Oil paint is a wonderful and versatile medium click reference. Oil paint is usually applied in a buttery texture, and then thinned until it becomes a liquid consistency. The versatility of this paint allows you to experiment with a variety of techniques. My favorite way to begin MY oil painting is to first sketch out my composition using acrylic or oil-soluble colors. In oil painting, it is standard practice to use turpentine to dilute the paint before applying the first layers. Turpentine is toxic and I don’t use it. When you use plain water to thin acrylics and oil-soluble paints, it is easier to paint.
You can begin your oil painting with a drawing of the composition. Oil paints can be used with a wide range of drawing materials. Vine charcoal, water-soluble colored pencils and coloured pencils are my three favourites. Vine charcoal is my favorite because it does not smudge, and also is easier to erase. Water-soluble pencils are amazing for spreading color when wet. Alla Prima is for the impatient. Alla Prima is a technique where a painting is completed in one sitting, rather than using multiple layers and waiting for them to dry. Although I prefer to work out paintings in layers, my husband and myself occasionally enjoy this exciting as well as spontaneous approach when it comes to oils painting for sales.
Glazes are best used by painters who are extremely patient and meticulous. Glazing has been less popular in recent years, due to the time required to complete a work of art and its complexity. You can get unique, incredibly beautiful results. The background of your composition will first be painted in monochrome, usually using shades of gray. After the underpainting has dried, thin layers of oil glaze are applied. Colors do not need to be mixed instantly but in layers.
For those who enjoy experimenting, paint or palette knives can be a great option. Knives allow you to create a wide range of effects. Brushes are not able to achieve the same results. Oil paint can be easily removed and spread. Knives are great because they don’t require us to pay attention to every little detail. Now I paint in a more relaxed manner. It’s an impressionist style picture. Purchase a few paint knives and complete the painting using only these. It can be hard to tell at first if you should have used brushes, but it is a fun activity. This is a great way to give your artwork more texture and depth. You can use thick strokes to apply paint and still leave evidence of brushstrokes. You can watch a Van Gogh painting and also see it being painted. It’s no wonder that oil painting is popular among painters. You can easily tell the difference between acrylic and oil painting. You’ll be entertained by the amazing variety of tools, mediums and techniques.