Best Oil Pastels for Beginners: Top 5 Sets for Aspiring Artists

In this Article:

Introduction

Oil pastels, those vibrant sticks of pigment suspended in a waxy binder, offer beginners a gateway to a world of rich, blendable color. Unlike their chalky cousins, oil pastels glide onto paper with buttery smoothness, allowing for seamless layering and expressive mark-making.

Look for pastels with a creamy consistency that won’t crumble under pressure. Consider sets that offer a range of hues, from bold primaries to subtle earth tones, enabling diverse color mixing. Lightfastness – a pastel’s resistance to fading – is important for lasting artwork. For beginners, sets with a balance of quality and affordability are ideal. We’ve sifted through countless options to unearth five exceptional best oil pastels for beginners sets that promise to be faithful companions on your creative odyssey. Each set balances quality, versatility, and value, ensuring your first strokes are as rewarding as they are inspiring.

Tips for choosing the best oil pastels for beginners:

1. Consistency: Look for pastels that are creamy and don’t crumble easily.
2. Color range: Choose sets with a diverse palette, including primary colors and earth tones.
3. Lightfastness: Consider pastels rated for their ability to resist fading over time.
4. Blendability: Opt for pastels that layer and blend smoothly for easier techniques.
5. Set size: Start with a medium-sized set (12-24 colors) to explore without overwhelming yourself.
6. Brand reputation: Research brands known for quality beginner-friendly products.
7. Price point: Balance quality with affordability – invest in the best you can within your budget.
8. Surface compatibility: Ensure the pastels work well on your preferred drawing surfaces.
9. Supplementary tools: Consider sets that include blending stumps or other helpful accessories.

Now let us discuss my 5 best oil pastel picks for beginners.

1. Pentel Arts Pastel Assorted Colors

Pros:

1. Vibrant Colors: When I first got my hands on the Pentel Arts Pastel Assorted Colors, the vibrant hues were immediately striking. Each color stood out with a richness that promised endless possibilities for my art projects.
2. Smooth Application: These pastels glided effortlessly across the paper, making blending and layering a breeze. The smooth application was a delight, allowing me to get lost in the process and experiment with different techniques.
3. Versatility: One of the standout features for me was the versatility these pastels offered. Whether blending colors for soft transitions or layering for more intense effects, these pastels handled it all with ease. The wide range of colors allowed seamless mixing and matching, adding depth and dimension to my work.
4. Affordable Price: The price was incredibly affordable for the quality. It felt like getting a premium product without breaking the bank, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned artists.

Cons:

1. Packaging: The packaging could use some improvement. The pastels were loosely packed, and a few were damaged during transit. A more secure packaging solution would definitely enhance the overall experience.
2. Size and Shape: The size and shape of the pastels were a bit of a mixed bag. They were on the smaller side, making them tricky to hold for long periods. My fingers would cramp up during extended sessions, but adjusting my grip helped.

The Pentel Arts Pastel Assorted Colors have become a staple in my art supplies. The vibrant colors, smooth application, and affordability make them a great choice for anyone looking to explore oil pastels. Despite minor drawbacks like residue and packaging issues, the overall value and quality make these pastels a worthwhile investment. I look forward to creating more art with these and discovering new ways to use their versatility to bring my visions to life.

2. Sunnyglade 185 Pieces Double Sided Trifold Easel Art Set

Pros:

1. Variety of Supplies: I was delighted with the extensive range of supplies in this set. It includes oil pastels, crayons, colored pencils, markers, watercolor cakes, and a sketch pad. This variety allowed me to experiment with different mediums and techniques.
2. Portable and Compact: The trifold design is a game-changer. The built-in, dual-sided easel made it so easy to set up my workspace anywhere. I loved how I could just fold it up and carry it around effortlessly.
3. Suitable for All Ages: This set felt perfect for both my art practice and for sharing with younger family members. It caters well to beginners and more experienced artists, offering something for everyone.
4. Educational Value: Watching my niece dive into this set was a joy. It’s not just fun; it’s a great educational tool, helping develop creativity and fine motor skills in children.
5. Good Value: For the price, the sheer number of items included made this set feel like a steal. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to get a comprehensive art set without spending too much.

Cons:

1. Storage Problems: The internal compartments didn’t securely hold everything in place. I often found items shifting around, which was a bit frustrating when trying to keep things organized.
2. Limited Supplies: While great for beginners, I found the set lacking for more professional needs. It’s a fantastic starter kit, but serious artists might need more specialized tools.

In summary, the Sunnyglade 185 Pieces Double Sided Trifold Easel Art Set is a versatile, portable, and affordable choice for beginners and young artists. While it offers a great variety of supplies and educational value, there are some quality and durability issues to consider. For the price, it’s a solid investment, but those looking for professional-grade tools might need to look elsewhere.

3. Crayola Oil Pastels

Pros:

• Vibrant Colors: The pastels burst with bold, opaque hues that blend effortlessly, crafting rich, vivid artworks. I was especially enchanted by unique shades like metallic gold and silver, which added an unexpected sparkle to my creations.
• User-Friendly Design: The tapered points were a revelation, allowing for both detailed lines and smooth shading. Plus, having the color names printed on each stick was a lifesaver when I was deep in my creative zone, ensuring I grabbed the right color every time.
• Durability: These pastels feel sturdy in hand, standing up to the pressure I tend to apply. Their robustness meant fewer breakages, which is always a plus when you’re immersed in an artistic flow.
• Non-Toxic: The ACMI Certified AP Nontoxic label was reassuring, especially when I found myself sharing these with younger, aspiring artists. Knowing they were safe added peace of mind to the creative process.

Cons:

• Packaging: The box, though functional, left something to be desired. The pastels had a tendency to shift around, risking minor damage if not handled gently. A more secure packaging would have been appreciated to keep everything intact.

Despite these minor hitches, the Crayola Oil Pastels won me over with their vibrancy and ease of use. They bridge the gap between quality and affordability, making them a fantastic choice for both budding and seasoned artists. The vibrant colors and practical design enriched my artistic journey, making these pastels a delightful addition to my toolkit.

4. Sakura Cray-Pas Junior Artist Oil Pastels

Pros:

• Vibrant Colors: The colors are a joy to behold, incredibly bright and intense, making each artwork pop with life. These pastels bring a dynamic energy to my creations that’s hard to find elsewhere.
• Blendability: Blending these pastels is a dream. The colors meld together so seamlessly, creating beautiful gradations and smooth transitions. This quality adds a professional touch to my pieces, enhancing depth and dimension effortlessly.
• Soft Texture: The pastels glide on the paper like butter, offering a smooth application that’s perfect for both broad strokes and fine details. This intuitive feel makes the creative process immensely satisfying.
• Durability: Despite their softness, these pastels are impressively durable. They stand up well under pressure, avoiding the common issue of crumbling, which is a huge advantage during long creative sessions.
• Non-Toxic: The non-toxic nature of these pastels is reassuring, especially when working around younger artists. It’s comforting to know that safety doesn’t come at the expense of quality.

Cons:

• Limited Set Sizes: The sets offer a good variety of colors, but I found myself wishing for more shades in a single package. Expanding the range would elevate the overall experience.
• Packaging: The packaging is functional but could be sturdier. The pastels tend to shift around, risking minor damage if not handled carefully. More secure packaging would be a significant improvement.

Overall, the Sakura Cray-Pas Junior Artist Oil Pastels have enriched my artistic journey with their vibrant hues, smooth application, and excellent blend ability. Despite minor issues with breakage and residue, the pros far outweigh the cons, making these pastels a fantastic addition to any artist’s toolkit.

5. Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels

Pros:

1. Affordability: From the moment I discovered Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels, I was struck by their affordability. As someone constantly seeking high-quality art supplies without the hefty price tag, these pastels felt like a hidden gem. They’re incredibly budget-friendly, offering a level of quality that rivals far more expensive brands. This accessibility means I can indulge my creative whims without the guilt of overspending​.
2. Smoothness: The first time I laid one of these pastels on paper, I was blown away by the buttery smoothness. They glide effortlessly, leaving a rich, velvety trail of color. This smooth application transforms the act of drawing into a deeply satisfying experience, making blending and layering a breeze. Each stroke feels like a dream, elevating my artwork to new levels of richness and depth.
3. Vibrant Colors: The vibrancy of these pastels is simply stunning. Each color bursts with intensity, bringing my artistic visions to life with remarkable clarity. The extensive color range, whether you opt for a set of 24, 48, or even 120, ensures that I always have the perfect shade at my fingertips. This spectrum of hues fuels my creativity, allowing me to explore and experiment with confidence​.
4. Versatility: One of the joys of working with Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels is their versatility. I’ve used them on everything from textured watercolor paper to smooth mixed media surfaces, and they perform beautifully across the board. This adaptability makes them an indispensable tool in my arsenal, ready to tackle any artistic challenge I throw their way​.
5. Good for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a novice just starting or an experienced artist, these pastels cater to all. Their user-friendly nature and exceptional quality make them a joy to work with, regardless of your skill level. They’re perfect for a variety of projects, from detailed landscapes to vibrant floral compositions​.

Cons:

1. Scratchiness in Some Colors: Not everything is perfect, though. I’ve noticed that some colors can be a bit scratchy. This isn’t unique to Mungyo and seems to be a common issue across various brands, likely due to the specific pigments used. It’s a minor drawback, but one that can interrupt the otherwise smooth experience​..

In conclusion, Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels have become a staple in my art supplies. Their affordability, smooth application, and vibrant colors make them a delight to use, despite a few minor drawbacks. They offer an excellent balance of quality and value, perfect for any artist looking to explore the world of oil pastels​.

Conclusion

Selecting the best oil pastels as a beginner is a pivotal step in your artistic journey. Remember, the ideal set balances quality, versatility, and affordability. Prioritize creamy consistency, a diverse color range, and good lightfastness. Start with a medium-sized set to explore techniques without overwhelming yourself. Don’t shy away from student-grade options – they offer great value for beginners. As you progress, you can gradually invest in professional-grade pastels. Ultimately, the best oil pastels are those that inspire you to create freely. Experiment, practice, and most importantly, enjoy the process. With the right tools in hand, you’re well-equipped to bring your artistic visions to vibrant life.