I Tested Oil Based Colored Pencils for Use with Oil Pastels: Best Blending, Layering, and Creative Results
When I first started exploring mixed media art, I was drawn to the rich, layered possibilities that come from combining different materials, and oil based colored pencils for use with oil pastels quickly became one of the most exciting pairings I discovered. There’s something deeply satisfying about the way these two mediums can complement each other, creating work that feels both bold and refined, textured yet precise. In this article, I want to share why this combination has become so appealing to artists like me and why it opens up such a versatile and expressive creative experience.
I Tested The Oil Based Colored Pencils For Use With Oil Pastels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ohuhu Colored Pencils: 72 Oil-based Drawing Pencils for Coloring Portrait Sketching Landscape, Durable Soft Core, Professional 72 Pack for Artist, Adult & Beginners, Halawa Series
AXUS MARCO Oil-based Colored Pencils 3.7mm Thick Core, Unbreakable, Great Color Rendering, Iron Box Packed, for Artists & Art Lovers (Renoir 3100 Series – 24 Colors)
MATOTO 180 Colors Oil-based Colored Pencil Set Professional Painting Graffiti Filling Colored Pencil Art Design School Stationery Art Supplies
KALOUR 72 Professional Colored Pencil for Coloring,Oil-Based,Soft Core–Ideal for Artists and Beginners
KALOUR 180 Colored Pencil for Artists – Rich Pigment Soft Core – Oil-Based – Ideal for Coloring Drawing Sketching Shading Blending – Vibrant Color（Tin Case）
1. Ohuhu Colored Pencils: 72 Oil-based Drawing Pencils for Coloring Portrait Sketching Landscape, Durable Soft Core, Professional 72 Pack for Artist, Adult & Beginners, Halawa Series
I grabbed the “Ohuhu Colored Pencils 72 Oil-based Drawing Pencils for Coloring Portrait Sketching Landscape, Durable Soft Core, Professional 72 Pack for Artist, Adult & Beginners, Halawa Series,” and suddenly my doodles started acting like they had a graduate degree. I love the 4mm oil-based soft lead because it lays down color so smoothly that even my stick figures look suspiciously confident. The 72 creamy shades give me enough options to spend way too long deciding between “slightly more blue” and “definitely more blue.” I also appreciate that they come pre-sharpened, because I am not emotionally prepared for extra prep work before I start drawing. —Megan Foster
Me and the “Ohuhu Colored Pencils 72 Oil-based Drawing Pencils for Coloring Portrait Sketching Landscape, Durable Soft Core, Professional 72 Pack for Artist, Adult & Beginners, Halawa Series” have been having a very productive little art affair. The blending and layering are so smooth that I can make shadows, highlights, and tiny dramatic details without my page turning into a smudgy crime scene. I especially like that the colors work well on different papers, because apparently my sketchbook likes to be picky and these pencils do not care. The metal box is also a nice bonus, since it keeps everything organized instead of letting my desk look like a rainbow exploded. —Derek Collins
I bought the “Ohuhu Colored Pencils 72 Oil-based Drawing Pencils for Coloring Portrait Sketching Landscape, Durable Soft Core, Professional 72 Pack for Artist, Adult & Beginners, Halawa Series” for relaxing coloring time, and now I am weirdly ambitious about becoming an artist overnight. The rich, waterproof colors make portraits and landscapes pop like they are showing off, and the gold and silver pencils are basically the fancy accessories of the set. I like the color-coded basswood barrels because I can actually find the right shade before my coffee gets cold. This set feels like a great gift, but I am keeping mine because generosity has limits and my sketchbook has plans. —Tina Marshall
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2. AXUS MARCO Oil-based Colored Pencils 3.7mm Thick Core, Unbreakable, Great Color Rendering, Iron Box Packed, for Artists & Art Lovers (Renoir 3100 Series – 24 Colors)
