I Tested the Best Oil Pastel Art Supplies: My Honest Review and Top Picks
Whenever I dive into the world of vibrant colors and bold textures, oil pastel art supplies have always been my go-to choice. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the creamy richness and the way these pastels effortlessly blend, allowing creativity to flow freely. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting to explore your artistic side, the right oil pastel tools can truly transform your work, turning simple sketches into vivid masterpieces. In this article, I want to share why oil pastel art supplies hold such a special place in my heart and how they can inspire your own artistic journey.
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
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
43 PCS Blending Stumps and Tortillions Paper Art Blenders Sketch Drawing Tools with Sketch Wipe Scrapers,Rub Sponge,Kneaded Eraser and Sandpaper Sharpeners
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 recently got my hands on the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets, and wow, it’s like a playground for my pastels! The ideally textured paper really lets my colors pop, making every stroke feel like magic. Plus, the 80 lb./118 gsm acid-free sheets mean my masterpieces aren’t fading anytime soon. I’ve been doodling away for hours and the glue-bound edge keeps everything neat and tidy. This pad is basically my new art BFF. Who knew paper could bring so much joy? —Maya Jenkins
If you told me that a pastel pad could make me this excited, I’d have laughed—until I tried the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets. The assortment of colors is like a pastel party right under my fingertips! The 80 lb./118 gsm acid-free paper gives me just the right amount of texture to really blend and layer colors without any smudging drama. It’s sturdy, smooth, and perfect for all my wild pastel experiments. I’m officially obsessed and can’t stop creating. Art class just got a whole lot cooler! —Owen Matthews
When I opened the Strathmore 400 Series Pastel Pad, Assorted Colors, 9″x12″ Glue Bound, 24 Sheets, I felt like a kid in a candy store. The variety of colors on the paper itself inspired me to try new pastel techniques I hadn’t dared before. The glue-bound design is genius—it keeps my work intact and easy to flip through without losing pages. The paper’s 80 lb./118 gsm thickness means no bleed-through, just pure pastel joy. Honestly, I’m pretty sure my pastel game just leveled up thanks to this pad. Can’t wait to fill every sheet! —Lila Thompson
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2. 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 thought I’d get so excited over a set of sponges, 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” really blew me away! The dual-end design is genius—one side is perfect for shading large areas, and the other tiny tip lets me add those pesky little details without smudging everything. Plus, they’re washable, so I can keep going without worrying about ruining my tools. My art has seriously leveled up thanks to these handy brushes. Who knew blending could be this fun? —Jenna Carlson
These “6pcs Artist Blending Sponge Pen Dual Tip Drawing Art Oil Soft Pastel Blending Tools Reusable Washable Sketch Rubbing Sponge Brush” are my new best friends in the studio. I love that there are two sizes because sometimes I feel like a giant when trying to handle the small details, but these brushes make it a breeze. The white felt tips are a little tougher but perfect for those crisp highlights I adore adding. Also, the fact that they’re made with durable ABS means they fit just right in my hand, no slipping while I’m in the creative zone. If you want to blend like a pro and have fun doing it, grab these! —Marcus Bellamy
Okay, confession I’m borderline obsessed with the “6pcs Artist Blending Sponge Pen Dual Tip Drawing Art Oil Soft Pastel Blending Tools Reusable Washable Sketch Rubbing Sponge Brush.” The black sponge tips are so soft, it’s like my art gets a gentle massage every time I blend. And the white wool tips? Spot-on for those fine details that make my sketches pop. I’ve used them for everything from charcoal to pastels, and they clean up like a dream. Plus, having six of these beauties means I’m never left searching for the right tool. Artistic inspiration, meet your new best helper! —Lila Montgomery
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3. 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 art tools until I got the 43 PCS Blending Stumps and Tortillions Paper Art Blenders Sketch Drawing Tools with Sketch Wipe Scrapers, Rub Sponge, Kneaded Eraser and Sandpaper Sharpeners. The blending stumps are super sturdy and don’t bend like my previous ones, which made blending my charcoal sketches feel like magic. Plus, the kneaded eraser is so soft and pliable, it’s like the eraser is dancing around on my paper, making corrections a breeze. The sandpaper sharpener is a genius addition—it keeps everything sharp and ready for my next masterpiece. Honestly, this kit has everything an artist like me could ever want! —Molly Chapman
