Posts Tagged ‘oil paint’

Oil painting (Shop Oil Paint) has been a widespread painting medium since the Dutch developed it in the fourteenth century. Although oil painting appears complicated, once you know the process its not as daunting as it may seem. Simply put, one needs only the paints, a solvent or medium, something to paint on. and an assortment of brushes. The Paints Oil paints are made from pigments (the same ones found in watercolours, acrylics, artist pastels, oil sticks, etc.) ground with a binder (usually linseed oil, safflower oil, or walnut oil),  and (again, like all artist colours) are categorized into "artist" or "student" quality.  Artist quality oils contain more pigment while student quality oils contain less pigment, and are therefore less expensive.  Also, a greater variety of colours is available in artist-quality oils, than in the student grade oil paints.  As with all artist colours, keep in mind that even though a colour in two different brands may have the same name, it might not be exactly the same colour, out of the tube.  It is always a good idea to test different brands until you find your favorites. Higher quality oil paints are worth their initial investment because a little amount of paint goes a long way. Techniques Artists have used numerous techniques to paint in oils over the centuries.  From complex, multi-layered studio paintings, to quick, expressive alla prima (all at once) paintings painted en plein aire (outdoors) artists have used oil paints to express any subject, in almost any style, that can be expressed. A good way to find which technique suits you, is to find out what techniques were used to make your favourite oil paintings!