Painting can be done in many different ways. One of those ways is painting with oil paint. Oil paint has specific properties that make it especially suitable for certain techniques. Whether painting with oil paint is for you, you'll discover in this blog, so keep reading.
To paint with oil paint, you'll need the following: oil paint, several brushes, a palette, palette knives, a surface to work on such as canvas or paper, solvents such as turpentine, and cleaning materials such as rags or paper towels. You can use a painting easel if you're working on canvas, but this is not necessary.
Oil paint should be applied to an absorbent and sturdy surface. Commonly used surfaces include primed canvas, wooden panels, and specially prepared paper. These surfaces are often pre-treated with a primer like gesso to ensure optimal paint adhesion and durability.
Proper preparation is half the battle. Painting haphazardly with oil paint has a low chance of success. So, prepare yourself well. Understanding the characteristics of oil paint will help you determine how and what to paint.
Here are the most important characteristics of this paint:
Oil paint is a very versatile medium suitable for a wide range of painting styles and techniques. This allows you to use oil paint for a wide range of different projects:
Looking for a step-by-step guide to help you get started with oil painting? We've got you covered!
Preparing your materials and workspace
Getting started with painting
Building up the painting
Refining and adding details
Finishing touches
Safety and maintenance
Tip! Watch the video below for 10 additional tips before you start painting.
The "fat over lean" principle is a term commonly used in painting, especially in oil painting. It refers to the technique in which each new paint layer contains more oil -or fat- than the previous layer.
This principle is important because it helps prevent cracking and tears in the painting over time. Oil paint tends to shrink and expand as it dries. If the top layer contains more oil than the underlying layer, the top layer can dry more smoothly and flexibly than the underlying layer, thus preventing cracks.
Applying the "fat over lean" principle requires using more thinner (lean) in the initial layers of your painting, such as turpentine or an oil-free medium, and adding more oil (fat), such as linseed oil or an oil painting medium, in subsequent layers. This makes the paint increasingly fatter as the painting progresses, which contributes to the stability and durability of the work.
Painting with oil opens up a world of creative possibilities, but it also requires knowledge and skill. Whether you're a beginner taking your first steps into the world of oil painting or an experienced artist looking to refine your technique, we hope this blog has provided valuable insights and practical tips. From choosing the right materials to mastering advanced techniques like the 'fat over lean' principle, you now know everything you need to create the most beautiful oil paintings. So grab your brushes and let your creativity flow!
Read these blogs to learn more about painting: