Pastels

Wide Range of Pastels

Dive into the world of vibrant hues and velvety textures with our collection of pastels at Oxlades Art Supplies. Pastels are a versatile medium that breathes life into a myriad of drawing activities, from delicate sketches to bold, expressive artworks. At Oxlades, we prioritize quality, collaborating with the best brands on the market to ensure that your artistic vision is realized with the finest tools available.

Soft Pastels

Soft pastels, with their rich pigments and smooth, blendable textures, open up a realm of possibilities for artists. These pastels are perfect for creating nuanced and detailed works of art. Their ability to layer and blend seamlessly on various surfaces makes them an essential choice for artists who seek precision and a broad spectrum of colors. Discover the joy of working with renowned brands in the world of soft pastels through our carefully curated selection at Oxlades Art Supplies.

Oil Pastels

For those drawn to the bold and expressive, our collection of oil pastels offers a different artistic experience. Known for their intense colors and creamy consistency, oil pastels are versatile tools that allow artists to experiment with texture and create bold, impasto-like strokes. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner exploring the world of pastels, our range of high-quality oil pastels from top brands is sure to elevate your creative endeavors.

Shop Pastels Online at Oxlades

Convenience is key and wewe make it easy for you to bring these exquisite pastels into your artistic arsenal. Ordering online is a simple and seamless process, and we proudly offer nationwide delivery, ensuring that artists across Australia have access to the best pastels in the market. Unleash your creativity with the exquisite pastels available at Oxlades Art Supplies, where quality meets convenience, and your artistic journey is our priority.

FAQ's

What are oil pastels best for?

Oil pastels are best known for their rich colour, creamy texture, and ability to create bold, expressive artwork with ease. They are ideal for blending, layering, and building up texture in drawings, making them popular with both beginners and professional artists. At Oxlades Art Supplies, we offer a range of high-quality oil pastels that are perfect for everything from sketching and still life to abstract art and mixed media projects. Artists often use oil pastels for their strong pigmentation and the freedom they allow in working directly onto paper, board, or even canvas without the need for brushes or additional tools. They are especially well-suited to creating vibrant colour transitions, impasto effects, and textured surfaces. Whether you’re working on fine detail or large, expressive strokes, oil pastels offer versatility and creative control.

How do you properly use oil pastels?

Using oil pastels is simple, but mastering them opens up a world of artistic possibilities. Start by applying the pastel directly to your surface—usually a heavy paper or pastel pad that can handle multiple layers. The colour can be blended with your fingers, a blending stump, or even a cloth to create soft gradients or smoothed edges. You can also layer different colours on top of each other and use tools like scrapers or palette knives to create depth and contrast. Unlike chalk pastels, oil pastels don’t produce dust, which makes them cleaner to use and ideal for both classroom and home environments. Many artists also enjoy using oil pastels with solvents like turpentine to create a painterly effect, allowing the medium to mimic oil painting. At Oxlades, we stock a variety of surfaces and accessories to help you get the most out of your oil pastel techniques.

Can beginners use oil pastels?

Absolutely! Oil pastels are an excellent choice for beginners, including children, students, and hobbyists. They are easy to use straight from the stick, require no additional setup, and deliver immediate, satisfying results. Their smooth application and vivid colours make them a fun and accessible medium for those just starting out in art. Plus, oil pastels are forgiving; they can be blended or layered over, allowing plenty of room to experiment and refine your technique. At Oxlades, we offer student-grade and artist-grade oil pastels, so whether you're learning or levelling up, you’ll find a set that suits your skill level and creative goals. Browse our collection online and explore the possibilities of this vibrant and expressive medium today.

What is the difference between pastels and soft pastels?

The term pastels refers to a broad category of colour sticks used for drawing, and within that category, soft pastels stand out for their intensely pigmented, velvety texture. While there are other types such as hard pastels, oil pastels, and pastel pencils, soft pastels are known for their rich colour payoff, delicate application, and ability to blend effortlessly. Soft pastels contain a higher ratio of pigment to binder, giving them their vibrant look and powdery consistency. In contrast, hard pastels are firmer and better for fine lines or detail work, while oil pastels are smoother and waxier, allowing for different techniques more akin to painting. At Oxlades Art Supplies, we stock a wide variety of soft pastels suitable for both beginners and professionals, so whether you’re building soft gradients or exploring expressive mark-making, you’ll find the perfect pastel tools to suit your needs.

What do you use soft pastels for?

Soft pastels are incredibly versatile and are used for everything from fine art and portraiture to expressive sketches and mixed media work. They’re especially loved by artists who want to create depth and emotion through colour and texture. Because of their soft texture and intense pigmentation, soft pastels are perfect for layering, shading, and blending, allowing you to build up colour gradually or make bold, dramatic statements. They can be used on a variety of surfaces, including pastel paper, textured card, sanded paper, and canvas, making them a favourite for artists working in studios, schools, and home spaces. 

How to blend soft pastels for beginners?

Blending is one of the most rewarding techniques with soft pastels, and it’s surprisingly easy to get started. Begin by applying two or more colours close to each other, then gently blend the edges using your fingers, a blending stump, or a soft cloth. For beginners, your fingertip is often the best tool—it allows you to feel the paper's texture and control the amount of pressure. If you want a smoother blend or are working on detailed areas, try using a tortillon or soft brush. The key is to apply light, even pressure and build up your layers gradually. Remember, soft pastels are dusty by nature, so tap your surface to remove excess pigment rather than brushing it off, which can smudge your work. Use quality pastel paper that grips the pigment well and helps with smooth transitions. With a little practice, blending with soft pastels becomes a relaxing and intuitive process that opens up endless creative possibilities.