For a first attempt (and considering that it is drawn on a paper towel) This drawing is quite good.
You have not only captured Pinocchio's likeness but his essence.
I myself have never been a big fan of oil Pastels (to me it is like drawing with lip stick...lol) But I do appreciate the medium and the challenges that it gives the artist.
from my past experiences with Oil pastels...Here are some pointers you may want to try on your next drawing...
1. I find that working on a heavy stock paper works best.
one of the most least expensive papers to use for Oil pastels
is the common everyday brown paper bag that you get for free with your groceries at the grocery store (another reason to use paper over plastic...
)
I find that if you cut the bag down the middle and lay it flat; the inside surface is perfect for Oil pastels and you can cut it down to whatever size you need.
2. start of with a light pencil drawing of your subject. this will help you work out any problem areas before you start with the pastels.. be sure to erase any heavy lines to just barely visible before you apply the pastels (this will help decrease smudging and muddiness)
3) once you have your basic line sketch of your subject down ...take a long look at your drawing and plan (in your head )the colors that you will want to use (if using a reference photo study that photo) then work in reverse from light to dark and from background to foreground...in other works start with your background colors then do the lightest areas first, then your darker areas. Last do your blacks and darkest colors
If you apply your colors in this manner your lines and colors will be crisper and less muddy (this also works for color pencils paints crayons etc...) (If you make a mistake...it is a lot easier to correct a lighter color with a darker one than it is to try to go over a dark color with a light color...)
once you are finished with your colors then look over your drawing and take your white pastel and do the final highlights
(the sparkle in the eyes, light glares etc) be careful not to over do the highlights.
those are just a few suggestions, once you are comfortable drawing on brown paper you can also use heavy stock paper, watercolor paper, canvas etc...the sky is the limit so do not limit your self...experiment and you will find many surprises along the way.
oh and I saved the most important tip for last...
once you are beyond the pencil line drawing
DO NOT ERASE if you make a mistake it is better to take the edge of a razor blade or exacto knife, box cutter etc and
gently scratch the mistake away (this really works well with oil pastels and color pencils) and then make your corrections...trust me this will keep your drawing cleaner your line will be clearer and less smudgy
(I very rarely erase anything past the line sketch portion of the drawing)
You are so Talented, I sincerely hope that you will continue to practice and perfect your talents because it would be a shame for you not to share these talents with the world...So Keep drawing and showing your work. ;D
I will look froward to seeing what you create next...I know that it will be Awesome
Once again Great Job on Pinocchio ;D
Scotty--