Learning Oil Painting Lessons for Beginners

by Barbara on March 13, 2010

The very first thing you will learn in oil painting lessons for beginners is selecting the appropriate materials. Even though it is already clear that you will invest in the paint itself, it is also important to know the rest of the supplies that you will require before you begin working on your masterpiece. Secondly, you need to be familiar with the priming method for your canvas. Thirdly, you need to learn about a popular technique for any oil painting, the ‘fat over lean” technique.

To make your oil painting session a success, you will require paint primers for oil paints, canvas, painting brushes, oil paints and solvents/thinners to use in cleaning the brushes. When selecting canvas, select a comfortable size because if it is too small or too big, you might end up doing more detailed work that is not necessary for a start.

In regards to the quality of the canvas, when starting out, avoid investing excessive money in high quality canvas. However, sometimes you may end up loving the piece therefore let the quality not be very poor as it will deteriorate very fast. Investing in a canvas primer is also necessary since the canvas you purchase will not be primed for oil use.

Oil painting lessons for beginners will also enable you to be aware that both your painting and primer require brushes. It is advisable to make use of brushes made using hog’s hair as they will withstand the oil paint thickness. You will require a wide range of sizes and shapes for your brushes and after a little experimenting, it will be easy to know which type is best for your painting. Apart from the materials you require, cleaning the workplace is equally important. To remove any paint off you, the floor or painting desk, paint thinners will come in handy. However, before using the thinners, ensure you read the warnings and labels on the thin or bottle before use so as to avoid any accidents.

For real oil paint, make sure you select quality oil paints. You can start with just some quality primary color oil paints then add to your collection with time. It is also possible to prepare your personal oil paints by use of wax, pigment and linseed oil. However, begin experimenting with off the rack oil paints for a start.

After ensuring you have all the necessary materials, prime the working surface. After stretching your canvas or buying an already stretched one, shake your primer bottle first then decide how many coats you will apply to obtain rough finishing. When applying the primer, make use of a wide old brush and begin from the bottom moving up; move in parallel strokes from the left to the right. After reaching the canvas end, let the canvas dry up then rinse the brushes. These are just some oil painting lessons for beginners.

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