Using Oil Pastels in Number Painting: A Complete Guide
Number painting—commonly known as paint by numbers—has become one of the most popular creative hobbies for beginners and experienced artists alike. Traditionally, these kits use acrylic paint to fill in each numbered section. But today, many creators want a softer, blended, more artistic look. That’s where oil pastels come in.
Whether you’re working on a standard paint-by-number canvas or one of the top rated custom paint by number kits, oil pastels can elevate your artwork in a completely different way. They allow smoother transitions, richer color depth, and a velvety finish that looks professionally hand-painted.
If you’re ready to take your number painting skills to the next level, this complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using oil pastels.
What Are Oil Pastels?
Oil pastels are creamy, pigment-rich sticks made from:
- High-quality pigments
- Non-drying oils
- Waxes
Unlike acrylics, they never fully dry. This gives you extended flexibility for blending and layering, making them ideal for achieving realistic shadows, gradients, and textures.
Oil pastels can be blended with your fingers, blending stumps, cotton buds, or tissue—making them incredibly beginner-friendly.
Why Use Oil Pastels for Number Painting?
Here are the top reasons artists love incorporating oil pastels into their number-painting projects:
1. Smooth, Professional Blending
Oil pastels blend effortlessly, allowing you to create:
- Soft transitions
- Gentle shadows
- Smooth gradients
- Realistic lighting effects
This gives your artwork a painterly, fine-art feel.
2. More Artistic Control
With oil pastels, you can add:
- Extra highlights
- Detailed textures
- Soft glows
- Hand-blended realism
This level of customization is difficult with basic acrylic-only kits.
3. Zero Water, Zero Mess
No mixing. No drying time. No brushes needed.
Just pick up the pastel and start creating.
4. Rich, Velvety Finish
Your artwork will have a lush, textured surface that stands out beautifully once framed.
How to Use Oil Pastels in Number Painting
Follow these steps for flawless results:
Step 1: Prepare Your Canvas
Start with your standard set or a custom canvas from a top rated custom paint by number kits collection.
Make sure the canvas is:
- Clean
- Dry
- Slightly textured
This helps the pastel grip properly.
Step 2: Apply Color Lightly
Follow the numbers just as you would in a traditional paint by numbers kit.
Use gentle pressure to lay down color—oil pastels go on thick, so it’s better to build slowly.
Step 3: Blend for a Seamless Look
Use tools like:
- Fingers
- Cotton buds
- Tissue paper
- Blending stumps
Blend edges where two colors meet to create soft transitions.
Step 4: Build in Layers
Oil pastels shine when layered. Follow this order:
- Base color
- Mid-tones
- Shadows
- Highlights
Layering fully covers the printed numbers and creates depth.
Step 5: Add Artistic Details
Once the main structure is done, enhance your painting with subtle details:
- Add bright highlights on skin, eyes, or reflective surfaces
- Deepen shadows for realism
- Add texture to hair, foliage, or clothing
This is the step that turns a guided artwork into a customized masterpiece.
Step 6: Seal With Fixative (Optional)
Since oil pastels don’t dry, spray your finished piece with a pastel fixative.
This prevents smudging and keeps your artwork vibrant for years.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Clean your hands frequently to avoid accidental smudges.
- Apply lighter colors first; use dark shades last.
- Sharpen pastels with a blade for fine details.
- Blend gently—over-blending can create muddy areas.
Who Should Use Oil Pastels for Number Painting?
Oil pastels are an excellent choice for:
- Beginners seeking softer finishes
- Hobby artists wanting a more expressive style
- Anyone wanting to upgrade the traditional paint-by-number look
- Creators working on keepsake canvases or personalized gifts
If you’re working on a meaningful project—such as a pet portrait, wedding photo, or landscape memory—a custom canvas from the top rated custom paint by number kits collection is perfect for oil pastel techniques.
Final Thoughts
Oil pastels transform ordinary number paintings into elegant, richly blended works of art. Whether you’re enhancing a simple hobby kit or elevating a personalized canvas, oil pastels add softness, depth, and emotion to your work.
If you’re ready to create a truly unique piece, try starting with a high-quality paint by numbers canvas or upgrade to one of the top rated custom paint by number kits to turn your favorite photo into a stunning, hand-painted masterpiece.
Let your creativity flow—your next gallery-worthy artwork is only a pastel stroke away.
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