Oil Pastel Resist Technique: Easy Watercolor Art Idea
Are you looking for a technique that will amaze kids every time? We love using oil pastel and watercolor resist with kids because it showcases their drawings without covering them up with paint. Get all of our tips for doing oil pastel resists here!
This art tutorial was originally published in December 2022. This post was recently updated in May 2026 with more straightforward and precise instructions, my key takeaways and new images.
Seriously, I love using watercolors and oil pastels. From magical snowflake paintings to fun watercolor heart paintings, there are so many watercolor art projects that use this technique. Did you know you can even do a similar technique on clay projects?
Why Oil Pastel Resist Technique Works
What is a resist painting?
In art, a resist technique can happen with different materials. It simply means that two materials will not mix together. One will stop the other from adhering to the paper or surface you are working on.
ART TEACHER TIP – I like to explain it to children by getting them to imagine the salad dressing in their refrigerator. They understand that oil and water separate because they do not mix. This is the same when you use materials like oil pastel and watercolor paint.
You can do this technique with any colors or subject matter. Have fun and experiment with this process!
Notes On Supplies You’ll Need
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links when clicked, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read our full privacy policy.
Oil Pastels vs. Crayons
While crayons can work for this technique, oil pastels are easier for children to apply, so you will get better results because more material is on the paper before painting.
How To Create A Watercolor Resist
BEFORE YOU BEGIN – You may or may not want to lightly sketch your design or subject matter with a pencil first. Here is a quick way to draw abstract art if you like that example.
Step 1: Draw With Oil Pastels
Kids love it when they color with white oil pastels on white paper. They will love the “magic” that happens when you add the paint on top.
Step 2: Start Painting
The best part of this technique is that you get to just paint right over your oil pastel drawings. There is no need to try to paint around. Kids absolutely love seeing their artwork come to life.
Other Watercolor Paint Techniques For Kids
Any of the following painting ideas would work on top of your oil pastel drawing.
- USE CLEAR WRAP – Paint watercolor first, then press scrunched plastic wrap on top of the piece of paper while still wet. Leave it on until completely dry for a cool textured effect.
- GLUE TEXTURE RESIST – Add designs with glue and let it dry before painting. This creates a raised resist effect with watercolor.
- BLEEDING TISSUE PAPER – Lay bleeding tissue paper down and paint with water instead of watercolor paint for a soft, blended look.
- WET-ON-WET TECHNIQUE – Add water to the paper first, then paint colors on top so they blend easily. Encourage kids to choose colors that mix well.
Technique FAQs
Yes, the pastel’s oily base will stick to the paper and prevent the watercolor paint from penetrating the surface. Just make sure that there is enough oil pastel to get the resist effect.
Yes, you can. However, some watercolor papers have a texture, and the oil pastel may not reach all the grooves. This may not bother you, but if you are looking for a smoother surface, you will want to use hot-pressed watercolor paper.
Professional watercolor artists will use watercolor masking fluid. For children, rubber cement, painter’s tape, Glue-All, crayons, and oil pastels can all be used to resist the paint from sticking to the surface of your paper.
Follow us on Pinterest, YouTube & Facebook for more free art and craft ideas!
Our Favorite
Related Easy Painting Techniques
No matter what subject your artists want to create, this oil pastel resist is sure to become one of their favorite techniques.
Do you like this art project? Please give us a 5-STAR review below ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and have fun being creative with your family.
Easy Oil Pastel Resist With Watercolor Paint
Equipment
- Water container
Supplies
- White Paper Heavy Drawing Paper, Watercolor Paper or Tagboard will work
- Watercolor Paint
- Oil Pastels
Instructions
- Add oil pastels to the white paper. You can blend them or just do a simple drawing. Any colors will work.
- For best results use a wet-on-wet paint technique with watercolor paint. Add a light layer of water to the area you are painting.
- Add watercolor paint. You can brush right over where you put oil pastels.
- Optional: Add salt or use other watercolor paint techniques on top of your oil pastels.
Notes
- You can do this technique with any colors or subject matter. Have fun and experiment with this process!
- You can lightly sketch first with a pencil or draw with a permanent marker before using oil pastels.
- For children, rubber cement, painter’s tape, Glue-All, crayons, and oil pastels can all be used to resist the watercolor paint from sticking to the surface of your paper.