The Basics Of Oil Painting

Oil painting is where an artist creates a piece with the use of pigments, rather than water color dyes etc. The pigments are treated in oils, such that the drying of the oil on the canvas will cause the pigment to be permanently transferred to the canvas.

This method of painting can be traced back several centuries, and is thought to have originated in the East somewhere between the 5th and 9th centuries. However, the style of art created in this method that one might recognize as an oil painting did not gain wide-spread popularity until the 1400s.

Most natural oils can be used in the process. This means that those from the seeds of poppies, linseed oil, oils from a range of nuts and plants are all suitable. Most commonly used for the base of a piece of art is linseed oil.

As an aside, note that oil paints are also used throughout industry. Their resilient nature (museums around the world house art that remains in good condition that is hundreds of years old) and the fact that they dry to form a hard and protective shield means that paints based on oils are often used in the construction industry.

In reference to art, to begin to paint with oils, you will need a selection of colored pigments, some oils and a canvas; all of these materials are available at any art store. As with many activities, to really master this form of art, it will take a lot of time and dedication. However, to learn the basic process is relatively simple.

Even advanced artists often find that it helps to create a sketch before using the paints. This can be in a separate book, to simply be used as a guide. You should not be afraid to mark the canvas, however, with a soft pencil; the oils will later hide the pencil marks.

Some beginners place a lot of pressure on themselves to progress quickly. However, this attitude can detract from the enjoyment of the activity. Making mistakes is part of the learning process, and each error should simply be used to help improve the next piece.

Oil painting is not the easiest form of art to take part in. However, it can be one of the most rewarding. Start with simple scenes and gradually add complexity to your pieces as you gain proficiency.

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