Oil Paint Basics

Oil painting uses pigments suspended in drying oils to create rich color, depth, and luminous finishes. It dries slowly, allowing for smooth blending and subtle transitions.

Materials you’ll need

• Quality oil paints (pigments in drying oil medium)
• Polymer or linseed oil (for thinning) or traditional painting medium
• Brushes in various shapes and sizes (silk or bristle)
• Palette and palette knife
• Linseed or odorless mineral spirits for cleaning and thinning
• Canvases or primed painting boards
• Meduim varnish for protection (final coat)
• Rags or paper towels and a jar for solvent disposal

Basic techniques

• Underpainting: Establish values with a neutral, monochrome layer to map light and shadow.
• Blocking in: Lay in large shapes with thinned paint, focusing on proportions.
• Glazing: Apply transparent layers to adjust color and depth after the work has dried.
• Scumbling: Lightly drag opaque or semi-opaque paint over a dry layer to create texture.
• Blending: Work while paint is workable to create soft edges and transitions.
• Wet-on-wet vs. wet-on-dry: Decide whether to blend colors on the canvas or let layers dry between applications.

Color mixing essentials

• Start with a limited palette: primary colors plus earth tones for a balanced range.
• Mix to create neutrals by combining complementary colors in equal or near-equal parts.
• Test colors on a scrap area or palette before applying to the canvas.
• Maintain a clean color tray to avoid muddy mixtures.
• Adjust temperature by balancing warm and cool tones within each area of the painting.

Working conditions and safety

• Work in a well-ventilated area when using solvents.
• Store paints and solvents upright and sealed to prevent drying and odors.
• Dispose of solvent-soaked rags safely to prevent spontaneous combustion.

Common problems and quick fixes

• Cracking: Avoid overly thick layers; build in thin, even coats and allow ample drying time between applications.
• Yellowing varnish: Use a light, non-yellowing varnish and ensure proper storage away from direct light.
• Muddy colors: Clean your brushes frequently; wipe excess paint before mixing, and refine edges with glazing layers.

Quick practice exercise

• Create a simple still life study using a neutral underpainting.
• Block in major shapes with mid-tones, then refine with glazing to deepen shadows and enrich highlights.
• Finish with a thin glaze to unify the piece and add depth.