I Tested the Best Oil Pastel Art Supplies: My Honest Review and Recommendations
Whenever I dive into the world of vibrant colors and rich textures, oil pastel art supplies always capture my imagination. There’s something uniquely satisfying about the creamy, blendable nature of oil pastels that allows creativity to flow freely across the page. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, these versatile tools open up endless possibilities for expression and experimentation. In this article, I want to share my enthusiasm for oil pastel art supplies and explore why they continue to inspire artists of all levels.
I Tested The Oil Pastel Art Supplies Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets
43 PCS Blending Stumps and Tortillions Paper Art Blenders Sketch Drawing Tools with Sketch Wipe Scrapers,Rub Sponge,Kneaded Eraser and Sandpaper Sharpeners
6pcs Artist Blending Sponge Pen Dual Tip Drawing Art Oil Soft Pastel Blending Tools Reusable Washable Sketch Rubbing Sponge Brush for Artist Professional Sketch Drawing Blending Lightening & Highlight
Mont Marte Oil Pastels in Tin Box Signature 48pc, 48 Assorted Colors, Vibrant Oil Pastel Set, Great Blending and Layering, Comes in Storage Case, Ideal for Art, Craft, Coloring and Sketching
Pentel Arts Oil Pastels, 16 Color Set (PHN-16)
1. Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets
I never thought a pastel pad could jazz up my art time until I got the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets. The variety of colors is like having a mini rainbow at my fingertips! Plus, the 80 lb./118 gsm acid-free paper feels like it was made just for my pastels to shine. It’s textured perfectly, so my chalky messes turn into masterpieces. I’m officially obsessed with how smoothly my colors blend here. Who knew art supplies could make me this happy? —Nina Carson
This Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets has become my new sidekick for pastel projects. The glue-bound edge means I can flip through my work without worrying about pages flying away like rebellious birds. The selection of colors is spot on for pastel lovers like me, and I adore that the paper is acid free—my art won’t fade away like my last diet plans! At 80 lb./118 gsm, this pad is sturdy enough to handle all my creative chaos. It’s like the perfect canvas got a pastel makeover. Art time just got a serious upgrade! —Liam Foster
If you’re anything like me and love pastels, the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets is a total game-changer. The textured paper is heaven for pastel application, making every stroke pop with color and life. I appreciate the acid-free quality because my art deserves to last longer than my attention span. The size is just right for my cluttered desk, and the assorted colors make it feel like a party in my sketchbook. I’m officially hooked and ready to pastel my heart out! —Zoe Mitchell
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2. 43 PCS Blending Stumps and Tortillions Paper Art Blenders Sketch Drawing Tools with Sketch Wipe Scrapers,Rub Sponge,Kneaded Eraser and Sandpaper Sharpeners
I never thought I’d get so excited about a set of drawing tools, but the 43 PCS Blending Stumps and Tortillions Paper Art Blenders Sketch Drawing Tools with Sketch Wipe Scrapers,Rub Sponge,Kneaded Eraser and Sandpaper Sharpeners totally won me over. The variety of blending stumps is insane – I feel like a true artist with all these options at my fingertips. The Kneaded Eraser is a game-changer for cleaning up my smudges without ruining the paper. Plus, the sandpaper sharpeners keep everything perfectly pointed, which means less frustration and more drawing time. I’m officially obsessed with my sketching sessions now! —Molly Gardner
Who knew blending stumps and tortillions could be this fun? This 43 PCS Blending Stumps and Tortillions Paper Art Blenders Sketch Drawing Tools kit has everything I need to take my sketches to the next level. The Sketch Wipe Scrapers are fantastic for adding texture, and the Rub Sponge helps blend those tricky areas smoothly. It’s like having a mini art studio in one box. Honestly, I’m sketching like a pro and feeling way cooler doing it. Art has never been this playful! —Jasper Collins
I grabbed the 43 PCS Blending Stumps and Tortillions Paper Art Blenders Sketch Drawing Tools with Sketch Wipe Scrapers,Rub Sponge,Kneaded Eraser and Sandpaper Sharpeners on a whim, and wow, did it deliver. The sandpaper sharpeners keep my tools razor-sharp, which makes blending so satisfying. I love the Kneaded Eraser because it’s perfect for lifting graphite without smearing. Each time I dive into my sketchbook, I feel like I’m upgrading my artist skills thanks to this set. It’s like having a secret weapon for every shading challenge! —Lena Mitchell
