The Vibrant World of Oil Pastel Painting: Experimentation and Expression
Table of Content:
© Lily Pad Gallery
The History of Oil Pastels
Oil pastels emerged at a time when many artists were interested in innovative mediums for their creative practices. Their invention is attributed to Japanese artist Kanae Yamamoto and teachers Rinzo Satake and Shuku Sasaki, who created the Sakura Cray-Pas Company in the 1920s. They were specifically formulated to possess non-toxic properties akin to crayons, making them suitable for children. Remarkably, Cray-Pas has maintained an enduring presence in educational settings, commonly stocked in contemporary classrooms.
The subsequent advancement of oil pastels occurred nearly three decades later, when Henri Sennelier created a higher-end version. This was in response to none other than renowned artist Pablo Picasso, who requested a superior variant of artist-grade oil pastels. Picasso and other artists were intrigued by the accessibility of Cray-Pas, yet wanted a product up to their standards. Specifically, they sought a portable medium that could replicate the expressive qualities of oil painting. Sennelier’s oil pastels allowed artists to achieve such desired painterly effects. Its blending capabilities allowed a range of textures and effects, from smooth and velvety to bold and impasto-like. Its form also made it portable, less messy and easier to travel with than traditional paints. These appealing factors made oil pastels an unsurprisingly commercial success.
© Barnard Gallery
The Experimental Potential of Oil Pastels
Artists can employ various methods to explore the medium's full potential. Oil pastels offer a tactile experience, enabling artists to directly feel the textures they create on the canvas. Artists can experiment with different surfaces, including canvas, paper, wood, or even unconventional materials, such as glass, pushing the boundaries of traditional painting. The versatility of oil pastels also enables artists to combine them with other mediums, such as watercolor, ink, or acrylic, exploring new hybrids of artistic expression.
© Wonzimer
Abstract Art and Oil Pastels
Abstract art, with its emphasis on shapes, colors, and forms detached from realistic representation, finds a natural affinity with oil pastels. The intense hues and material nature of oil pastels allow artists to create abstract compositions that evoke emotions, memories, and perceptions. Artists can employ broad strokes, delicate contours, or even use their fingers to blend and smudge colors, creating a fusion of shades. Fluidity of lines, the interplay of shades, and the juxtaposition of shapes are enhanced by the medium's unique texture. The ability to either layer or merge oil pastels enables artists to experiment with different transparencies, creating depth and dimension within their abstract compositions. Moreover, the tactile nature of oil pastels allows artists to incorporate texture into their abstract artworks. Artists can scratch into surfaces or apply oil pastels thickly to create crevices. This versatility enables artists to explore not only the visual aspects of abstract art but also its textural and sensory qualities.
