A Creative and Unusual Combination: Ink and Oil Pastels!

From a chemistry perspective, we might say that ink (water-based) and oil/wax pastels (oil- and wax-based) are two materials that cannot be combined in painting because they “repel each other.” Yet their incompatibility is exactly what creates such interesting artwork.

We think this technique will remind you of elementary school, since you’ve probably all tried it as an art class assignment. Maybe you weren’t drawn to this combination back then because it was just another required project for a grade, but you’ll surely change your mind when you see how many possibilities lie in layering these two materials. The great thing is that you can achieve striking results relatively quickly, and honestly, you don’t need any special talent. It’s a great way to relax, and anyone can do it, regardless of previous experience.

What You’ll Need

Paper – Choose thicker paper or even cardboard for this technique (180g/m² or more). It’s best to avoid thinner paper, as it may warp or wrinkle when you apply the ink.

Paints – As mentioned, this technique uses oil pastels or wax crayons. The results will be the same, so just use what you have on hand. Professionals probably have oil pastels in their studios, while those of you who don’t paint may find wax crayons in your kids’ art bags.

Ink – Classic black water-based ink is usually used for this, but you can also find it in other colors and create different combinations. You can also use tempera paints, although the results are slightly different, and there’s a risk that the tempera layer may crack.

Liquid Soap

– Liquid soap will soften the interaction between the ink and the wax/oil pastels. If you try applying ink to paper where you’ve drawn with pastels, the ink will repel from the pastel and gather into droplets. But if you add a very small amount of liquid soap to the ink (one pump for enough ink to cover an A4 format), it will be much easier to apply, and no areas will be left uncovered.

Brushes – You’ll need one brush to apply the ink. Choose a flat brush with synthetic bristles that isn’t too narrow, so you can cover the paper quickly (at least 1.5–2 cm wide). It’s also handy to have a larger brush with soft bristles nearby to remove scraped-off pieces of ink as you work.

Scraper

– This could be a wooden stick with sharp ends, an empty ballpoint or technical pencil, or even the smallest optical screwdrivers, linocut knives, or similar tools.

Once you have everything ready, you can get creative!

The first step, as you’ve probably guessed, is to cover the paper with wax crayons or oil pastels. Coloring is very calming. Cover the entire sheet with pastels. Don’t worry about arranging the colors precisely. The main thing is to enjoy the process. Choose a few colors for calmer, more elegant drawings, or use all the colors you have on hand for more playful pieces. Try to cover the paper completely, leaving no bare spots, as this is essential for good results.

The second step is to mix the ink with liquid soap and apply it over the pastels. The soap helps you apply the ink evenly with a brush over the paper covered with wax crayons or oil pastels. The surface should be completely covered, so if you can still see the colors through the ink, wait for the first coat to dry, then apply another.

The third step comes after the ink layers have dried completely. If you’re impatient, you can speed up drying with a hair dryer, but don’t use too much heat, or the colors underneath may melt. Now it’s time to use your sharp tools or whatever you chose for scraping. As you scrape the surface, the ink will come off and reveal the colors underneath.

You can lightly sketch your design with a graphite pencil before you start scraping, to feel more confident. But don’t worry if you make a mistake and scrape off ink where you didn’t mean to. You can always add more, wait for it to dry, and continue. It’s great fun for kids, too!

One more tip. We recommend framing the finished artwork behind glass. The ink surface is prone to scuffing, so a frame will not only protect it, but also give it a professional look. It will also make the artwork look better and more professional.