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Sennelier Oil Pastels

Sennelier oil pastels are a popular choice among professional artists due to their creamy texture and vibrant colours and archival qualities. These oil pastels are made with high-quality pigments, and are known for their lightfastness and durability. This means that the colours will not fade or change over time when exposed to light. This is an important consideration for artists who want their works to remain vibrant and true to colour for years to come.


One of the unique features of Sennelier oil pastels is their base, which is made from a combination of natural and synthetic waxes. This allows the pastels to glide smoothly over the paper or canvas, and allows for easy blending and layering of colours.


One of the benefits of using oil pastels is their versatility. They can be used on a variety of surfaces, including paper, cardboard, and even wood. They can also be mixed with other media, such as oil paints and acrylics, to create interesting textural effects.


One thing to keep in mind when using Sennelier oil pastels is that they are prone to smudging, especially when used on smooth surfaces. To prevent smudging, you can use a fixative spray or work on a textured surface.


Sennelier oil pastels were first developed in 1949 by Henri Sennelier, a French artist and colour expert. Sennelier was a close friend of Pablo Picasso, and it was at the artist's request that Sennelier developed a high-quality oil pastel. Picasso used these oil pastels in many of his works, and they quickly gained popularity among other artists as well.


As mentioned before, one of the drawbacks of using oil pastels is that they are prone to smudging, especially when used on smooth surfaces. To prevent smudging, you can use a fixative spray or work on a textured surface. You can also try using a softer pastel paper or canvas, which will help to hold the pastel in place.


Overall, Sennelier oil pastels are a high-quality choice for artists who want vibrant, blendable colours and a creamy texture. Their versatility, lightfastness, and durability make them a great addition to any artist's toolkit. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, Sennelier oil pastels are sure to become one of your go-to media. Due to their exquisite quality, they generally come with a hefty price tag so this is one of those items that you would want to shop around for in order to get the best deal.


Sennelier oil pastels come in a wide range of colours, with over 200 shades to choose from. From bright primary colours to rich, earthy tones, you can find almost any colour you need in the Sennelier range. The pastels are also available in sets, ranging from small sets with a few basic colours to large sets with a full range of shades.


One of the great things about oil pastels is their ability to be blended and layered. You can create subtle gradations of colour by blending two or more shades together, or create texture and depth by layering the pastels on top of one another. You can even mix oil pastels with other media, such as oil paints or acrylics, to create unique textural effects.


If you are new to oil pastels, it can be helpful to start with a small set and experiment with different techniques and effects. You can try blending, layering, and mixing with other media to see what you like best. As you become more comfortable with the medium, you can gradually expand your collection to include more shades and techniques.


If you are looking for an affordable alternative to Sennelier oil pastels, there are several options to consider. One option is Faber-Castell's oil pastels, which are known for their smooth, creamy texture and vibrant colours. These oil pastels are made with high-quality pigments and a non-drying oil binder, which allows them to blend easily and remain workable for longer periods of time.


Another affordable option is Caran d'Ache Neopastels. These oil pastels are made with a combination of pigments, oil, and wax, which gives them a creamy texture and good lightfastness. They are also available in a wide range of colours, making them a versatile choice for artists.


If you are just starting out with oil pastels and don't want to invest in a large set, you can also consider Winsor & Newton's oil pastel sticks. These pastels are made with high-quality pigments and a non-drying oil binder, and are available in a range of basic colours. They are a budget-friendly option for artists looking to try out oil pastels for the first time.


Overall, there are several affordable options for artists who want to try out oil pastels without breaking the bank. Whether you choose Faber-Castell, Caran d'Ache, or Winsor & Newton, you can find oil pastels that offer good quality and performance at a more affordable price point. So, if you want to try oil pastels but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of options to consider.


One thing to keep in mind when looking for an affordable oil pastel option is the quality of the pigments. Some cheaper brands may use lower-quality pigments, which can result in faded or dull colours over time. This is particularly important if you are planning on displaying your artwork, as you want the colours to remain vibrant for as long as possible.

Another factor to consider is the texture of the pastels. Some cheaper brands may have a harder, more crumbly texture, which can make them more difficult to work with and blend. This can be frustrating for artists, especially those who are new to oil pastels and are still learning how to use the medium.


One way to ensure that you are getting good quality oil pastels at an affordable price is to read reviews and ask other artists for recommendations. You can also try out a few different brands to see which ones you like best. It may take a bit of trial and error to find the right oil pastels for you, but it is worth the effort to find a brand that offers good quality and performance at a price that fits your budget.


Overall, there are several affordable options for artists looking for oil pastels. Whether you choose Faber-Castell, Caran d'Ache, or Winsor & Newton, you can find oil pastels that offer good quality and performance at a more affordable price point. Just be sure to consider the quality of the pigments and the texture of the pastels when making your decision, as these factors can have a big impact on the overall performance of the pastels.


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