The Four Essential Steps In Oil Painting Techniques

Oil painting techniques take time to learn and master, however one should not allow this to put them off, but rather view this as a journey of not only learning but discovering the joy of being able to express your artistic talents, and yourself on the canvas. As a beginner, and setting out on a journey learning the basics, it is imperative that one understands the basics as far as oil painting techniques, and oil painting itself goes.

Sketching

One needs to establish a starting point, in terms of what they wish to convey on the canvas, whether it be a landscape, a self portrait or whatever, a basic representation, via a sketch is a suitable starting point. Some professionals recommend the use of charcoal in sketching, whilst others insist upon thinned out paint, also referred to as a ‘clean’ or a ‘wash’; whichever is used the fact that one can make easy corrections to the sketch is an absolute must, as this forms the very foundation of the work being done.

Planning

The planning stage provides a basic representation of how the actual painting will appear, more or less. This is why many people prefer utilising actual clean or wash, as the color representation is more ‘realistic’ and provides a better perspective of the completed painting. At this point the oil painting techniques, inclusive of definition, perspective and so forth will be evident and one can make the necessary adjustments accordingly.

Color Application

The applications of major colors within the oil painting techniques and processes are the next phase or step. However an important technique is applied here, and is commonly referred to as ‘fat over lean’, which actually forms the basis of the fourth step below. Within this step the artists seeks to color the major shapes, forms and areas of the illustration with the base color of each of these elements. Specifically referring to the oil painting techniques of fat over lean, the artist will apply a thinner layer at this point and is usually comprised of a mixture of paint and solvent.

Layering
As provided above the fat over lean concept and layering work hand in hand, with the thinner layers being applied first and gradually built up, with either identical colors as the base layers, or with slight color adjustments and variations, which is one of those oil painting techniques that add not only complexity to the work at hand, but an effect that provides depth and whole different perspective to the painting being completed.

Although these steps may be easily described on paper and in a ‘how to’ type format, one should take the time to study and familiarize themselves with each step, especially if they are just starting out, as this is part of the process of discovering some of the various oil painting techniques and practices used by the experience painters and artists.

Getting Introduced To Oil Painting is a Great Resource for those wishing to Learn How to Oil Paint.