Creating with Pastels

Oil pastels are a vibrant, tactile, and forgiving medium. They're perfect for anyone starting their creative journey, especially within art therapy. Here’s why they’re so effective and how to use them safely and confidently.

Why Oil Pastels Work in Therapy

• Non-verbal emotional expression Colour, movement, and pressure allow individuals to express feelings safely and symbolically.

• Tactile and sensory support Using fingers to blend engages the body, aiding in sensory regulation and nervous system soothing.

• Forgiveness and freedom Oil pastels can be messy in the best way. Mistakes blur into new forms, making them ideal for perfectionists or anxious creators.

  
  

How to Start: Materials & Set-up

• Choose non-toxic, student- or artist-grade oil pastels (Das, Posca, Mungyo or Faber-Castell are great options).

• Use sturdy paper (mixed media or pastel paper is best) to support layering.

• Have tissues, blending stumps, cotton buds, or even bits of fabric for blending.

• Keep a damp cloth or wet wipes nearby, it’s a messy joy.

  
  

Techniques & Strategies

1. Blending with fingers Press and swirl two colours together to explore emotional gradients and sensory comfort.

2. Layering Start light, layer darker tones on top, then scratch back through with a toothpick or the end of a brush to uncover emotions or ideas underneath.

3. Colour blocking Use bold blocks of colour to explore energy levels, moods, or inner landscapes.

4. Pressure play Notice how heavy or light pressure feels. Softer strokes often invite gentleness; heavier marks may release tension.

5. Resist techniques Layer oil pastel and gently wash over with a light ink or watered-down paint to create contrast and depth (great for metaphorical exploration).

Creative Prompts to Inspire You

• “Where in my body do I hold stress?” Draw a body outline and use colours and shapes to map emotional or physical sensations.

• “If I could speak without words…” Let your hand lead, start with a single colour and see where it takes you.

• “My inner landscape” Create a scene that represents how your internal world feels today. Hills? Storms? Blooming flowers?

• “What I need right now” Without judgment, draw the colours, shapes, or textures that feel most comforting.

• “Past, present, future” Divide your page in three. Let your hands express each time frame through abstract marks or imagery.

How to Care for Your Art

• Fixing and storing Oil pastels don’t fully dry. To prevent smudging:

  • Place a sheet of baking or wax paper over artwork

  • Use a fixative spray, or hairspray (optional—always ventilate)

  • Frame behind glass if you love it!

• Cleaning up Soap and water usually remove residue from hands. Avoid solvent-based cleaners unless necessary.

Final Thoughts

Creating with oil pastels doesn’t require skill, just curiosity. In the therapeutic space, this medium becomes a gentle mirror, revealing feelings, stories, and strengths through vibrant, touchable expression. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply curious, oil pastels offer a beautiful place to begin.

You don’t need to be an artist to benefit from the process. Just bring yourself, and we’ll explore the rest together.

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