With oil pastels, any paper surface can be used, however for best results I would recommend a heavier paper such as pastel paper. A toned Canson mi-tientes is a good starting paper with oil pastels, however you want to consider a heavier paper.
Students experiment with multiple ways to blend, smudge, layer, scratch and mix colours using oil pastels on coloured construction paper.
In the magical world of pastel art, many well-known artists have showcased their talent and art through oil pastels. Artists like Edgar Degas, Jean Francois Millet, Vincent Van Gogh have inspired many artists in the field through their commendable oil pastel masterpiece.
French artist Edgar Degas is one of the most prolific pastel artists and has created over 700 incredible oil pastel colour paintings and drawings.
If shipping unframed you must make make sure the artwork is wrapped in something which won't remove pastel from the painting! I use glassine over the painting and then foamcore boards front and back and taped together for extra protection and so the pastel painting won't move in transit.
You should find that oil pastels are easy to blend, and will reward your effort with their rich, brilliant color.