Oil pastel is a drawing medium and has the same characteristics to that of wax crayons and pastels. They are prepared with the help of ground pigment mixed with wax binder and oil. These substances make the painting less powdery but it is difficult to protect the painting with the help of fixative. Some of the oil- pastels are smoother than others but some are stiffer and tacky. The best way to use oil pastels is to blend and make thin with the brush dipped in mineral spirits or thinners.

Oil pastels are considered as fast medium for they are best to use. With oil pastels painting can be done very easily and conveniently. Therefore they are used for sketching and sustained works. Number of variety of oil pastels is available which can be classified as scholastic, student or professional grade.

The lowest grade of oil-pastels is the Scholastic Grade that is harder and less vibrant than other grades. This grade is specially meant for the beginners or children. The Scholastic grade is quite cheap. You can procure even a large box at cheap rates. The middle grade better known as Student Grade is specially meat for art students. This grade is more soft and vibrant than scholastic grade but they are more expensive.  The best among the three and the highest grade is the Professional Grade which is the softest one and most vibrant. The professional grade is the best one but can be very expensive.