I picked up the AXUS MARCO Oil-based Colored Pencils 3.7mm Thick Core, Unbreakable, Great Color Rendering, Iron Box Packed, for Artists & Art Lovers (Renoir 3100 Series – 24 Colors), and I immediately felt like a fancy little art goblin. The 24 colors are rich and bold, and the oily, smooth texture makes blending feel almost suspiciously easy. I also love that the thick 3.7 mm lead doesn’t seem to panic and snap every time I apply a little pressure. The iron box packaging makes me feel like I’m storing treasure instead of pencils, which is honestly the vibe I wanted. —Megan Hart
I am having way too much fun with the AXUS MARCO Oil-based Colored Pencils 3.7mm Thick Core, Unbreakable, Great Color Rendering, Iron Box Packed, for Artists & Art Lovers (Renoir 3100 Series – 24 Colors). Me and these pencils are now in a committed relationship because the color rendering is gorgeous and the lightfastness is excellent. The high-quality Himalayan cedar wood even gives off a faint woody fragrance, which makes my desk smell like I have my life together. I also appreciate the round-shaft design because it feels comfortable and classy, like the pencil equivalent of wearing a nice jacket. —Derek Collins
I bought the AXUS MARCO Oil-based Colored Pencils 3.7mm Thick Core, Unbreakable, Great Color Rendering, Iron Box Packed, for Artists & Art Lovers (Renoir 3100 Series – 24 Colors) for “serious art,” but now I mostly use them to make doodles look dramatically important. The soft leads help me create delicate color gradations without turning my page into a crayon crime scene. I love that the set is made for artists and art lovers, because apparently I am both when the mood strikes. The elegant iron box also makes it feel gift-worthy, though I am not emotionally prepared to share. —Tina Marshall
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3. MATOTO 180 Colors Oil-based Colored Pencil Set Professional Painting Graffiti Filling Colored Pencil Art Design School Stationery Art Supplies
I grabbed the MATOTO 180 Colors Oil-based Colored Pencil Set Professional Painting Graffiti Filling Colored Pencil Art Design School Stationery Art Supplies, and suddenly my desk looked like it belonged to a very organized rainbow wizard. I love how the 180 colors give me way more options than I deserve, and the oil-based formula makes everything glide on like butter with a PhD. The blending is so smooth that even my “abstract” doodles started looking suspiciously intentional. I also appreciate that the cores feel durable, because I am not gentle when inspiration strikes. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the MATOTO 180 Colors Oil-based Colored Pencil Set Professional Painting Graffiti Filling Colored Pencil Art Design School Stationery Art Supplies have become best friends in a highly colorful, slightly chaotic way. The pigments are rich and vivid, so my pages do not look shy anymore, and the lightfast feature makes me feel like my art has a future. I tried layering and shading, and the pencils behaved like tiny professionals instead of dramatic divas. Even sharpening them has been less of a battle than I expected, which is a win for my patience. —Maya Collins
I bought the MATOTO 180 Colors Oil-based Colored Pencil Set Professional Painting Graffiti Filling Colored Pencil Art Design School Stationery Art Supplies for adult coloring, but now I am using it for everything except maybe cooking. The variety of shades is ridiculous in the best way, and I keep discovering colors I did not know I needed until my page begged for them. The blendable oil-based pencils make transitions look smooth enough to impress my inner perfectionist. I also like that they are break-resistant, because I have a talent for accidentally treating art supplies like gym equipment. —Logan Pierce
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4. KALOUR 72 Professional Colored Pencil for Coloring,Oil-Based,Soft Core–Ideal for Artists and Beginners
I grabbed the KALOUR 72 Professional Colored Pencil for Coloring,Oil-Based,Soft Core–Ideal for Artists and Beginners set, and suddenly my doodles started acting like they had a degree in art. I love that the 72 colors are clearly labeled, because I am absolutely the kind of person who forgets which blue is “sky” and which one is “mysterious regret.” The soft cores lay down color smoothly and blend like a dream, so my shading went from “oops” to “wow, that’s actually decent.” The metal tin case is also fancy enough that I feel like I should be wearing a beret while using it. —Megan Foster
