Description

Sennelier Oil Pastels are exceptionally smooth and creamy and are the ultimate in the combination of blending power and opacity. They work well on a variety of substrates, from paper and gessoed boards to metal plates and glass. To order individual pastels select the quantity and then list the pastels required from the colour chart in the “Notes to Supplier’ at checkout.

The pastels are premium, highly pigmented artist-grade pastels known for their incredibly creamy, buttery consistency. Originally created in the 1940s at the request of Pablo Picasso for a versatile medium that would not harden or dry out. The pastels allow for rich colour blending, thick impasto applications, and deep textural effects. Also available Sennelier Oil Pastel Sets.

Unique Characteristics of Sennelier Oil Pastels:

• Non-Drying Formulation: Unlike traditional oil paints or oil sticks, Sennelier pastels contain a non-drying mineral oil and wax base. This means they never fully cure or harden. Artwork remains workable indefinitely.
• Ultra-High Pigmentation: Their extraordinarily high pigment load delivers brilliant saturation, opacity, and covering power.
• Versatile Surface Compatibility: Because of their wax base, they can be used on almost any support without prior preparation or gesso.  This includes paper, board, canvas, wood, metal, and glass.

Common Techniques

• Blending & Gradation: You can use your fingers or a colour shaper to blend colours directly on the canvas or paper to achieve smooth, painterly transitions.
• Scumbling: Applying a lighter, opaque colour lightly over a darker base layer to create depth and texture.
• Sgraffito: Layer two or more contrasting colours heavily. Then using a palette knife, clay tool, or stylus scratch away the top layer. This reveals the bright colours beneath.
• Solvent Thinning: Using odourless mineral spirits or turpentine on a brush or cloth to dissolve and spread the pastel for a wash effect, similar to watercolour.

Care and Preservation

Because they do not dry, Sennelier oil pastels require special handling to prevent smudging, dust collection, or colour transfer.

• Fixatives: Protect finished works using a dedicated spray which seals the surface without causing the pastels to harden.
• Storage: Interleave completed drawings or paintings with glassine paper and store in a flat, cool, dark place away from heat sources.
• Framing: Traditional archival preservation involves matting and framing the work under glass.