Thoughts about Oil Pastels: Pental & Van Gogh

It is true. Artists are always busy with art, creating, (potential) materials, tools... The art shop is as interesting as whatever is free or can be found on the streets.

If it comes to oil pastels they are a way younger invention than soft pastels and it is hard to tell how many artists still work with it. I am by far not experienced. I just gave it a try and borrowed the Panda oil pastels from the painting group and might borrow them again to check out some things.

In the meanwhile my Pental oil pastels arrived (3.95 euros for 12 sticks). According to Pental the colours will last for many years. I tried to use them in the same way as I use my soft pastels and was, after using Panda, pleasantly surprised. The questions is, if I still feel that way.

To make working easier, I decided to start breaking each stick so I can use them also at their sides to paint faster while trying them out.

And yes, I also bought Van Gogh oil sticks (the only box available 16.95 euros, one stick is 0.95 cents, which is cheaper than a soft pastel of 2.95 euros/stick).

I made quick sketches, and not too quick ones, with both.

black paper - Pental





Van Gogh (left) & Pental (right)





Van Gogh oil pastels 24 + 6 extra colours)

Difference between brands

I can’t remember whether there was anything on the Panda oil pastels’ packaging about colour fastness (I’ll have a look, because according to an art book from the 1980s, Panda is the only brand to mention this); there is a note on the Pental packaging, but not on the Van Gogh packaging.

All oil pastels get dirty quickly (same for hands even if I do not blend), and if I press too hard or the layer is too thick, bits or lumps of oil pastel come away. I find that annoying. Perhaps this can be removed with a kneaded eraser. If I blend it, I end up with dark streaks or unsightly marks/dirty colours.

All types should be suitable for use on a wide range of materials, from smooth to rough paper, as well as cardboard, wood and glass. Incidentally, I wouldn’t know how to wash or protect the glass. It seems far from ideal to me, and I found the ‘drawing’ the teacher showed on a small piece of wood rather ugly. For me, the possibility of being able to clean glass/items also plays a major role.
It goes without saying that the end result depends on the the material used. The paper I used isn’t smooth, which is reflected in the result and makes blending difficult, if not impossible.

The texture and colour of the paper contribute to the final result, so it’s worth keeping at it. There are many different ways to use oil pastels. Applying dark over light is perfect the other way not recommended.

As for oil pastels, you can certainly mix and match them. There’s also a varnish you can use to seal the final result. Whether colour retention for hundreds of years is important is a personal choice. I don’t think there’s any guarantee in that regard; besides, many works of art have changed over time due to the effects of time and light. There are even some that have become more beautiful as a result. Whichever medium you use, most will not last for decades or centuries. Protecting, framing and keeping them out of direct light is the only option.

It is possible to rub or brush oil pastels, or to dampen them with, for example, white spirit or turpentine, to achieve a more painterly effect. I haven’t tried this yet (mineral spirits would also work but are not recommended as they are more flammable).

You can also use oil pastels with a palette knife. Who knows, I might give that a go, although it will certainly cost considerably more oil pastels sticks. Perhaps it’s feasible on a small canvas.

My opinion thusfar:
Pental: a good oilstick for a good price. It doesn't feel as sticky as Panda
*Van Gogh": Except for the feeling it is a bit more creamy I didn't notice any difference if it comes to drawing/painting on the paper I used. It is more expensive and like Pental they are very fast smudged, meaning you have to find a way to make them clean which also costs oil pastel. I try to rub it clean on a piece of paper.

Note: it’s easier to blend colours on a smooth surface than on a textured one. I haven’t used Pastelmat yet. I have, however, tried sandpaper (400 grit) with the Panda oil pastels, and that didn’t work out well.

_{Materials: Oil pastels (Mental + Van Gogh) and coloured paper (white, black and sand).
12-7-2026}