How To Use Oil Painting Techniques

By Susan Bell


Considering the many paint mediums such as tempura, acrylics and watercolors, the one most consider to be the most versatile to use and work with are oils. The pigments in this type of product apply to the canvas in a buttery rich consistency and keep their true hue and vibrancy as they age. There is a full range of useful oil painting techniques that make a virtually endless array of creative possibilities.

There are a lot of reasons that make this particular medium a favorite with artists worldwide. Part of the attraction is that it provides the widest range of tones and the broadest of color spectrum than the other options. The slow drying time is an advantage most love because it gives them an opportunity to make detailed corrections and blend strokes much smoother.

The fact that this paint type is fitting for almost any style, and all genres, is a greatly desired benefit. Whether the artists likes to do their work quickly, or take a longer time to add in a lot of controlled detailing, this options works for them. It allows the user to achieve intricate nuances that the others seems to miss.

Regardless of genre and style, the basic tools of the medium are the same. These include a canvas, easel or tabletop, gesso, paints, palette and knife, thinner, various sized brushes and rags or towels for cleaning up. With these items, and the utilization of one or more application method, the artist can generate incredible works of art.

A good foundation is the key to starting a successful work of art. Color blocking, which is a method where the artist applies sections of diluted pigment to an area of the canvas, using either small or long brush strokes, to map out where various elements will be painted. This creates an base background for building the picture using layering options and purposeful details.

Using different applications, either by themselves or several together, can bring dimension to the piece. Some of these methods include varying brush stroke styles and sizes, contrasting colors, pain thicknesses, layering and the utilization of actions like pointillism or crosshatch. These things can bring the perception of space, movement and depth to the artwork.

This particular type of paint can be very successful in creating a look of transparency that appears like crystal, still waters or glass. The main aspects of accomplishing this are the purity of the pigment and its creamy smooth consistency as it flows across the canvas, along with using contrasting colors and shading. Through long, unbroken brushstrokes, they are blended so smoothly that they appear seamless and it becomes near impossible to tell where the tones actually switch, similar to a reflective surface.

An artist can use these methods of application in many ways such as varying the range of pigment purity, doing irregular blending, using brush strokes in different directions or sizes, and degrees of dilution to achieve a certain look. The utilization of obvious brush marks, thicker layers, and stippling are other avenues of adding depth. Understanding the absolute power of deep blacks and full whites are very effective tools as well.




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