Oil pastels

Oil pastels differ from dry pastels in that they contain oil and wax instead of a dry binder. This makes them feel more like wax crayons in texture and gives them a soft, slightly greasier look. They adhere well to paper and other surfaces, and colours are often bright and vivid. Because they don't crumble, they can be used without the need for fixatives and are well suited to layered techniques. You can also mix colours directly onto the paper with your fingers, or use a stump or solvent such as turpentine to create painterly effects. Oil pastels do not dry completely, so you can work with them for a long time and adjust details afterwards. They are popular with both beginners and more experienced artists who like a more painterly look but in a simple and direct format.