If you are aspiring to the rank of professional oil pastel artist, look no further. Long neglected in the professional art world, oil pastels offer an unlimited palette of creative expression, with which no other medium can compare. Initially commissioned by Pablo Picasso, the oil pastel struggled into existence and was long dismissed as a medium for children. Thankfully, the convenience, quality, and non-toxic nature of oil pastels attracted the attention of art director and film producer John Elliot, who, in turn, authored this book. Like a true pioneer, Elliot has been on a mission to introduce other artists to this "new medium" since 1983 when he published the first article detailing its use. With over 178 full-color paintings, Oil Pastels for the Serous Beginner is dedicated to artists of all levels who are ready to try oil pastels. Featuring lessons that progressively become more challenging, this book demonstrates how the medium can make your artwork more creative. Learn how to create traditional landscape, portrait, and still life paintings, along with experimental approaches including: Impasto Etching Washes Monoprint Stencil and screen techniques Methods for combining oil pastel with soft pastel, mixed media,and more! John Elliot was born into a family of Scottish statesman that enthusiastically supported the arts. During his formative years, Elliot traveled extensively throughout Europe and found that a box of oil pastels and a few sheets of paper were the most practical tools for an artist on the move. After settling in the United States, Elliot expanded his talents and versatility to several areas of the arts and launched an award-winning career in film production and design. By the 1980s, however, his focus became principally oil pastel. Today, he continues to paint every day and enjoys that his book, co-created with his wife Sheila, shares his passion with a wider audience than ever.