Oil Pastel Sketch by Steve Morris

I really like this one, especially the way you've let the burnt sienna show through in places. You and Jeannette Harrison have given me a taste for trying oil pastels. I only have a cheap small set that doesn't blend very well (I'm used to soft pastels and I love them apart from the dust ) so I'm thinking of dropping hints for a set of sennellier ones, recommended by Jeannette, for my birthday. Which would you recommend if you don't mind me asking?

Hi Val the senns are very high quality but are very soft, think lipstick texture. My faves are neopastel by Caran d'ache they are still soft but I find them easier to work with. The difference you will notice immediately with these brands is their opacity and ease of blending. Their downside is the price at over a pound per colour. greatart and (Jacksons too I think) carry open stock so at least you can buy just the colours you use alot rather than getting lots of obscure colours in a set. I have the 48 sets in both and have supplemented these with open stock so I now have all the colours I need.

Thanks Steve, will order one of each make and give them a try to see which I like best then start dropping massive hints !