Oil painting is a beautiful and timeless art form that has been used for centuries to create stunning works of art. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, starting and finishing an oil painting can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. In this blog, we will discuss the materials you need, the different types of canvas, brushes, and oil paints to help you create a masterpiece.

Oil paint usually commands higher prices.

Materials You Need:

Before you start painting, you need to gather all the necessary materials. Here is a list of the materials you need to start and finish an oil painting:

– Oil Paints
– Canvas
– Brushes
– Palette
– Solvent
– Easel

Canvas:

There are different types of canvas available in the market, such as cotton, linen, and synthetic. Cotton canvas is the most commonly used canvas for oil painting. It is affordable and easy to work with. Linen canvas is more expensive but has a smoother surface and is more durable. Synthetic canvas is a cheaper alternative to cotton and linen canvas, but it is not as durable. I use a 405 gram cotton canvas stretched on a wooden frame.

Brushes:

There are different types of brushes available for oil painting, such as flat, round, filbert, and fan brushes. Flat brushes are used for large areas, while round brushes are used for details. Filbert brushes are used for blending, and fan brushes are used for creating texture.

Oil Paints:

There are different types of oil paints available in the market, such as student-grade and artist-grade paints. Student-grade paints are cheaper and have less pigment, while artist-grade paints are more expensive and have more pigment. Artist-grade paints are of higher quality and produce better results.

I believe in using the best quality paint. In year to come I want my canvases to retain their vibrant colour pallete.

Starting an Oil Painting:

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Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you can start your oil painting. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Sketch your painting on the canvas using a pencil or charcoal. You can also sketch with a brush. I like laying down my first layers of paint with acrylic. I use a cake decorating silicon knives to do this. There is nothing at daunting as a white canvas
2. Mix your colors on the palette. I use a glass sheet on a trolley with wheels. The glass is easy to clean
3. Apply a thin layer of paint to the canvas using a brush or start with an acrylic layer like me. My first layer is usually very textured.
4. Let the paint dry before applying the next layer. This is important but you can work wet on wet and mix some colours straight on your canvas. I like doing this and get unusual effects in the process.
5. Continue adding layers until you achieve the desired result. By adding different layers you get depth in your painting.

Finishing an Oil Painting:

Finishing an oil painting is as important as starting it. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Let the painting dry completely.
2. Apply a varnish to protect the painting from dust and dirt. Some painted dry more may than others. A good varnish gives the painting the same sheene.
3. Sign your painting.

In conclusion, starting and finishing an oil painting requires patience, practice, and the right materials. By following the steps mentioned above, you can create a beautiful masterpiece that you can be proud of. Remember to experiment with different brushes, canvas, and oil paints to find what works best for you. Happy painting!