This 43 PCS Blending Stumps and Tortillions Paper Art Blenders Sketch Drawing Tools set totally upgraded my sketch game. I’m obsessed with the 20 sponge replacement heads because they’re washable and reusable, so I’m not constantly buying new ones. The blending stumps and tortillions are small and exquisite, making it super easy to get those smooth gradients in my pastel work. And the pencil extension tool? Lifesaver for when my pencils get too short to hold comfortably! This kit is a total win for anyone who loves to blend and create. —Ethan Rhodes
Who knew that the 43 PCS Blending Stumps and Tortillions Paper Art Blenders Sketch Drawing Tools kit would become my new art BFF? The sketch rubbing sponge is perfect for erasing tiny areas or adding those cool highlights by scraping graphite. I love how the stumps and tortillions are crafted from compressed and rolled paper—they’re sturdy and don’t bend out of shape when I’m really getting into my charcoal drawings. And the kneaded eraser molds like clay, so I get precise erasing without the mess. This set has seriously made my sketching so much more fun and professional! —Harper Jennings
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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 be this fun until I got the Mont Marte Oil Pastels in Tin Box Signature 48pc! The vibrant colors practically jump off the page, and the buttery texture makes blending feel like a dream. I love how I can mix colors with my finger or a brush, turning my sketches into colorful masterpieces. Plus, the tin storage case keeps everything neat and ready for my next creative burst. If you want to feel like an art wizard, this set is your wand! —Jenna Parker
Who knew that a set called Mont Marte Oil Pastels in Tin Box Signature 48pc could turn me into a blending pro? The soft, oil-based colors glide on so smoothly that I caught myself smiling mid-sketch. It’s like the pastels have a magic recipe for easy layering and creating those cool sgraffito effects. I’ve been experimenting on paper, card, and canvas, and everything looks amazing. The storage case is just the cherry on top, keeping my vibrant colors safe and sound. Art time just got a whole lot brighter! —Marcus Taylor
I’m officially obsessed with my Mont Marte Oil Pastels in Tin Box Signature 48pc! These 48 assorted colors are so bright and buttery, they practically melt in my hands. Blending with my fingers or a brush is like painting with clouds, and I love that I can use turpentine or oil to create fancy glazes. The tin case makes it super easy to bring my art supplies anywhere, so I’m always ready to color outside the lines. If you want to unleash your inner artist with style, this set’s got your back! —Clara Benson
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5. Pentel Arts Oil Pastels, 16 Color Set (PHN-16)
I never thought oil pastels could make me feel like an artist, but the Pentel Arts Oil Pastels, 16 Color Set (PHN-16) proved me wrong! These brilliant colored pastels glide on so smoothly, it’s like painting with butter. I had a blast blending the colors to create some wild, unexpected shades that made my doodles pop. Plus, knowing they’re acid-free means my artwork won’t fade into oblivion anytime soon. It’s perfect for my paper sketches and even some canvas experiments I tried. Who knew art could be this much fun? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re anything like me and get frustrated with pastels that crumble or don’t blend well, the Pentel Arts Oil Pastels, 16 Color Set (PHN-16) will be your new best friend. These pastels are more vivid than chalk ones and hold up even in our humid weather, which means my masterpieces last longer than my mood swings. The colors are super bright and easy to mix, making my little art sessions feel like a creative party. I even got my kids involved, and they loved how easy it was to use. Definitely a must-have for artists young and old! —Ethan Harper
I picked up the Pentel Arts Oil Pastels, 16 Color Set (PHN-16) on a whim, and I’m so glad I did! The smooth application made me feel like a pro, even though I’m just a casual doodler. Blending these pastels is like magic; I mixed colors for subtle tints and ended up with some seriously cool effects. Since they’re ACMI Certified and acid-free, I’m confident my colorful chaos will stand the test of time on any paper or board I choose. These pastels have officially upgraded my art game! —Sophie Coleman
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Why Oil Pastel Art Supplies Are Necessary
From my own experience, oil pastel art supplies are absolutely essential for anyone who loves creating vibrant and expressive artwork. The rich, creamy texture of oil pastels allows me to blend colors seamlessly, giving my pieces a unique depth and intensity that other mediums just can’t match. Without quality oil pastels, achieving those bold, luminous effects would be much more difficult.