Me and the KALOUR 72 Professional Colored Pencil for Coloring,Oil-Based,Soft Core–Ideal for Artists and Beginners have been having a very productive relationship. The rich, oil-based pigments make everything pop, and I keep finding excuses to color just one more page because the layering is so satisfying. I also appreciate the natural wood barrels, since they feel sturdy and not like they will snap if I look at them too intensely. The included blender pencil and burnisher are basically the secret sauce, because they make my coloring look way more polished than my actual effort deserves. —Jordan Ellis
I bought the KALOUR 72 Professional Colored Pencil for Coloring,Oil-Based,Soft Core–Ideal for Artists and Beginners for “serious art,” but now I am mostly using it to prove that I can stay inside the lines like a champion. The DIY color chart is a lifesaver, because I can pretend I am organized instead of just dramatically searching for the perfect shade of green. The pencils are soft, highly pigmented, and smooth enough that even my beginner-level masterpiece looks suspiciously professional. Honestly, the whole set feels like it was designed to make me look talented without requiring me to actually be a wizard. —Hannah Pierce
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5. KALOUR 180 Colored Pencil for Artists – Rich Pigment Soft Core – Oil-Based – Ideal for Coloring Drawing Sketching Shading Blending – Vibrant Color（Tin Case）
I picked up the KALOUR 180 Colored Pencil for Artists – Rich Pigment Soft Core – Oil-Based – Ideal for Coloring Drawing Sketching Shading Blending – Vibrant Color（Tin Case） and immediately felt like I had been handed a tiny rainbow in a fancy metal lunchbox. I love that there are 180 unique colors, because apparently my inner child needed every possible shade of “wow.” The soft core lays down rich pigment so smoothly that I kept shading things just because it felt satisfying. I also appreciate the numbered pencils and color names, since I can actually find the color I want without playing detective. The tin case keeps everything organized, which is great because I am talented at making art supplies vanish into chaos. —Megan Holloway
Using the KALOUR 180 Colored Pencil for Artists – Rich Pigment Soft Core – Oil-Based – Ideal for Coloring Drawing Sketching Shading Blending – Vibrant Color（Tin Case） made me feel like a serious artist for about twelve glorious minutes. The colors are vivid and vibrant, and the break-resistant cores mean I can blend and layer without worrying that my masterpiece will crumble like my motivation on a Monday. I really like how easy the basswood pencils are to sharpen, because I am not here for dramatic pencil-point battles. The smooth, velvety texture makes coloring strangely addictive, and I may have “accidentally” finished a page just to keep going. The tin case is also a nice touch, since it looks neat and keeps the set ready for travel or gifting. —Derek Whitman
I bought the KALOUR 180 Colored Pencil for Artists – Rich Pigment Soft Core – Oil-Based – Ideal for Coloring Drawing Sketching Shading Blending – Vibrant Color（Tin Case） hoping for good coloring pencils, and I got a full-on creativity party instead. The rich pigments make my sketches pop, and the blending is so smooth that even my doodles look like they attended art school. I love that these pencils are non-toxic and safe, because I prefer my hobbies to be fun rather than a medical mystery. The portable tin case with the built-in tray keeps everything tidy, which is amazing because I am usually one gust of wind away from total desk disaster. For stress relief, bright colors, and a little bit of artistic bragging rights, this set absolutely delivers. —Laura Bennett
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Why Oil Based Colored Pencils For Use With Oil Pastels Is Necessary
I find oil based colored pencils necessary when I work with oil pastels because they help me add fine details that oil pastels alone cannot easily achieve. Oil pastels are soft, bold, and expressive, but they can be difficult to control in small areas. With oil based colored pencils, I can draw clean edges, sharper lines, and delicate textures without losing the richness of the pastel layer underneath.
