What is the best way to paint with oil paint?

Author: Prof. Nick Wisoky  |  Last update: Saturday, April 19, 2025

Applying layers of paint Coloring a painting is done by superimposing layers. Start by adding areas of shadow and light, fill in large areas with color, then work patiently, laying on more and more intense layers of color. You need to follow the golden rule of oil painting: painting "thick on thin" .

What are the tips for painting with oil paints?

Firstly, when painting with oils, it is important to adhere to the three rules of oil painting. These are 'fat over lean', 'thick over thin' and 'slow-drying over fast-drying'. This means that each layer of paint should be progressively more flexible, thicker and slow drying than the one below it.

What is the golden rule of oil painting?

For paint to dry without cracking and colors to be bright, the golden rule of painting is thick on thin: each succeeding layer should have slightly more oil than the previous one. The first ones should therefore have little oil and the following ones be richer and richer.

Do you wet your brush when using oil paint?

Brush Care

Avoid dipping a dry brush into oil paint. For natural hair brushes, first, dip the brush into painting medium. This distributes the natural oils of the brush hairs and allows each hair to load properly with paint. Different levels of the painting require different types of brush hair.

What are the three rules of oil paint?

There are three rules to follow when painting in oils because colours dry at different rates: 'fat over lean', 'slow over fast' and 'thick over thin'.

A Crash Course on How to Oil Paint

Why is oil paint illegal?

Why is oil-based paint illegal? Oil-based paint is not universally illegal but is regulated in some areas due to its high volatile organic compound (VOC) content, which can be harmful to the environment and human health.

Do you start with dark or light colors when oil painting?

Paint in that darker color first and then — and only then — paint a small spot more in the middle as I have done in my painting. So as you paint your still life it is always best to over-paint your darks instead of over-painting your lights.

What do you dip oil paint brushes in?

Use the same kind of oil that is in your paint to avoid adulteration with slower-drying or never-drying oils. I use linseed oil, but walnut oil is also recommended. Use a painter's tray or something similar, so they are not tip-down and distorting the shape of the brushes.

What is dry brushing in oil painting?

What is dry brushing? The secret to dry brush painting is to apply the paint with the very tip of your brush. Work with a clean, dry brush and scrub it over the surface you're painting. Use a stabbing motion to really push the paint into any crevices.

What paint thinner to use for oil painting?

Turpentine is really the only solvent needed when starting out with oil.

When oil painting, do you paint the background first?

The background of your work is just as important as your subject. We all have different techniques, and your mileage may vary, but here are some tips on painting backgrounds that you may want to keep in mind: Paint the background first, not the subject.

How to avoid cracks in oil painting?

How can artists minimize cracking in their oil paintings? Artists can minimize cracking by selecting stable pigments, using flexible binders, avoiding thick paint applications, and ensuring their paintings are stored and displayed in environments with stable humidity and temperature.

What is the formula for oil painting?

40% stand oil, 10% Liquin, 50% odorless mineral spirits or equivalent.

What is the best thing to paint with oil paint?

Best Ideas for Oil Painting Every Painter Should Try
  • 1 | Landscape painting.
  • 2 | Seascape painting.
  • 3 | Still life painting.
  • 4 | Figure painting.
  • 5 | Self-portrait painting.
  • 6 | Painting portraits of your friends and family.
  • 7 | Painting animals.
  • 8 | Dreams, fantasy, mythological, allegorical and imaginary painting.

What is the Scumbling technique in oil painting?

Scumbling is the brushing on of an opaque, lighter layer of paint. This technique is used to visually soften or lighten areas. Scumbling, like glazing, must be done over a dry paint layer, and you typically apply the paint unthinned, using a dry-brush technique.

What paint does Bob Ross use?

All monies go towards buying materials https://www.buymeacoff... Bob Ross Paints Used: Bob Ross Liquid White, Titanium White, Ph. Blue, Black, Van dyke Brown, Dark Sienna, Alizarin Crimson, Sap Green, Cad.

Is scumbling the same as dry brushing?

Scumbling in art refers to a painting technique that involves applying a thin layer of paint with a dry brush and a loose hand over an existing layer. The idea is to allow parts of the already existing paint below to remain exposed.

What does underpainting do?

What Can Underpainting Achieve? An underpainting in oils, if used correctly, is a great way to unite color values in the overall painting and add a subjective color key to the painting that will create a tonal dominance. It helps establish the overall composition and values, providing a roadmap for subsequent layers.

What is the best type of brush for oil painting?

Bristle Type

Natural Bristles: Made from animal hair such as hog, sable, or squirrel, natural bristles offer superior paint-holding capacity and create rich textures. They are ideal for seasoned artists who appreciate textures and a high paint load.

How do you prevent brush strokes with oil based paint?

When painting a wall, go horizontal with your brush strokes. This technique can minimize visible streaks, creating a seamless and uniform finish. For an extra level of smoothness, consider mixing additives like water or linseed oil with your paint to prevent brush marks.

What are the three rules of oil painting?

What are the three oil painting rules?
  • Fat over lean. First up, is what's known as 'fat over lean'. Think of this rule as meaning 'flexible over non-flexible'. ...
  • Thick over thin. Next, is 'thick over thin'. ...
  • Slow-drying over fast-drying. Lastly, we have the 'slow-drying over fast-drying' technique.

How do you illuminate an oil painting?

If you're lighting an oil painting or art with texture, subtract 5 degrees from the angle. You'll accentuate the texture by adding slight shadows but avoid anything extreme that will obscure the art. For larger pieces, angle the light about 35 degrees to bring it back and illuminate more of the artwork.

What is the fat over lean rule in oil painting?

Fat over lean refers to the principle in oil painting of applying paint with a higher oil to pigment ratio ('fat') over paint with a lower oil to pigment ratio ('lean') to ensure a stable paint film, since it is believed that the paint with the higher oil content remains more flexible.

Previous article
What is the lifespan of a down comforter?
Next article
Are old refrigerators worth anything?