It was pleasing to read Robert Dutton's article about oil pastels in The Artist April 2021 issue. As he stated, oil pastel is an underrated medium, although it has lots of advantages to offer when the technique of handling has been mastered. The supports Robert mentioned are all very useful to use although, as an alternative, I have used the reverse side of hardboard, well sanded down with two coats of primer. This surface will hold many layers of oil pastel – oil pastels can be thinned out with solvent and further thicker pastel layers added. It is also useful for making larger work or cropping down.
John Betton, by email