Everything you need to know about Oil Painting!

Oil painting is for masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Starry Night! They can be used for several purposes like abstract oil paintings and landscape oil paintings.

Introduction to Oil Painting

Oil painting existed as far back as the 7th century in Asia, but it gained popularity around the 15th Century in Europe. The use of oil paints was refined and influenced by artists in Europe such as Jan van Eyck. During the renaissance period, Oil painting recieved widespread popularity in Italy and throughout Europe after artists like Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo created masterpieces with it. The peak time for the popularity of Oil paints was in the 17th Century, when many artists began to push the boundaries of what could be achieved by the medium. Later onwards, in the modern era, oil paintings were still considered a great medium as they were used to once again create masterpieces by artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso. 

The fame of oil painting has existed for centuries now, and the pieces created by oil paints have also lasted for quite some centuries. Now you might be thinking about the reason for it's popularity and the reason why many artists preferred using this medium for their pieces. Since we're done with a brief history of oil painting, let's move onto the definition and unique characteristics.

What are Oil Paints and What makes them unique?

Oil Paints are a type of paint prepared by combining pigments with a binder, usually linseed oil. This mixture produces a thick, viscous paint that may be applied to a variety of media, such as canvas, wood, and paper. There are certain distinct properties of oil paints, which you should know, that make them unique :

1. Richness of Color 

Oil paints have high pigment concentration which makes them have deep and vibrant colors. They offer an artist to create intense luminous hues that remain vibrant over time. 

2. Blending Capabilities

This one is my peronal favourite and the most notable quality of oil paints. They have slow drying times which allows the artist to blend the colors easily and without hurry. The slow drying allows for an artist to take their time with the artwork and it also allows them to work on the same piece for days! 

3. Versatility

Oil paints can also be used in a variety of techniques, from thin glazes to thick impasto strokes. Oil paints are popular due to their versatility and rich texture they depict in paintings. Many artists love using oil paints because of this. 

4. Durability

I suppose this is self-explanatory, as we have quite historic paintings made from oil paints that are still thriving in the current time. That proves the durability of oil paints, however this is only possible if the painting is given proper care. 

5. Reworkability

Similar to the 2nd point, the slow drying time allows an artist to work on an area more than once and allows the artist to carefully consider the their finished piece. They are very forgiving with mistakes as they can be worked on again and adjusted.

What are the types of oil paints?

1. Traditional Oil Paints 

These are known for their rich color, smooth blending and extended workability, basically everything mentioned above. The traditional oil paints are widely used by both beginners and professionals to create classic oil paintings, as they are good for detailed and textured paintings.

2. Water-Mixable Oil Paints

These are known for their ability to be mixed and cleaned with water, making them less toxic and more safe to use. They are suitable to be used by artists who don't work in an open or ventilated space or have any health concerns. 

3. Alkyd Oil Paints

These are known for their faster drying times compared to traditional oil paints. They work great for an artist that likes to work with tons of layers and glazes, as the paint will dry faster allowing for an efficient and consisten painting session.

4. Student-Grade Oil Paints

As the name suggests these are oil paints that are ideal for students, beginners or simply art lovers who want to try out oil painting. What makes them ideal? their cheapness! They're easier to afford than most oil paints and are thats why called Student-Grade Oil Paints.

5. Professional-Grade Oil Paints

These are known for their higher pigment concentration, superior color intensity and durability. These are what many would refer to as high-quality paint and so it's quite expensive. It's for artists and professionals that produce pieces on a professional scale or for exhibitions. Of course there's no rules though, you can get them if you want, but better to stick with student-grade if you're just starting out.

Oil Painting Materials for Beginners

1. Brushes 

Brushes are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. I can't give you a size recommendation because it relies entirely on the size of the artwork you want to create. When it comes to shape, there are three primary options: round, flat, and filbert. Personally, I love flat brushes. The clean edges, the regulated strokes, I adore using them. However, I cannot say the same for everyone else.

All I can say is that everyone of us is more at ease with a particular shape, and the only way to determine which brush you are most at ease with is to try them all out. Thus, you may want to purchase a brush set that includes multiple forms so you can choose which one to use, or you could purchase just a few of the most common shapes, such as the Round and Flat brushes.

There are now certain guidelines to follow when purchasing an oil paint brush. Because oil paints are thick, you'll need a brush that can both blend the paint well and withstand its thickness. Different types of hair are used to make paintbrushes, and oil paints require strong bristles. A nice place to start would be with a paintbrush that has hog bristles. However, using the same brush you use for acrylic painting would also work if you don't want to get too involved. However, bear in mind that due to the oils used, once you use a brush for oil painting, it becomes exclusive to oil painting. Having different brushes for water-based and oil-based paints is therefore recommended. 

2. Canvas or Surface 

There are three main surfaces used for oil painting. Canvas, Canvas Boards, and Canvas Paper. Oil can be painted on numerous surfaces, including wood. However, canvas, the most typical surface, would also be my recommendation to you. Canvases can be woven from either linen or cotton, with linen being more difficult to prime and stretch and cotton being the easier alternative. Cotton is also less expensive than linen canvases. So, if you intend to work on canvas, I recommend linen, although cotton will also work. 