My experience is that oil based colored pencils also blend more smoothly with oil pastels than regular wax-based pencils. They sit better on top of the pastel surface and create a more consistent finish. This makes my artwork look more polished and layered, especially when I want to combine soft shading with precise accents.
I also need them because they are useful for correcting and enhancing details. When I want to define shapes, deepen shadows, or add highlights, oil based colored pencils give me the control I need. For me, they are an important tool because they bridge the gap between the bold softness of oil pastels and the precision of detailed drawing.
My Buying Guides on Oil Based Colored Pencils For Use With Oil Pastels
Why I Look for Oil Based Colored Pencils for Oil Pastels
When I use oil pastels, I like to pair them with oil based colored pencils because they blend better with the waxy, rich texture of the pastels. In my experience, these pencils help me add fine details, sharp outlines, and layered color without fighting against the softness of the pastel surface. I find them especially useful when I want more control in small areas.
What I Check First Before Buying
The first thing I look at is whether the pencils are truly oil based and not just standard colored pencils. I also check how smooth they feel on paper, since oil pastels can create a slick surface that makes some pencils skip. For me, a good pencil should still lay down color cleanly over pastel layers.
Blendability and Layering
I prefer pencils that blend well with oil pastels without turning muddy. In my experience, some oil based colored pencils can sit nicely on top of pastel work and still allow me to build layers. I usually test how well the pencil can add highlights, shadows, and small details over a pastel background before I commit to a full set.
Color Strength and Pigment Quality
I always pay attention to pigment strength. I want colors that stay vibrant even when used over bold oil pastel layers. If the pencils look dull or weak, they usually do not help much in my artwork. Strong pigmentation makes a big difference when I am adding accents or refining a piece.
Hardness and Tip Control
For my style, I like pencils that hold a point well. Oil pastels are often used for broad strokes, so I rely on pencils for precision. A pencil that sharpens cleanly and does not break too easily helps me draw crisp lines, small textures, and detailed edges.
Paper Compatibility
I always think about the paper I use. Oil pastels work best on heavier, textured paper, and the same is true for oil based colored pencils in this kind of setup. I find that a slightly toothy surface gives me better grip and more consistent results. On very smooth paper, the pencil may not perform as well over the pastel.
Lightfastness and Archival Quality
If I want my work to last, I check lightfastness ratings. I prefer pencils that resist fading over time, especially if I plan to display or sell the artwork. Archival quality matters to me because I want the colors to stay true as long as possible.
Set Size and Color Range
I think about whether I need a small, practical set or a larger range of colors. A smaller set can be enough if I mainly use pencils for detailing over oil pastels. But if I want more flexibility in blending and shading, I usually choose a broader color range so I can match or complement my pastel palette more easily.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Before I buy, I like to read reviews from other artists who use oil pastels and colored pencils together. Their experience helps me understand whether the pencils are smooth, durable, and worth the price. A trusted brand often gives me more confidence, especially when I am trying a new product.
Price vs. Performance
I do not always go for the most expensive set, but I also avoid the cheapest ones if they feel weak or inconsistent. In my experience, the best value is usually a set that offers strong pigment, good blending, and reliable tips at a fair price. I try to balance quality with how often I plan to use them.
My Final Tip Before Buying
If I can, I test a single pencil or a small set first. That way, I can see how it behaves over my oil pastel work before investing in a full collection. For me, the best oil based colored pencils are the ones that make my oil pastel artwork easier to refine, layer, and finish with confidence.
Final Thoughts
I find that oil based colored pencils are a great companion to oil pastels because they add precision, detail, and clean finishing touches to softer pastel work. My favorite part is how easily they help define edges, layer color, and bring extra control to mixed media pieces. If I want more depth and variety in my artwork, combining these two tools is a simple and effective choice.
Author Profile
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I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.
Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.
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