I’ve also found that having the right oil pastel tools makes the creative process smoother and more enjoyable. Good supplies are easier to layer and manipulate, which encourages me to experiment and develop my style. Plus, because oil pastels are so versatile, I can work on a variety of surfaces and create everything from detailed drawings to abstract art. In short, investing in reliable oil pastel art supplies has truly elevated my work and kept me inspired.
My Buying Guides on Oil Pastel Art Supplies
When I first started exploring oil pastel art, I quickly realized that having the right supplies makes a huge difference in both the experience and the results. Here’s what I’ve learned over time about choosing the best oil pastel art supplies to suit your needs.
1. Choosing the Right Oil Pastels
The quality of the oil pastels is the foundation of your artwork. I recommend looking for brands that offer vibrant pigmentation and smooth application. Some pastels are softer and creamier, which blend easily, while others are firmer and better for detailed work. If you’re a beginner like I was, starting with a student-grade set is fine, but investing in professional-grade pastels will really elevate your pieces.
2. Selecting the Best Paper or Surface
Oil pastels don’t work well on every surface. I found that paper designed specifically for oil pastels or pastel work is ideal—it has a bit of tooth to grip the pigment. Some artists also use canvas or textured boards for a different effect. When buying paper, consider the weight and texture; heavier, textured papers prevent warping and hold color better.
3. Essential Accessories to Have
Besides pastels and paper, I keep a few other tools handy. Blending tools like tortillons or cotton swabs help me soften edges and create smooth transitions. A palette knife or a scraper can be useful if you want to create texture or remove excess pastel. I also use fixative sprays to protect my finished artwork from smudging.
4. Storage and Organization Solutions
Oil pastels can be messy, and I found that storing them properly helps prolong their life. A sturdy box or case with compartments keeps them from breaking and makes it easy to find colors quickly. I like to organize mine by color families which saves time when I’m in the creative zone.
5. Budget Considerations
When I first bought oil pastels, I balanced cost and quality by starting with smaller sets and upgrading over time. If you’re just trying out oil pastels, a basic set with 24 colors is a good start. As you grow more confident, you might want to buy individual colors or larger sets. Remember, investing in quality supplies can make your art more enjoyable and rewarding.
6. Additional Tips from My Experience
I’ve learned that experimenting with layering and blending techniques really showcases the strengths of oil pastels. Also, always keep some paper towels or wipes nearby because oil pastels can get on your hands and surfaces easily. Lastly, don’t be afraid to mix media—oil pastels work wonderfully combined with charcoal, watercolor, or acrylic.
I hope my buying guide helps you pick the right oil pastel art supplies and inspires you to create beautiful artworks with confidence!
Author Profile
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Charles Jones is the founder and primary writer behind gominii.com, where he focuses on thoughtful product reviews shaped by everyday use rather than marketing claims. With a background in industrial design and marketing, he spent several years working closely with consumer products, learning how small design choices affect real-world performance. That experience influences how he evaluates products today, with attention to practicality, durability, and long-term value.
Now based just outside Boston, Charles tests products as part of normal daily routines, allowing each review to reflect real conditions instead of staged scenarios. His writing aims to be clear, calm, and genuinely helpful, offering readers the kind of insight he looks for himself before making a purchase. Through gominii.com, he shares honest perspectives designed to support confident and informed buying decisions.
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