Alcohol Ink vs Oil Pastels...What's your Preference?

As you have learned, I am fascinated with alcohol ink and the unique creations I have come to enjoy making. Yet, I am ever learning new forms and methods of creating.

The newest art form for me is learning oil pastels. Oil pastels are truly different for me and a bit challenging.

A Comparison

Alcohol Ink

Alcohol inks are dye-based inks in alcohol. Alcohol ink can be used on non-porous surfaces like Yupo paper, glass, or ceramics to allow the inks to flow and blend easily. My favortie use is ceramic tiles. Alcohol ink involves dropping or painting the inks onto the surface and manipulating them with tools like brushes, air blowers, or even straws. A heat gun can also be used as well. Alcohol inks dry quickly due to the evaporation of alcohol. However, the artwork must be sealed with a protective coating to prevent fading and ensure longevity. Alcohol inks create a sense of movement and freedom in the artwork.

Oil Pastels

Oil pastels are a traditional medium known for their rich, creamy texture and bold colors. Oil pastels can be used to draw directly onto surfaces such as paper or canvas. Oil pastels can be blended with fingers, blending tools, or oils such as baby oil. Oil pastels allow for extensive layering, whic allows a build up of textures. Oil pastels can provide a painterly effect. I have not yet perfected the blending aspect, but it is a work in progress.

Both alcohol ink and oil pastel art offer vibrant colorful designs and creations. They each have different artistic approaches and preferences:

Surface and Tools: Alcohol ink requires non-porous surfaces and tools for manipulating the ink, whereas oil pastels can be used on a variety of surfaces and rely on direct contact for application.

Artistic Control: Oil pastels provide more control over detail and texture, while alcohol inks embrace fluidity and the element of chance.

Drying and Preservation: Alcohol inks dry quickly and need to be sealed. Yet, oil pastels may take longer to set, they do not require special preservation techniques.

Artistic Style: Alcohol ink art often leans towards abstract and spontaneous styles, while oil pastel art can vary from abstract to highly detailed and realistic works.

Both alcohol ink and oil pastels are unique ways of creating art. I will say for not that alcohol ink is still my first choice, yet I will continue learning about oil pastels. I have included a picture of a flower that I colored with oil pastels.

Oil Pastel Flower

I would love to hear about your experience and preference of both alcohol ink and oil pastels.