Pastel Chalk: Soft or Oil?

May 22, 2023

When it comes to creating vibrant and expressive artwork, pastel chalk has long been favored by artists around the world. With its rich pigments and versatile application, pastels offer a unique and captivating medium for artistic expression. However, within the realm of pastel chalk, a choice exists between two main types: soft chalk and oil chalk. Understanding the differences between these two forms is essential for artists looking to explore the world of pastel art. In this article, we will delve into the world of pastel chalks, examining the characteristics, techniques, and advantages of both soft and oil chalks. Whether you’re a seasoned pastel artist or a beginner venturing into this captivating medium, this guide will provide you with valuable insights to enhance your artistic journey.

What are Pastel Chalks?

Before we get into the differences between soft and oil chalks, let’s take a moment to understand what pastel chalks are and what they are not. So, you may be wondering if the sidewalk chalk you have is considered pastel chalk. No, however, sidewalk chalk is similar to soft pastel chalk but not quite what we are talking about here or what artists use for their works of art. Although I have seen some beautiful sidewalk art out there today, we are discussing a more refined chalk type. Pastels are a type of dry medium, consisting of pure pigments mixed with a binder. This binder can vary, but it is typically a combination of gum arabic or gum tragacanth, which gives the pastel its distinctive shape and texture. Unlike wet mediums such as oil or acrylic paints, pastels are applied directly onto the working surface without the need for water or solvents.

Soft Pastel Chalks:

Soft pastel chalks are a popular choice among artists due to their vibrant colors and ability to blend seamlessly. These chalks are made from a higher concentration of pigment, resulting in intense hues and a velvety texture. Soft pastels have a powdery consistency, which allows artists to apply them with ease and create a wide range of effects. The texture of soft chalk enables artists to achieve smooth, delicate strokes or build up layers of color for added depth and dimension. These are my personal favorites. I love to use them when I am painting ceramics for shading.

One of the notable advantages of soft pastels is their ability to blend effortlessly. Artists can use their fingers, blending tools, or even brushes to create smooth transitions between colors, gradients, and subtle tonal variations. This blending property makes soft pastels an ideal choice for creating landscapes, portraits, and other subjects that require nuanced shading and realistic textures. Additionally, the wide range of vibrant colors available in soft pastels allows artists to capture the essence of their subjects with remarkable accuracy.

Oil Pastel Chalks:

On the other hand, oil pastels offer a different set of characteristics and techniques. They are composed of pigments mixed with a non-drying oil and a wax binder, which gives them a creamy consistency. Unlike soft pastels, oil pastels can be layered more easily due to their higher oil content. This allows for greater control and flexibility in building up colors and creating textural effects.

Oil pastels offer artists the advantage of working with a medium that remains workable for an extended period. The oils present in these pastels do not fully dry or harden, giving artists the ability to rework and blend colors even after a significant amount of time has passed. This feature makes oil pastels a preferred choice for artists who prefer a more controlled approach or enjoy the ability to adjust their artwork over time.

Furthermore, the creamy nature of oil pastels lends itself well to techniques such as impasto, where artists can build up thick layers of color and create textured surfaces. The ability to create impasto effects with oil pastels adds a tactile quality to the artwork, making it visually appealing and engaging.

Choosing Between Soft and Oil Pastel Chalks:

Now that we have explored the characteristics and techniques associated with soft and oil pastel chalks, the question arises: which type should you choose? The answer ultimately depends on your artistic preferences and the desired effect you wish to achieve in your artwork. Again, I prefer soft pastels over the years I have played with both these and love them so much, but I like the ease of soft pastel chalks. 

If you are drawn to vibrant colors, smooth blending, and a wide range of expressive techniques, then soft pastel chalk may be the ideal choice for you. Their powdery texture allows for effortless blending, making them suitable for creating delicate details, soft gradients, and realistic textures. Soft pastels excel at capturing the subtle nuances of light and shadow, making them particularly well-suited for subjects such as landscapes, still life, and portraiture.

However, if you prefer a more controlled approach and enjoy the ability to rework your artwork over time, oil pastel chalk may be the better option. The creamy consistency of oil pastels allows for easy layering, enabling artists to build up rich colors and create textured surfaces. The extended workability of oil pastels allows for adjustments and refinements, making them suitable for artists who prefer a more deliberate and precise approach. 

It’s worth noting that the choice between soft and oil pastel chalk is not necessarily mutually exclusive. Many artists choose to combine the two mediums in their artwork, leveraging the unique qualities of each to achieve the desired effect. For example, starting with a base layer of soft pastels for blending and creating a foundation of colors, and then adding details or textured effects with oil pastels.

If you are a beginner or new to pastel art, experimenting with both soft and oil pastels can help you discover your preferred medium and explore the possibilities they offer. Ultimately, the decision between soft and oil pastel chalk depends on your artistic vision, style, and the specific techniques you wish to employ in your artwork.

In conclusion, pastel chalks offer artists a captivating medium for creating vibrant and expressive artwork. The choice between soft and oil pastel chalk depends on your artistic preferences and the desired outcome you wish to achieve. 

Exploring both soft and oil pastel chalk allows you to harness the unique qualities of each medium and create artwork that truly reflects your artistic vision. Whether you choose soft, oil, or a combination of both, pastel chalk opens a world of possibilities for artists, from delicate strokes and subtle shading to bold and textured compositions.

So, whether you are a seasoned pastel artist or a beginner eager to venture into the world of pastel art, embrace the versatility of pastel chalks and unleash your creativity on the canvas. With soft and oil pastel chalk at your disposal, your artwork is bound to come alive with vibrant colors, depth, and expressive textures.

–CJDavis

“Every artist was first an amateur.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson