminess with colour stability. Products from Sennelier, Holbein, and other professional ranges ensure bold coverage, smooth application, and long-lasting pigment integrity. These oil pastels are ideal for rich, layered effects, whether used with blending tools or solvents for mixed-media techniques. We also provide surface recommendations and tools specifically designed to complement oil pastels, ensuring better adhesion and reduced smudging. Our broad selection, combined with practical advice, makes it easier for you to select the right tools for your technique-specific needs. Whether creating textured abstracts or refined figure work, artists trust The Sydney Art Store’s oil pastel collection for its performance and consistency.