The second alternative, canvas boards, are also suitable for oil painting, but I prefer canvases. Canvas boards, on the other hand, offer the advantage of being easier to transport and less prone to damage, saving you the headache of dealing with stretched canvas. 

Lastly, Canvas paper is not my favorite surface to use, but it may be for you, so I've included it on this list. Canvas paper is exactly what it sounds like; it comes in the same format as a sketchpad, but with sheets of canvas paper instead of standard paper. It is also a surface on which many artists paint, but I have never had a very positive experience with them. I believe I just prefer the feel of a canvas instead.

3. Solvent 

This is where paints with an oil base differ from those with a water base. Water-based paints only require water and possibly a small amount of natural soap to clean their brushes. Water, however, has no effect at all on oil paintings because they are oil based. Therefore, you'll need a solvent to cleanse your brushes with after applying a particular color or when you're finished painting the entire painting. Mineral spirits or turpentine can be used as this solvent. For myself, I use turpentine. You can see which one would be easiest for you to purchase.

4. Thinning medium

Alright, so consistency is one of the main characteristics of oil paint. The texture of the painting is achieved by the paints' extreme thickness, although occasionally you will need to thin them slightly to allow for correct brushstroke flow. How would you act in this situation? By applying a thinning agent! Linseed oil is the most widely used medium for thinning oil paints. When thinned, acrylic paints are readily thinned down since water is used to rinse the brushes, which is not the case with oil-based paints. Instead, with water-based acrylics, you simply start with a wet brush. Since oil paint is based on oil, you can thin it just by using Linseed Oil. Since linseed oil isn't used to rinse brushes, you'll need to store it in a bowl or other container and dip your brush into it sometimes when you need a thinner stroke.

5. Palette

A palette is the perfect platform for mixing paints and squeezing them out of tubes, since you certainly need one! Palettes are made of many materials, forms, and sizes. Although the palette's dimensions and form are up to you, the material and paint medium you use has certain connections. To cut a long tale short, I suggest a glass palette! Glass is wonderful for thicker paintings like oils, but it can be dangerous if damaged. Although you can use a wooden or plastic palette, I still choose Glass. In case you're interested to know more about Paint Palettes, check out my blog on it!

Extra Supplies 

1. Towel/Cloth 

Having this material on hand is also necessary for thoroughly cleaning your brushes following each solvent rinse. If not, using the solvent by itself won't be sufficient to clean your brushes. Thus, always have a tissue or towel nearby. 

2. Painting Knives 

Although not necessary, having this item is nevertheless beneficial. It is used to mix colors since using a paintbrush to do so clogs the brush with paint that dries quickly and doesn't wash away readily, hardening part of the brush's strands. If you don't want to purchase a palette knife, you can use other items, such as the rear tip of an old pen or pencil. Using the narrow point of an old metal spoon or fork would also work, as the paint will attach to the wood. Ultimately, all we require is an object to blend the paint colors.

3. Mediums

Paint mediums are liquid substances that are added to a paint to alter it's properties to make it more suited to your needs. Mediums can be used to change the texture and consistency of paints. It can also give certain finished looks to your paintings. It can be used to make paint dry faster or slower. Mediums come for different purposes and are always helpful to use in a painting. They're not compulsory to use but can be helpful. If you're interested, check out my blog on Mediums. 

What are the rules of oil painting?

1. Thick over thin

Paint in heavier layers over thinner ones. Layers that are thinner dry more quickly, giving heavier layers a solid foundation. This guarantees enough adhesion between layers and lessens the chance of cracking.

2. Slow-drying over fast-drying

Put slow-drying paint on top of paint that dries quickly. The underlying paint can be worked on without upsetting the fast-drying layers, as they immediately solidify and provide a secure base for the later slow-drying coatings. This keeps the artwork from chipping and helps to preserve its integrity. In other words, you can paint oil over acrylic paints but not acrylic paint over oil unless you are absolutely certain that the layer is dried and cured.

3. Fat over lean

Over thinner (less oily) coats of paint, apply thicker (greasier) ones. Because they have less oil in them, lean layers dry more quickly. In order to minimize the chance of cracking, flatter layers with more oil stay flexible and dry more slowly. This idea guarantees a consistent drying process and long-term stability for the painting.

4. Underpainting

Apply a base coat of paint to determine the painting's composition, values, and general tone. It lays the groundwork for the ensuing layers and aids in directing the arrangement of details and colors. Because underpainting leaves some of the original layer visible, it can also give the finished piece more depth and complexity. It facilitates the planning of the artwork and guarantees a unified end product.

Safety and Clean-up 

1. Work in a well-ventilated environment.

2. Safely dispose of the solvents.

3. Clean Brushes and Tools after usage.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Oil Painting

Advantages 

- Versatility

- Extended drying time

- Durability of finished works

Disadvantages 

- Long drying times (Makes painting process slow if you work with several layers)

- Strong odors from solvents (Can be toxic to inhake)

- Need for proper ventilation (Toxic fumes can cause damage to health if inhaled)

Thank you for reading!