Getting Started with Oil Pastels
Embarking on a new artistic journey with oil pastels can be thrilling but also a tad bit intimidating. The first step in this journey is understanding the medium itself. Unlike paints, oil pastels do not require any solvents and are ready to use straight out of the box. Their strikingly vibrant and bold colours, combined with their smooth blending capabilities, make them an enticing choice for beginners. They offer a certain immediacy and tactility that few other mediums provide, allowing the artist to engage directly with the canvas without the barrier of brushes.
Basic Techniques for Beginners
When starting with oil pastels, grasping a few fundamental techniques can greatly enhance your experience. Stippling, scumbling, and sgraffito are some methods that beginners can easily learn. Stippling involves creating a pattern with dots, while scumbling means layering colours to create depth and texture. Sgraffito, on the other hand, includes scratching the surface to reveal layers beneath. With practice, these techniques can be mastered to create stunning oil pastel artwork.
Essential Oil Pastel Supplies
While oil pastels are a relatively low-maintenance art form, there are some essential supplies you should consider. High-quality oil pastels should be your first priority. These offer a noticeable difference in terms of colour intensity and blending ability. Additionally, choosing the right surface can significantly impact your artwork. Thick, textured papers or canvas are usually suitable for oil pastels. A set of palette knives can be handy for scraping and layering, and a fixative spray is often used to protect the final piece.
Top Choices from The Sydney Art Store
If you're wondering where to source your oil pastels and other art supplies from, look no further than The Sydney Art Store. Their website, https://thesydneyartstore.com.au/, offers a wide range of oil pastels suitable for beginners. Whether you're looking for individual colours to start with or complete sets to explore the spectrum, The Sydney Art Store has got you covered. They also provide all the essential supplies mentioned above, making it your one-stop-shop for all your oil pastel needs.
