6 weeks of drawing – how it’s going for an artist who once hated to draw

Katie Jeanne Wood
9×6 Oil Pastel Portrait Drawing
June 2022 

I’ve been drawing with oil pastels for 6 straight weeks now, going on 7. I started around the first of May sometime, and I’m loving it! So, why am I so obsessed this medium? Keep reading to find out. 

I think what I love most about oil pastels is I don’t have to be locked in my studio to create. It seems like I’ve been stuck in the studio for years, and now I have freedom, baby!

I can easily choose a handful of pastels or the entire box, and sit at my desk, the couch, or table. I can work outside when it’s not a bazillion degrees, take my work with me wherever I go or my favorite..drawing on my lap table while watching tv late at night.

I can’t move about with paint. Well, I guess, technically I could, but relocating paint, brushes, water, and all the other things I’d need isn’t ideal. I’m too lazy to go to that trouble. Oil pastels are small & portable. Not only that, but I’ve made a ton of drawings that never would have been made in my studio. I only have one small work table in there, so I don’t have room to draw when I’m working on paintings. 

Drawing doesn’t feel like work to me. It’s making my imagination come alive again with funny stories I make up as I’m working on these silly characters. 

I also love that since the medium is new to me, it’s making me research how to use it properly – how to seal the work, how to store the drawings, and how to ship the work. I had so many questions (still have a few), and this has been a fun learning experience. I’ve been so busy reading, and watching yt videos that the weeks have flown by.

Lastly, oooh, the texture that can be created with oil pastels. It’s almost like painting impasto with oils, if you buy the right brand of soft oil pastels, I mean. Not all pastels are created equally, and some I like, some I don’t. I think it all depends on how you want to use them. I also love how rich & vibrant the colors are. 

This is another work in progress drawing, which I’ve probably finished by the time this posts. I swear, I can’t keep up with my busy self. Here’s to week 7! Cheers! 

I hope you have a lovely creative day. If you like this blog post, please share it using the buttons below.

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My artwork can be purchased here on my site, Etsy, and in my eBay store. I’m accepting orders for custom paintings, and drawings. As always, if you want to say hello or have any questions you can write me here. I love getting email, and hearing from you. 

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