Monday, March 14, 2016

Learn Basic 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Giving dimension to one's work can be done with a variety of applications, often being used in conjunction with each other to get some interesting results. Among these are the thickness of paint, layering, brush stroke size, contrasting colors, as well as methods such as pointillism and crosshatching. Each of these, alone or in combination, create depth and lend the feelings of movement and space.

This type of paint is incredibly successful at creating a transparent look that gives the appearance of glass, crystal or still waters. The key to this accomplishment is the purity of color and the smooth, creamy consistency with which the medium goes onto the canvas, along with the use of contrast. Using long, uninterrupted brushstrokes allows the pigment to blend into a seamless mix where it is difficult to tell where one tone switches to another, like 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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