Random Acts of Art

Oil Pastels in an Autumn Garden

In August, I came across a posting on Facebook about some of the events happening in Calgary. What intrigued was using Colour Pastel. I haven’t used this medium since high school, which was a little while ago.

I was slow and I missed the first workshop, so I didn’t worry about it, it was just a passing fancy. But when I was away in Scotland, the event popped up again and I jumped at it and signed up.

I spent a lovely 2 hours in The Confluence/Fort Calgary gardens. Now, yes it is fall and much of the garden had been harvested. The latest being the tobacco from the small Indigenous Medicine Garden. All the vegetables are already gone and has been donated to the charity, which I think is amazing thing to do!

There had to be about 30 people that came out for this event. I created three small pieces inspired by the autumn colours and the small sunflowers in the garden.

They are not great grand pieces but I enjoyed the process. I was a bit tense when I first started, worrying that it would be to childish but then decided I did care if it was childish. This was to have fun and enjoy the sun, the garden and just to give it a try.

So I did! I have one picture that is will work on yet. I tried recreate on of my photos. It needs work but I am looking forward to seeing if I can do it.

Oil pastels are a colorful and easy-to-use art material with a smooth, creamy feel. Unlike chalk pastels, they have oil and wax, so they don’t dry out and blend smoothly without making dust. Artists like them for bright colors and detailed textures. You can use them on paper, canvas, or rough surfaces and blend with tools or fingers. They work well for both beginners and pros. Rough surfaces hold the colors better. To keep your artwork safe, use special sprays or frame it behind glass to stop smudging. Oil pastels are a great way to explore color and texture in art.