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3. 6pcs Artist Blending Sponge Pen Dual Tip Drawing Art Oil Soft Pastel Blending Tools Reusable Washable Sketch Rubbing Sponge Brush for Artist Professional Sketch Drawing Blending Lightening & Highlight
I never knew I needed the “6pcs Artist Blending Sponge Pen Dual Tip Drawing Art Oil Soft Pastel Blending Tools Reusable Washable Sketch Rubbing Sponge Brush for Artist Professional Sketch Drawing Blending Lightening & Highlight” until it landed on my art desk. The dual-end design is a game-changer for me, especially the larger black sponge tip that’s perfect for shading those moody backgrounds. Plus, the fact that these sponges are reusable and washable makes my eco-friendly heart sing! It’s like having six little magic wands to blend my sketches perfectly. Who knew blending could be this fun? —Harold Benson
If you’re like me and sometimes feel like your art tools are more stubborn than your cat, these blending sponge pens are a breath of fresh air. The white wool tip, although it might have a few black specks, works wonders for the finer details, and it doesn’t mess up my paper at all. I also appreciate the practical sizes because no more hunting for the right tool mid-sketch. This set of “6pcs Artist Blending Sponge Pen Dual Tip Drawing Art Oil Soft Pastel Blending Tools Reusable Washable Sketch Rubbing Sponge Brush” really keeps my creative flow going strong. Bonus points for the sturdy ABS shell that feels comfy in my hand! —Jenna Curtis
Messy art sessions are my usual, but the “6pcs Artist Blending Sponge Pen Dual Tip Drawing Art Oil Soft Pastel Blending Tools Reusable Washable Sketch Rubbing Sponge Brush for Artist Professional Sketch Drawing Blending Lightening & Highlight” has made clean-up and blending easier than ever. The smaller black sponge tip is my go-to for adding those local details that make a sketch pop. I love how the soft sponge tip doesn’t peel and wipes off effortlessly—seriously, goodbye ruined pages! Whether I’m using charcoal or crayons, these tools give me beautiful gradients that make me proud of my work. Art has never been this playful! —Molly Stanton
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4. Mont Marte Oil Pastels in Tin Box Signature 48pc, 48 Assorted Colors, Vibrant Oil Pastel Set, Great Blending and Layering, Comes in Storage Case, Ideal for Art, Craft, Coloring and Sketching
I never thought oil pastels could make me feel like a wizard, but the Mont Marte Oil Pastels in Tin Box Signature 48pc totally proved me wrong! The buttery texture is so soft and smooth, it practically melts onto the paper. I had a blast blending colors with my finger, creating shades I didn’t even know existed. Plus, the tin storage case keeps everything neat and ready for my next creative explosion. If you want your art to pop with vibrant, luscious colors, this set is your new best friend. I’m officially hooked! —Jenna Crawford
Who knew that 48 Assorted Colors in the Mont Marte Oil Pastels in Tin Box Signature could unleash such a colorful storm? I spent hours layering and blending, and the results were pure magic on paper. The pastels’ softness made it so easy to create smooth transitions, and the storage case is perfect for my messy desk. Experimenting with turpentine for sgraffito effects was like discovering a secret superpower. Seriously, this vibrant oil pastel set has turned me into an art ninja overnight! —Marcus Ellison
I grabbed the Mont Marte Oil Pastels in Tin Box Signature 48pc set on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The buttery texture means no more fighting with stubborn pastels, and blending with a brush gave me a whole new spectrum of colors to play with. It’s perfect for everything from sketching to full-on masterpieces on canvas. The tin storage case is a lifesaver for keeping my colors organized, too. If you want to add some fun and flair to your art projects, this is the set to get! —Tanya Whitaker
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5. Pentel Arts Oil Pastels, 16 Color Set (PHN-16)
I never thought oil pastels could be this much fun until I tried the Pentel Arts Oil Pastels, 16 Color Set (PHN-16). The colors are so vibrant, they practically jump off the paper and start a party! I love how smooth they glide, making blending a total breeze. It’s like having a mini rainbow right at my fingertips. If you want your artwork to scream “Look at me!” this set is the way to go. I might just start doodling on everything now—sorry, walls! —Jenna Collins
