Mastering Oil Painting: Essential Steps for Beginners

By Bryon Zirker

Understanding Oil Paints

Oil paints dry slowly, providing ample time for blending and layering. This is in stark contrast to acrylic paints, which dry quickly and were initially developed as an underpainting medium for oil paintings. Using acrylics as a base layer is stable and can speed up the painting process.

Key Components of Oil Paints

• Linseed Oil: Extends color, increases flow, and enhances workability.
• Mediums: Oil paint with added medium is termed "long," while paint used directly from the tube is "short" or "stiff."

Palette and Brushes

• Palette: Traditionally, a wooden board, with pear wood being the best choice.
• Brushes: Invest in high-quality brushes like Da Vinci brand. Use long-handle brushes and hold them near the end for better control.

Types of Paints

Understanding the transparency of your paints is crucial:

• Transparent: See-through
• Semi-Opaque: Slightly see-through
• Opaque: Not see-through

Painting Techniques

Wet on Wet (Alla Prima)

This method involves applying paint directly from the tube or thinned with linseed oil to the consistency of salad dressing. The key is to let your brushes and painting knives do the work.

Stage Painting or Glazing (Fat over Lean)

This technique involves building up the painting in layers:

1. Lean 1st Layer: Thinned with solvent
2. Lean 2nd Layer: Thinned with less solvent
3. Lean 3rd Layer: Thinned with even less solvent
4. Fat 4th Layer: Straight from the tube
5. Fat 5th Layer: Thinned with a little linseed oil
6. Fat 6th Layer: Thinned with more linseed oil

Following this process ensures that the layers dry uniformly, preventing cracking.

Preparing the Canvas

The foundation of your piece is crucial. Apply an underpainting or wash to eliminate the glare of the white canvas. Traditional choices include earth colors like burnt umber, raw umber, raw sienna, or ochre. For a more vibrant base, consider bright red or dark blue.

Brush Care

Never leave your brushes standing in turpentine during a session, as it can damage the bristles. Instead, wipe them clean with paper towels or cloth and wash them with soapy water at the end of your session.

Interesting Stats and Facts

• Market Growth: The global art supplies market, including oil paints, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2021 to 2026 (source).
• Historical Use: Oil painting dates back to at least the 7th century AD, with early examples found in Afghanistan caves (source).

Conclusion

Oil painting is a rewarding and intricate art form that requires patience and practice. By understanding the materials and techniques, you can create stunning works of art. Remember, the journey of mastering oil painting is as beautiful as the art itself. Paint on!

For more detailed guides and resources, visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Market Research.