Best Oil Pastels for Artists: Top Picks for Vibrant Creations

Artists often seek ways to express their creativity through various mediums. Oil pastels are a popular choice because they offer rich colors and a smooth application. Unlike traditional pastels, oil pastels provide a more vibrant look and can be used on different surfaces, making them versatile for many artistic styles.

When selecting oil pastels, it is important to consider a few key factors. The softness of the pastel can affect the blendability and how easily it applies to the paper. Additionally, the range of colors offered and the quality of pigments can influence the final outcome of the artwork. Artists should also pay attention to the durability and lightfastness of the pastels to ensure their artwork stands the test of time.

We explored various options to find the best oil pastels for artists, focusing on quality, color range, and ease of use.

Best Oil Pastels for Artists

We have researched and gathered a list of the best oil pastels available for artists. These options offer a range of colors and qualities, perfect for any artistic project. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, our selections will meet your needs.

Mungyo Soft Oil Pastels

We think the Mungyo Gallery Soft Oil Pastels set is a solid choice for artists seeking vibrant colors and smooth blending.

Pros

• Great variety of colors in one set
• Easy to blend for different textures
• Affordable for quality oil pastels

Cons

• Some users may find them tricky to handle
• They can break if dropped
• Not as soft as higher-end brands

When we first tried the Mungyo pastels, we were impressed by the array of colors. With 48 different shades, our artwork quickly became more lively and colorful. The packaging feels sturdy, and we appreciate how each pastel is secured in its place. This makes it easy to organize and access the pastels during our creative sessions.

Using these pastels was a pleasant experience. They glide smoothly across the paper and are quite blendable. Mixing shades allowed us to create unique colors and effects. We did notice that while they feel soft, they aren’t as creamy as some premium brands. This led to some initial adjustments in our technique.

A minor downside is their durability. While blending and applying was easy, we had to be cautious not to drop them, as they could break. Overall, we find that these pastels offer excellent value for both beginners and experienced artists looking to expand their supplies without overspending.

Artecho Oil Pastels Set

We highly recommend the Artecho Oil Pastels for their vibrant colors and easy blending, making them a great option for artists at any level.

Pros

• Wide selection of 48 bright colors for various projects.
• Smooth texture allows for easy blending and shading.
• Convenient packaging keeps pastels safe and organized.

Cons

• Some users noted they can be a bit messy during use.
• Not water-soluble, which might limit certain techniques.
• Requires practice to master blending techniques effectively.

Using the Artecho Oil Pastels has been a delightful experience. The colors are rich and vibrant, giving our artwork a fresh look. Each pastel glides smoothly on the paper, making it simple to create soft gradients and lively illustrations. The range of colors means we have plenty of options for all our projects.

The packaging also deserves a mention. Each pastel comes in its own paper sleeve, which helps prevent breakage. This thoughtful design makes it easy to carry the set around, whether for classes or outdoor sketching sessions. It fits in our bags without any hassle.

While these oil pastels perform well, be prepared for a little mess. Oil pastels can smudge, and it takes some time to get used to their unique properties. Overall, we find that their creamy texture and beautiful colors are worth the minor challenges they present.

Pentel Arts Oil Pastels Set

These oil pastels are a solid choice for both beginners and seasoned artists who want vibrant colors and smooth blending.

Pros

• Bright, lively colors that really pop on paper.
• Smooth application makes them easy to work with.
• Great variety of colors included in the set.

Cons

• Some pastels might come broken.
• Can have a strong smell that some users find unpleasant.
• Blending could be a bit tricky for certain techniques.

Using the Pentel Arts Oil Pastels was a great experience. The colors applied smoothly onto the paper, and we found that the richness of the hues brought our drawings to life. They blended well, allowing us to create beautiful shades. We noticed the difference compared to chalk pastels, as these felt a lot more vibrant.

One thing to mention is that the carrying case is a nice touch. It keeps everything organized and makes it easy to transport our materials. However, we did encounter some issues with a few pastels arriving broken, which was disappointing.

The smell of the pastels can be quite strong. While some might not mind it, others may find it off-putting, especially in a smaller workspace. For us, the positive aspects, like color variety and blendability, outweighed this problem. These oil pastels are useful for many types of projects, and we would certainly buy them again.

Paul Rubens Oil Pastels

We find the Paul Rubens Oil Pastels to be a strong choice for anyone looking to explore vibrant colors and smooth blending in their art.

Pros

• 72 vibrant colors bring life to projects.
• Soft texture allows for easy blending.
• Eco-friendly materials ensure safety during use.

Cons

• Some pastels may have an oily residue.
• A few colors can have a strong odor.
• Wider tips can limit detailed work.

We enjoyed using the Paul Rubens oil pastels. The array of 72 colors truly enhances any artwork. Each pastel lays down color smoothly, making blending a joy. The creamy texture allows us to achieve beautiful gradients easily.

On the downside, we did notice that some pastels arrived with a bit of oil on them, which can be messy. A few colors also carried a strong scent that might be bothersome to some users. Additionally, while the wide tips are great for large areas, they can make it tricky to get into small spaces.

Despite these issues, the vibrant hues and ease of use make these pastels a good option for both beginners and experienced artists. Whether on paper or canvas, our creations looked more lively and colorful. With a range of uses and a commitment to quality, Paul Rubens oil pastels are worth considering for your next art project.

Mont Marte Oil Pastels

These pastels are a solid choice for anyone looking to explore vibrant colors and smooth textures.

Pros

• Vibrant color selection.
• Smooth and buttery application.
• Convenient storage in a tin box.

