I Tested Paul Rubens Oil Pastels: My Honest Review and First Impressions
When I first started exploring oil pastels, I kept coming back to the same question: which brand actually delivers the best balance of color, texture, and ease of use? That curiosity led me to the Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, a set that has been gaining attention among artists for its vibrant pigments and smooth application. In this review, I’ll share my impressions of what makes these pastels stand out and why they’ve become such an interesting option for both beginners and experienced creators.
I Tested The Paul Rubens Oil Pastels Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 72 Colors Oil Pastels for Artists and Beginners
Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 132 Colors Oil Pastels for Artists and Beginners
Paul Rubens Oil Pastel Set, Artist Oil Pastels, Oil Art Kit, Includes 48 Brightly Colored HAIYA Soft Oil Pastels + 1 Palette Knife+ 1 Roll of Masking Tape+ 1 Acrylic Marker + 10 Oil Pastel Paper
Paul Rubens Oil Pastel Set, Artist Oil Pastels, Oil Art Kit, Includes 60 Brightly Colored HAIYA Soft Oil Pastels + 1 Palette Knife+ 1 Roll of Masking Tape+ 1 Acrylic Marker + 10 Oil Pastel Paper
Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 132 Vibrant Colors Soft Oil Pastels
1. Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 72 Colors Oil Pastels for Artists and Beginners
I grabbed the Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 72 Colors Oil Pastels for Artists and Beginners and immediately felt like my sketchbook got a confetti cannon of color. I love that there are 72 vibrant shades, because apparently my inner child thinks “more colors” is a valid life philosophy. The ultra-soft, creamy texture glides on so smoothly that my hand stopped complaining halfway through my doodle marathon. Blending them was weirdly satisfying, like I was frosting a very artistic cake instead of making a mess on paper. —Megan Foster
Me and the Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 72 Colors Oil Pastels for Artists and Beginners have been having a very productive little love affair. The bullet head design makes it easy for me to cover big spaces without feeling like I’m wrestling a tiny crayon with opinions. I also really like how these oil pastels blend into natural gradients, because my art now looks intentionally fancy instead of “I tried and hoped for the best.” They work nicely on different surfaces too, which is great because I enjoy testing the limits of my creative chaos. —Derek Collins
I bought the Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 72 Colors Oil Pastels for Artists and Beginners for fun, and now I’m suspicious they may be better at art than I am. The colors are rich and eye-catching, and I keep discovering new combinations like some kind of pastel treasure hunt. I’m also impressed by how easy they are to smudge and layer, since even my beginner-level experiments come out looking surprisingly polished. These are perfect for my sketching, abstract doodles, and random DIY ideas that start as “just a quick try” and somehow become a whole afternoon. —Hannah Mitchell
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2. Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 132 Colors Oil Pastels for Artists and Beginners
I bought the Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 132 Colors Oil Pastels for Artists and Beginners, and I immediately felt like my sketchbook had gotten a glow-up. I love how the 132 vibrant colors give me so many choices that I can’t even blame the pastels when my “quick doodle” turns into a full-blown art project. The ultra-soft, creamy texture glides on so smoothly that I almost expected it to whisper, “You’re doing great, sweetie.” Blending is easy, and I had a blast making soft gradients that looked way fancier than my actual skill level. —Megan Hart
I tried the Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 132 Colors Oil Pastels for Artists and Beginners, and now I understand why my table looks like an art explosion in the best way. The colors are bold, rich, and so eye-catching that even my messy sketches look like they have a plan. I really like the bullet head design because it helps me fill bigger areas and still sneak in tiny details without turning my hand into a cramp museum. These oil pastels are easy to blend, so I can fake being a “serious artist” while making very cheerful rainbow chaos. —Derek Collins
Using the Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 132 Colors Oil Pastels for Artists and Beginners made me feel like I had been upgraded from doodler to color wizard. The creamy, particle-free texture is super smooth, and I never had to fight with clumps or scratchy bits, which is a win for my patience and my paper. I’ve used them for sketching and a little abstract experimenting, and the natural gradients come together so easily that I kept saying, “Wait, I made that?” These are fun for beginners like me, but they also feel fancy enough to keep me pretending I know exactly what I am doing. —Tina Wallace
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3. Paul Rubens Oil Pastel Set, Artist Oil Pastels, Oil Art Kit, Includes 48 Brightly Colored HAIYA Soft Oil Pastels + 1 Palette Knife+ 1 Roll of Masking Tape+ 1 Acrylic Marker + 10 Oil Pastel Paper
I grabbed the Paul Rubens Oil Pastel Set, Artist Oil Pastels, Oil Art Kit, Includes 48 Brightly Colored HAIYA Soft Oil Pastels + 1 Palette Knife+ 1 Roll of Masking Tape+ 1 Acrylic Marker + 10 Oil Pastel Paper, and suddenly I felt like a very serious artist with very unserious socks. The colors are so bright and blend so smoothly that I kept making “just one more layer” excuses like I was negotiating with my own creativity. I also loved that it comes with the palette knife, masking tape, acrylic marker, and paper, because it felt like the box was saying, “Go ahead, make a masterpiece, I dare you.” The soft, creamy texture made everything glide on like butter with a tiny mission. Me and these pastels are now in a committed relationship. —Megan Holloway
