Oil pastels, a vibrant and versatile medium used by artists around the world, offer a unique approach to color blending and layering. Unlike their chalky counterparts, oil pastels consist of pigment mixed with a non-drying oil and wax binder, which gives them a creamy texture and a luscious, glossy finish. This distinct composition leads to a common question among artists, both novice and seasoned: do oil pastels ever dry? In this article, we will explore the drying properties of oil pastels, their uses, and tips for preservation.
1. What Are Oil Pastels?
Before delving into whether oil pastels dry, it's essential to understand their composition. Oil pastels are made from a pigment, which provides the color, mixed with a binder of wax and a non-drying oil such as mineral oil. This mixture results in a soft, easily blendable medium.
Key Characteristics:
- Highly Pigmented: They contain a high concentration of color, which makes them stand out on any surface.
- Creamy Texture: The smooth texture is what makes oil pastels a delight to work with.
- Blendability: Unlike many other drawing mediums, oil pastels can be easily blended to create new colors and soft transitions.
2. Do Oil Pastels Dry?
The straightforward answer is no, oil pastels do not dry in the same way that watercolors or acrylic paints do. The non-drying oil used in oil pastels means they remain somewhat pliable and tacky, which can be both a benefit and a drawback depending on the artist’s needs.
Why Don't They Dry Completely?
- Non-Drying Oil: The binder in oil pastels includes mineral oil, which does not evaporate or cure like the oils used in traditional oil painting.
- Wax Content: The wax helps retain their shape and manageability but also keeps them from hardening completely.
3. Benefits of Oil Pastels Not Drying
The perpetual wetness of oil pastels allows artists to continuously work and rework their pieces. Colors can be blended on the canvas or paper over time, and additional layers can be added without disturbing the layers beneath.
Continuous Workability
- Layering: Artists can build up layers without waiting for a previous layer to dry.
- Blending: Colors can be mixed directly on the drawing surface.
4. Challenges with Oil Pastels Not Drying
While the ability to alter artwork over time is a significant advantage, it presents challenges such as preservation and framing.
Preservation Issues
- Smudging: Artworks are prone to smudging if touched.
- Dust collection: Sticky surfaces may attract and hold dust.
5. Techniques for Working with Oil Pastels
Understanding how to handle the non-drying nature of oil pastels can enhance your artistic experience. Here are some techniques to get the most out of this medium:
Layering Techniques
Build depth in your artwork by layering colors. The wax in oil pastels helps each layer to adhere to the last.
Blending Colors
Utilize your fingers, blending stumps, or even a cloth to blend colors on your drawing surface for a smooth gradient.
6. Handling and Preserving Oil Pastel Artwork
Since oil pastels stay perpetually semi-moist, handling and preserving artwork created with them can be a bit tricky but not impossible. Here are some tips to keep your vibrant creations in pristine condition:
Fixatives
To combat the challenges of their non-drying nature, artists can use fixatives or sealants. These products help to create a barrier that protects the artwork from dust and smudging.
Use a fixative spray designed for oil pastels to help seal the color and reduce smudging. Be sure to test the fixative on a small area first to ensure it doesn't affect the colors.
Types of Fixatives:
- Workable fixative: Allows additional layers after application.
- Final fixative: Provides a durable barrier to protect finished pieces.
Framing
Always frame oil pastel drawings behind glass to protect them from dust, moisture, and accidental smudges.
Storage
If storing unframed pastel works, place them between layers of wax paper to prevent them from sticking to other surfaces.
7. FAQs About Oil Pastels
Q1: Can oil pastels be used with other mediums?
Absolutely! Oil pastels are versatile and can be used alongside colored pencils, charcoal, and even acrylic paints. Just ensure that the oil pastels are applied last due to their greasy nature.
Q2: Are oil pastels suitable for beginners?
Yes, oil pastels are perfect for beginners! They're simple to use, require minimal setup and cleanup, and are relatively inexpensive compared to other art mediums.
Q3: How do I remove oil pastel stains from fabric?
Oil pastel stains can be stubborn. Start by scraping off any excess. Then, dab the stain with a solvent like rubbing alcohol or a specialized stain remover before washing.
8. Conclusion
Oil pastels remain a popular choice for artists due to their vibrant colors and unique blending capabilities. While they do not dry in the traditional sense, understanding how to handle, preserve, and display oil pastel artwork ensures that it remains vivid and fresh for years to come. By using techniques suited to their unique properties and employing protective measures like proper framing and the use of fixatives, artists can overcome the challenges posed by the non-drying nature of oil pastels. Embrace the flexibility and creative potential that oil pastels offer, and let your artistic instincts flourish unbounded by the constraints of drying times.