Cons

• Longer drying time due to oil base.
• Layering can be challenging.
• Not ideal for professional use.

When we first opened the tin, the bright colors instantly caught our eye. There are 48 different shades, and each one pops on paper. The soft texture makes applying the pastels a breeze, allowing for smooth strokes with minimal pressure.

Blending is another strong point for the Mont Marte pastels. Using our fingers or a brush, we were able to mix colors well, creating unique shades. This feature really enhances our art, allowing for creative freedom without worrying about muddled colors.

On the down side, the oil base means these pastels take a bit longer to dry. We also noticed that layering multiple colors can be tricky. If you’re looking to create deep textures, it might not always work out as planned. Still, for beginners and casual artists, these pastels provide an enjoyable experience.

EXTRIC Oil Pastels

These oil pastels are a great choice for artists of all levels who want vibrant colors and ease of use.

Pros

• Soft texture that’s easy for anyone to handle.
• A wide range of 48 vibrant colors.
• Durable and non-breakable for long-lasting use.

Cons

• The packaging can be slightly flimsy.
• Some users received damaged products.
• Colors might need layering for the best results.

We recently tried the EXTRIC oil pastels and found them to have a wonderful silky feel. This makes blending colors a breeze, whether we’re working on smooth gradients or bold strokes. The vibrant color selection is impressive, making it easy to find the right shade for our artwork.

In terms of usability, these pastels perform well for both beginners and experienced artists. We noticed that they hold up well against pressure, reducing the chances of breaking. This is especially handy for kids who are just starting to explore the world of oil pastels. The non-toxic formula adds peace of mind for parents.

While we enjoyed the product, we did notice some concerns with packaging. A few users mentioned receiving their pastels in a damaged box. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering bulk orders. Overall, these pastels offer fantastic value for anyone looking to dive into pastel art.

Mont Marte Soft Pastels

These pastels are vibrant and versatile, making them a solid choice for artists looking to enhance their work.

Pros

• Beautiful color range
• Smooth application
• Great for blending

Cons

• Softness can vary
• Some colors may need layering
• Storage case might be a bit bulky

Using the Mont Marte Soft Pastels has been a delightful experience. The 48 colors are rich and allow for easy blending. We loved how they go on smoothly, making it simple to create soft gradients or vivid details. The texture feels nice and creamy, which makes our artwork pop.

We also enjoyed the convenience of the tin storage case. It keeps everything organized and protected. While the pastels are easy to work with, some colors can feel a bit softer than others. This means we might have to work a little harder to fill in certain areas.

In our testing, we found that layering worked well for bolder colors. The pastels are compatible with other tools like charcoal and pastel pencils. This versatility is a huge plus for mixed media projects. Overall, Mont Marte pastels would be a great addition to any artist’s supply kit.

KUPTOOL Oil Pastel Set

These pastels are a solid choice for both kids and aspiring artists looking for vibrant colors and good quality.

Pros

• Smooth application with a soft texture
• Rich, vivid colors that are easy to blend
• Non-toxic and safe for all ages

Cons

• Can produce some fallout during use
• May not hold up well under heavy pressure
• Blending might be challenging for some users

Using the KUPTOOL Oil Pastel Set, we were impressed by how smooth they felt on paper. The soft texture allows for easy application, making it fun to create vibrant artworks. The wide range of 50 colors gives us plenty of choices for every project.

We noticed that the colors are vivid and stand out beautifully. It’s great for blending, but we found that if we press too hard, the pastels can crumble a bit. So, while they work well for lighter applications, we recommend being gentle when you want to layer colors.

Cleaning up was a breeze since these pastels are washable, which is a big plus for us working with kids. Overall, the KUPTOOL set gives you great results with a little care during use, making it a good option for both beginners and experienced artists alike.

Mungyo Gallery Oil Pastel Set

We highly recommend the Mungyo Gallery Professional 72-Color Oil Pastel Set for both beginners and seasoned artists looking for quality and vibrant colors.

Pros

• Rich and vibrant color range
• Smooth blending and layering
• Comes with a sturdy, elegant wooden case

Cons

• Some pastels may be softer than desired
• Can leave a bit of residue on fingers
• Price might be higher compared to basic sets

Using the Mungyo oil pastels has been a delightful experience. The colors are rich and the texture feels luxurious, making each stroke a pleasure. We found it easy to apply these pastels on various surfaces. Whether it was paper or canvas, the pastels adhered well without any fuss.

Blending colors is straightforward, allowing us to create beautiful gradients effortlessly. This set offers a wide range of shades, so we could experiment with different techniques and styles. It’s great how we could layer the pastels to add depth to our artworks.

The wooden case is a standout feature. It not only organizes our pastels neatly but also adds an elegant touch, making it easy to transport. We felt that this set would make an excellent gift for any art enthusiast, combining functionality with aesthetics.

Buying Guide

Choosing the right oil pastels is important for our artistic process. Here are some key features to consider:

1. Softness vs. Firmness
Some pastels are softer and can be blended easily, while firmer ones offer more control. We should choose based on our style and technique.

2. Color Range
Look for sets that offer a variety of colors. A larger color selection allows us to create more detailed and vibrant artwork.

3. Pigment Quality
High-quality pastels use fine pigments. This means better color richness and durability in our artwork.

4. Size and Shape
Pastels come in different sizes and shapes. Longer pastels may last longer, while shorter ones are easier for fine details.

5. Price
We should consider our budget. Higher-priced pastels often have better quality, but there are good options in lower price ranges as well.

When selecting oil pastels, we should think about what suits our needs best. Testing a few options can also help us find our favorite.