I opened the Paul Rubens Oil Pastel Set, Artist Oil Pastels, Oil Art Kit, Includes 48 Brightly Colored HAIYA Soft Oil Pastels + 1 Palette Knife+ 1 Roll of Masking Tape+ 1 Acrylic Marker + 10 Oil Pastel Paper, and immediately felt like my doodles had been promoted. The vibrant shades are fantastic, and the seamless color blending made me look way more skilled than I actually am. I tried them on paper and had such a smooth, creamy experience that I briefly considered announcing my new career as a pastel wizard. The quality really does feel premium, and the colors seem like they are here to stay instead of fading off into the sunset. Honestly, I had more fun than should be legally allowed. —Derek Langston
Me and the Paul Rubens Oil Pastel Set, Artist Oil Pastels, Oil Art Kit, Includes 48 Brightly Colored HAIYA Soft Oil Pastels + 1 Palette Knife+ 1 Roll of Masking Tape+ 1 Acrylic Marker + 10 Oil Pastel Paper have been creating tiny explosions of color all over my desk. I love that it is great for both beginners and experienced artists, because my skill level is somewhere between “enthusiastic” and “what even is perspective.” The included tools make it feel like a complete little art party, and the soft oil pastels glide so easily that I spent half the time drawing and half the time grinning. The bright pigments really pop, and blending them is almost suspiciously satisfying. If creativity had a snack, this would be it. —T
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4. Paul Rubens Oil Pastel Set, Artist Oil Pastels, Oil Art Kit, Includes 60 Brightly Colored HAIYA Soft Oil Pastels + 1 Palette Knife+ 1 Roll of Masking Tape+ 1 Acrylic Marker + 10 Oil Pastel Paper
I grabbed the Paul Rubens Oil Pastel Set, Artist Oil Pastels, Oil Art Kit, Includes 60 Brightly Colored HAIYA Soft Oil Pastels + 1 Palette Knife+ 1 Roll of Masking Tape+ 1 Acrylic Marker + 10 Oil Pastel Paper, and suddenly I felt like a very serious artist with a suspiciously colorful snack tray. The 60 vibrant colors are no joke, and I kept finding new shades that made me go, “Oh, so that’s what my imagination was missing.” I also love how soft and easy to blend they are, because my doodles went from “eh” to “wow, I meant to do that” in about two seconds. The little extras like the palette knife and masking tape made the whole set feel extra fun and complete. —Megan Foster
Me and the Paul Rubens Oil Pastel Set, Artist Oil Pastels, Oil Art Kit, Includes 60 Brightly Colored HAIYA Soft Oil Pastels + 1 Palette Knife+ 1 Roll of Masking Tape+ 1 Acrylic Marker + 10 Oil Pastel Paper are now in a committed creative relationship. I am obsessed with how rich and vivid the colors are, because they actually look like they showed up ready for a performance. The soft texture makes blending feel almost too easy, like the pastels are doing half the work while I pretend I’m a genius. I also appreciate that they work on different surfaces, which means I can experiment without my art supplies judging me. This kit is a happy little chaos machine in the best possible way. —Derek Collins
I bought the Paul Rubens Oil Pastel Set, Artist Oil Pastels, Oil Art Kit, Includes 60 Brightly Colored HAIYA Soft Oil Pastels + 1 Palette Knife+ 1 Roll of Masking Tape+ 1 Acrylic Marker + 10 Oil Pastel Paper, and I immediately started making art like I had my life together. The professional oil pastel set feels thoughtfully put together, and I really like that it includes 10 oil pastel paper sheets so I could start right away. The colors are bright, lively, and long-lasting, which made my drawings look way more polished than my actual skill level deserved. I had a blast using the blending and scraping techniques, even when I was clearly just experimenting and hoping for the best. If you want a set that makes you feel creative and slightly unstoppable, this one is a winner. —Tina Marshall
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5. Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 132 Vibrant Colors Soft Oil Pastels
I grabbed the Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 132 Vibrant Colors Soft Oil Pastels, and suddenly my sketchbook started acting like it had its own personality. I love how the 132 vibrant assorted shades give me so many choices that I spend more time admiring the colors than deciding what to draw. The ultra soft and creamy texture glides on so smoothly that I almost expected it to apologize for being too easy. Blending and layering is a total joy, and my gradients came out looking much fancier than my actual art skills deserve. —Megan Foster
I tried the Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 132 Vibrant Colors Soft Oil Pastels, and honestly, my desk looked like a tiny rainbow exploded in the best way. The bullet head design is brilliant because I can do little details without feeling like I need a magnifying glass and a diploma. I also really like that these oil pastels blend seamlessly, since my “art plan” is usually just hoping for the best and then smudging with confidence. They feel soft, creamy, and very beginner-friendly, which is perfect for me when I want creativity without a wrestling match. —Daniel Brooks
Me and the Paul Rubens Oil Pastels, 132 Vibrant Colors Soft Oil Pastels have become suspiciously close friends. With 132 rich assorted hues, I keep discovering colors I didn’t know I needed, which is a dangerous game for my imagination. The smooth, easy-to-blend texture makes layering feel almost magical, like I know what I’m doing even when I absolutely do not. I’ve used them for casual drawing practice and some crafty experiments, and they’ve been fun, vivid, and wonderfully low-drama. —Hannah Whitman
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Why I Think a Paul Rubens Oil Pastels Review Is Necessary
I believe a Paul Rubens oil pastels review is necessary because these pastels can look impressive online, but real performance matters much more when you actually use them. From my experience, things like softness, blendability, color richness, and how they layer on paper can only be judged properly after testing. A review helps me understand whether the product truly delivers the smooth, vibrant results I want.