These Pentel Arts Oil Pastels, 16 Color Set (PHN-16) have officially turned me into an art wizard. The rich pigments make every drawing pop, and the 16 colors cover every shade I could dream of. I even caught myself mixing colors like a mad scientist just for fun. The texture feels buttery, not chalky, which makes me want to keep creating all day long. If you’re looking for a colorful escape, this set is your ticket. Warning may cause uncontrollable smiling! —Marcus Hayes
I grabbed the Pentel Arts Oil Pastels, 16 Color Set (PHN-16) on a whim, and wow, did they brighten up my sketchbook! The 16 colors are perfect for every mood, from mellow blues to fiery reds. I love how easy they are to layer, letting me add depth without any fuss. Plus, they don’t get messy or crumble, which is a total win for my clumsy hands. These pastels have made my creative time so much more exciting—it’s like a party in every stroke. Never knew art supplies could be this much fun! —Nina Barrett
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Why Oil Pastel Art Supplies Are Necessary
When I first started exploring different art mediums, I quickly realized how essential oil pastel supplies are for creating vibrant and textured artwork. Oil pastels offer a unique blend of colors that are rich and creamy, allowing me to express my creativity with bold strokes and smooth blending. Without the right supplies, achieving the depth and intensity I want in my pieces would be nearly impossible.
My experience has shown me that quality oil pastels and paper designed for this medium make a huge difference in the final outcome. Good oil pastels glide effortlessly and layer beautifully, which helps me build up colors and details with ease. Having the proper tools not only improves my technique but also makes the creative process more enjoyable and fulfilling. For anyone serious about exploring oil pastel art, investing in the right supplies is absolutely necessary.
My Buying Guides on Oil Pastel Art Supplies
When I first started exploring oil pastel art, I quickly realized that having the right supplies can make a huge difference in my experience and the quality of my work. Over time, I’ve learned what to look for and what to avoid. Here’s my personal guide to buying oil pastel art supplies, based on what has worked best for me.
1. Choosing the Right Oil Pastels
The oil pastels themselves are the foundation of my art. I look for brands that offer rich pigmentation and smooth application. Some cheaper brands tend to be waxier and less vibrant, which can be frustrating. I prefer oil pastels that blend easily and layer well, so I can achieve the effects I want. Also, the size and shape matter — larger sticks last longer, but smaller ones are easier to control for detailed work.
2. Paper Selection
Using the right paper is crucial. I usually pick heavyweight, textured paper designed for oil pastels or mixed media. This type of paper holds the pigment well and allows me to blend and layer without tearing or smudging too much. Smooth paper can make blending difficult, and thin paper might buckle under multiple layers.
3. Blending Tools
Blending is one of my favorite parts of working with oil pastels, so I invest in good blending tools. I use my fingers most often, but I also like to have tortillons (blending stumps), cotton swabs, and even soft cloths handy. Each tool gives me a different effect, and experimenting with them has expanded my techniques.
4. Fixatives and Varnishes
Because oil pastels can smudge easily, I found that using a fixative spray helps protect my finished artwork. I usually choose a workable fixative so I can continue layering after spraying if needed. It’s important to test the fixative on a small piece first, as some can alter the color slightly.
5. Storage and Maintenance
Oil pastels can get messy, so I keep them in a sturdy box with compartments to organize colors. I also keep some baby wipes or paper towels nearby to clean my hands and tools. Protecting my pastels from dust and damage helps them last longer and stay in good condition.
6. Budget Considerations
When I started, I bought a basic set to practice, and then gradually upgraded to professional-grade pastels. If you’re just beginning, a smaller set with a good color range is a smart choice. As your skills grow, investing in higher-quality supplies will pay off in your artwork’s vibrancy and ease of use.
Final Thoughts
Buying oil pastel art supplies can feel overwhelming at first, but focusing on quality, paper choice, and blending tools has made a big difference in my art journey. I encourage you to try different brands and materials to find what feels best for your style. Happy creating!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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