The Guide to Painting with Oil Pastel

Exploring the World of Oil Pastels – Sharing Knowledge and Inspiration

In this FREE guide, I share my explorations and insights into the world of oil pastels. This material was born from a personal journey filled with discoveries, challenges, and the joy of painting. It’s intended for anyone who shares a curiosity or passion for oil pastels, from beginners to more experienced artists looking to deepen their understanding of this colorful medium.

Whether you’re here to find solutions to specific challenges or simply to explore the potential of oil pastels, "The Guide to Painting with Oil Pastel" aims to be a helpful, inspiring companion on your artistic path. It's packed with everything I wish I knew when I started, and I hope it helps you get as much joy from oil pastels as I do.


“This oil pastel guide is really excellent. It is such a pleasure to read it. It is not only highly informative but also thoughtfully designed, well-organized, and beautifully put together. It is such a stunning piece of work!”



— Michael

Inside the Guide:

  • The unique characteristics of oil pastels.

  • The best oil pastel brands and what sets them apart.

  • The best types of paper for oil pastel painting.

  • Setup and tools that simplify working with oil pastels.

  • Tips for organizing your oil pastel colors into an easy-to-use palette.

  • How to paint with oil pastels.

  • Creating an effective, limited oil pastel palette.

  • Techniques for layering and blending oil pastels.

  • Mixing colors with oil pastels.

  • A step-by-step guide.

  • Ideal subjects for oil pastel painting.

  • How to use fixatives with oil pastels.

  • Framing oil pastel artwork.

  • Varnishing oil pastels for framing without glass.

  • Making your own colors by melting oil pastels.

    Oil pastels open up a world of color and creative potential, and I hope that by sharing my experiences, you’ll find encouragement and ideas that spark your creative journey.


“This is an incredibly generous amount of information to share with us. What a fabulous book! Thank you so much! “



— Judith

Hello, I’m Lena Rivo, an artist specializing in both “plein air” and studio painting.

My style blends impressionistic and realistic elements, striving to portray the surrounding world with life-like accuracy. Each painting aims to be a window into the unique moment it captures.

When I paint, I try to think abstractly and look for interesting contrasts, shapes and color combinations. I focus on capturing the scene’s unique mood, simplifying what I see and omitting excess details to make it easier for the viewer to “enter” the painting and feel immersed in the depicted motif. While gouache is my preferred medium, I occasionally work with oils and tempera as well.

Being a passionate painter myself, I also teach other artists who want to learn how to capture the beauty of the world around us with paints. I help my students convey the illusion of light and atmosphere in their paintings and get the most from the colors on their palettes.