How It All Began: A Story of Greeting Cards, Cardboard & Oil Pastels

I was born in the 1980s in San Bernardo, a small town just outside Santiago, Chile. Back then, the country was under dictatorship—an era marked by restrictions, censorship, and an overall lack of freedom of expression. Despite that, something inside me was already drawn to painting.

Christmas Cards: My First Art Gallery

I had no artistic references around me. No museums, no galleries, no family members who painted. But I did have access to something very special: Christmas greeting cards.

It was tradition to send these during the holidays, and the most iconic ones came from Hogar de Cristo, a Catholic charity organization that sold them to raise funds for the homeless.The covers featured paintings by famous Chilean and international artists—artworks from the National Museum of Fine Arts or private collections that allowed reproduction.

I would collect these cards every year. After the holidays, I’d ask relatives and neighbors to save them for me. I kept them in a cardboard box like treasures. They were my very first art collection.

The Discovery of Oil Pastels

As a child, I didn’t have the resources to buy real art materials. I only had access to school supplies: tempera paints, watercolors, and—thankfully—oil pastels.I loved them. They were creamy, rich in texture, easy to use. I didn’t need water, brushes, or drying time.

To me, oil pastels felt like the closest thing to the oils used in the masterpieces I saw on my beloved cards.

Chocolate Box Cardboard: My First Canvas

Since I had no access to real canvases, I started experimenting on any surface I could find. One day, I came across white cardboard sheets from the chocolate packages sold at my grandfather’s tiny shop.I asked if I could have them and started drawing (or painting) on the rough back side of the cardboard.

That was the moment everything truly began.

"Who would’ve thought that more than 35 years later, I’d still be using those same oil pastels, winning international awards, and exhibiting my work in some of the most prestigious galleries in the world?"

A Misunderstood Medium

Oil pastels have long been underestimated, often seen as a children’s or student’s material. But in reality, they are a powerful, expressive, and deeply rich medium.

Over more than three decades, I’ve developed a unique technique and working method that includes:

• Creating custom painting surfaces

• Carefully selecting materials and brands

• Using specialized tools and methods

• Protecting the finished artwork like a professional painting

This Story Continues…

All of this began with a box of greeting cards and some recycled cardboard. A quiet, personal search that would grow into a lifelong artistic journey.

Very soon, I’ll be sharing this knowledge—and much more—in my upcoming course:🎓 “Professional Painting with Oil Pastel: Contemporary Techniques” Exclusively available through my Patreon channel. patreon.com/leorebolledo

Are You Passionate About Oil Pastel Too?

If you're as passionate about oil pastel as I am, this blog is the place for you. Here, I’ll share stories, tips, insights, and bits of the knowledge I’ve gathered over 35 years of dedicated work.

Thank you for reading,Thank you for being here.See you in the next post.

Leo.