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...