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How To Use Oil Painting Techniques

By Susan Bell


Of all the various mediums artists use to paint, such as acrylics, tempura, and watercolor, oils are typically considered to be the among the most versatile to work with. The pigments go on the canvas with a rich, buttery consistency, and stay vibrant and true as the age. With a range of oil painting techniques, the creative possibilities are virtually endless.

Artists all over the world prefer this medium for several different reasons. For one thing, it has the broadest spectrum of color and the widest tonal range out of all the options. Another advantage is the slower drying time which allows the user to make smoother blends in their strokes and to do more intentionally precise corrections.

Another benefit of using this particular type of paint is that it is suited for all genres and most any style. It works for artists who like to do quick style paintings as well as those who prefer to take their time and do controlled detail. Using this medium, one can achieve certain nuances that are not possible with other options.

The base tools used, regardless of which style or genre one works in, are generally the same. These usually include rags or towels for cleaning, brushes in varied sizes and types, canvas, easel or table top work area, thinning medium, flat knife, color palette, and paints. Combining multiple applications and a little practice, wonderful art is easily produced.

The key to creating a solid piece of artwork begins with creating a solid foundation. Applying blocks of color to various parts of the canvas through long, or choppy brush strokes of diluted pigment, allows an artist to lay down a guideline for the placement of other elements. This basic background can be built upon by adding additional layers and various details.

Adding dimension to a piece can be achieved through a number of applications, with some of the best results coming from combining multiple styles. These include layering, thickness of paint, contrasting colors, brush stroke size or using methods such as crosshatching or pointillism. All of these, alone or in conjunction, provide a depth to the work that lends an air of movement or space.

When wanting to create the transparent look of still waters, crystal or glass, this particular paint type tends to be very successful. This is because of the smooth and creamy way in which it flows on to the canvas, the rich purity in the pigmentation and the utilization of effective contrasting. A seamless blend that becomes like a reflective surface with no clear differentiating between one tone and another can be done using continuous and unbroken strokes across the desired area.

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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