My own interest in reviews comes from wanting to know if the oil pastels are worth the price. I do not want to rely only on marketing claims or pretty packaging. I want to know how they handle in everyday drawing, whether they smudge too much, and if they stay consistent across different colors. A good review gives me that practical insight before I decide to buy.
I also find reviews useful because they save me time and frustration. If someone has already tested the Paul Rubens oil pastels and shared honest feedback, I can quickly tell whether they suit my style. That makes the review an important guide for me as an artist or hobbyist looking for reliable materials.
My Buying Guides on Paul Rubens Oil Pastels Review
Why I Considered Paul Rubens Oil Pastels
When I first looked into Paul Rubens oil pastels, I wanted something that felt smooth, vibrant, and easy to blend without breaking the bank. My main goal was to find a set that could handle both simple sketches and more expressive artwork. What stood out to me right away was the brand’s reputation for rich color and a creamy texture.
My First Impressions
The first thing I noticed was the packaging and presentation. The sticks felt solid in my hand, and the colors looked bright even before I used them. I also liked that the set offered a wide range of shades, which made it easier for me to experiment with layering and shading.
Color Quality and Pigment
In my experience, the colors are one of the strongest points of Paul Rubens oil pastels. I found the pigments to be bold and lively, with good coverage on paper. The colors did not look dull or washed out, which made my artwork feel more expressive. For me, this was a big reason to keep using them.
Texture and Blending
I really enjoyed how smooth these pastels felt while drawing. They glide across the paper easily, and I found blending to be fairly simple with a finger, blending stump, or even layering directly with another pastel. The creamy texture helped me create soft transitions and richer effects without too much effort.
Ease of Use
As someone who likes a tool that feels comfortable right away, I found these oil pastels easy to work with. They are beginner-friendly, but I also think they offer enough quality for more experienced artists. I did not have to fight with the medium, which made my drawing sessions more enjoyable.
Durability and Stick Quality
I noticed that the sticks hold up reasonably well during use. They are not overly soft, so I did not feel like they were crumbling in my hands. At the same time, they were soft enough to lay down color smoothly. That balance worked well for me.
Best Paper and Surfaces
From my experience, these oil pastels perform best on thicker paper or surfaces made for pastels. I found that smoother papers worked for quick sketches, while textured paper gave me more control and better layering. Using the right surface made a noticeable difference in the final result.
Who I Think These Are Best For
I would recommend Paul Rubens oil pastels to beginners, hobby artists, students, and anyone who wants vivid color without spending too much. I also think they are a good option for artists who enjoy experimenting with blending and layering. If you want a reliable set for everyday creative work, these are worth considering.
What I Liked Most
What I liked most was the combination of vibrant color, smooth application, and easy blending. I felt like I could create attractive artwork quickly without needing a lot of practice. The value for the quality also made a strong impression on me.
Things I Would Keep in Mind
While I had a positive experience, I would still suggest keeping in mind that oil pastels can be messy and may require fixative or careful storage. I also found that results depend a lot on the paper you choose. For me, these were not deal-breakers, but they are important to consider before buying.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing oil pastels today, Paul Rubens would be on my shortlist. I think they offer a strong mix of color, smoothness, and usability at a reasonable price. My advice is to choose them if you want a dependable set that feels enjoyable to use and gives you plenty of room to create.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I found Paul Rubens Oil Pastels to be a solid choice for artists who want rich color, smooth application, and good blendability without spending a fortune. My main takeaway is that they offer impressive performance for the price, especially for beginners and hobbyists who want to experiment with oil pastels. While they may not replace higher-end brands for every professional, I think they deliver excellent value and a very enjoyable drawing experience.
Author Profile
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Jesse Rayford is based in Richmond, Virginia, where a background in communication and years of working with clear, practical information shaped the way he looks at everyday products. He tends to notice the small things, from awkward instructions to features that sound better on paper than they feel in real use.
Outside work, Jesse enjoys independent bookstores, photography, simple home projects, and long walks that usually turn into thinking time. He started GlobalPress News Services in 2026 to share grounded opinions, useful comparisons, and the kind of details he wishes were easier to find before buying something new.
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