7 Unique Oil Painting Tips from Popular Artists

Do you feel your oil painting needs more realism? Only proper training can help you experiment with oil paints and take your creativity to the next level. You can use different techniques of oil painting that offer varied end results. But remember, a lack of basic skills may deliver restricted results.

Here are 7 exclusive oil painting tips from famous artists that will help you quit all your worries and start painting!

Hold the Paintbrush Properly

Gain maximum control by holding your paintbrush at its end. This will help you get the most sensitivity and variability from each stroke.

This may feel a bit uncomfortable initially, but it offers good paintbrush control, enabling you to paint with your entire arm and not just your wrist.

Understand All Oil Painting Materials

Focus on the components in the oils you are using while working on your painting. Most oil paints are made using non-toxic, natural ingredients, but some varieties may contain poisonous turpentine and solvents.

Since turpentine and solvents are flammable, take on the oil painting task in a perfectly-ventilated room away from fire sources.

Paint Canvases and Sets

As a beginner, you can do well with basic oil paints. You can also use birch wood or Masonite canvas because linen canvases are expensive. But as you progress in this field, try spending money on good quality, professional oil paint sets that are more efficient than costly canvases.

Always go for the basic canvasses because they work equally well as long as they are perfectly primed before oil painting.

Avoid Mixing Mediums

Since oil and water cannot mix, the turpentine components and solvents in oil painting can be troublesome as you cannot clean the brushes in water.

So, after finishing the painting, get some solvent cleaner in your hand and wash all the brushes. Remember to clean the brushes after every use so they can last longer.

Use Your Thumb for Blending

In oil painting, your finger is one of the best paint blend tools. That’s because the nerve ending on your thumb can guide you to adjust the pressure you apply. This can further help you smudge the lines accurately. But carefully review the labels on your oil paint to see if they harm the skin.

Take Time to Assemble Your Oil Painting Kit

You cannot rush in the field of art, especially with the instruments you are using. Learn about the different brushes types, styles, and shapes. Since oil painting is exclusive and personal, try using brushes that feel good in your hand.

As for the oil paints, start with the less expensive varieties and then move to the more expensive ones as you gain confidence in the field. Initially, use two to three main colors that you can blend easily, and then gradually move on to combining other shades.

Practice Consistently

Remember, there’s no shortcut to oil painting. Practicing consistently in this field will make you perfect.

Painting just once or twice will not make you a pro at creating masterpieces. Keep practicing different arts and activities regularly to boost your creative instinct.

Conclusion

Every type of painting has a learning curve but things are a bit more difficult in oil painting. But the good news is the tips above can help beginners make a seamless transition and start oil painting more confidently.