Lately I’ve been on a bit of a mission: experimenting with new materials and way more colour.
Let’s be honest- this means I’ve been making some pretty questionable experimental art because I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing. 😅
If you’re new here, my focus is usually hand lettering and calligraphy. So, for years, my world has been clean, black-and-white, and pretty technical. But recently, I’ve been craving the opposite- messy, colourful, painterly playtime.
So today, I’m trying something I’ve never touched before: oil pastels.
Supplies Used
- Sketchbook
- Oil pastels – I used Sennelier Oil Pastels
- Reference photo
- Palette knife (for scraping and carving)
- Scrap paper or masking tape to protect edges
Rather watch than read? Check out the full video by clicking the video below!
Let’s Get Started – Trying Oil Pastels for the First Time!
I’ll be honest- these are fancy. I’m using Sennelier oil pastels, which are a very high-end (and probably too advanced) brand that I gifted myself ages ago. I had convinced myself I’d try oil pastels and love them… and then, like a lot of art supplies, they just sat there.
So here we are.I know basically nothing about how to use these, but the fastest way to learn something- for me- is to just do it. Jump in, make a mess, and figure it out as I go.
Learning Colour Theory Along the Way
Recently, I started learning colour theory through a course by Lily Rose, whose paintings absolutely stop me in my tracks. They’re so vibrant and harmonious, I couldn’t resist taking her class.
Halfway through the lessons, I’ve already picked up so many “aha!” moments about colour relationships- and this project was the perfect excuse to put that into practice.
If you’ve ever wanted to actually understand how colours work together, I can’t recommend her course enough. Lily was kind enough to give me a $100 discount code for my audience, which you can check out here.
The Experiment: Painting a Pepper
For this experiment, I picked a simple red pepper as my subject. I had a reference photo and decided to go bold- bright colours, contrast, and lots of layering. I’ll layout what I did, step-by-step.
Step #1: Sketched lightly with a pale blue pastel to map out the general shape and shadows.
Step #2: Started blocking in dark areas with blue (no idea if that’s “right,” but it worked!).
Step #3: Layered bright red on top- and when it mixed with the blue underneath, it made this amazing dark purpley-red tone. Total win.
Step #4: Added orange under the green stem to deepen the shadows, then built up lighter greens on top.
Step #5: Used a palette knife (thanks to some Instagram advice!) to scrape back certain spots and create texture.
By the end, it actually looked like a real pepper- with depth, warmth, and those subtle colour transitions that only happen when you layer complementary colours.
Background & Finishing Touches
For the background, I went with a bold purple to contrast the red and green. I kept a thin white outline around the pepper so the colours didn’t blend together, then filled in the rest of the page with that gorgeous purple hue.
And yes, I used a lot of pastel doing it. But that’s the point, right? Use the good supplies.
What I Learned
I honestly surprised myself with how this turned out.
A week ago, before learning colour theory, I never would’ve thought to layer orange under green or blue under red. But now, seeing how those complementary colours interact- it’s kind of magic.And even though I made a mess (and probably wasted half a pastel stick), I had so much fun just playing.
That’s a Wrap – Your Turn!
If this inspired you to experiment, grab some art supplies you’ve been too afraid to “waste,” and just make something for the sake of learning. Try new colours, mix unexpected combinations, and see what happens.
If you’re curious about colour theory too, check out Lily’s course- I’ve linked it HERE along with that $100 coupon she gave me.
Now excuse me while I go clean my pastel-covered hands. 🎨
I’d LOVE to see your creations. Tag me on Instagram: @thehappyevercrafter
And finally, your dad joke…
What has four wheels and flies?
A trash truck!
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