While oil painting has been largely associated with old-school stigma, it does not mean that it cannot be used by contemporary artists to make beautiful masterpieces. It is quite the opposite because oil painting classes are very popular nowadays. This can be due to the fact that oil paint is very versatile and rich. So, if you are also one of those planning to explore oil painting, here are the steps you must know to begin with it successfully.
1. Prepare all the materials
In order to get started with oil painting, there are plenty of materials you need to have. Some of them are the canvas, brushes in various types, oil paints, of course, and other supplies as well. These include an easel, old rags or paper towels, a palette where you are going to mix the paints on, and solvent to thin the oil paints.
2. Set up your working space properly
Though it is best to learn constructively in oil painting classes, you can also practice this at home if you have the materials for it. However, when doing this at home, you have to make sure that you have a safe workplace for it where there is enough ventilation for the strong smell of oil paints. Then make sure that you are equipped with the right safety materials such as gloves.
3. Ensure that the canvas is ready
It is very important to prime your canvas very well so that you prevent troubles later on as you start painting. Remember that oil paints are thick and can seep into the canvas if it is not well prepared. The most commonly applied material to prime oil canvas is the gesso because it helps prevent oil from seeping into the canvas and makes it easier to work with.
4. Sketch your painting
Before you add more layers of oil paints in the canvas, it is advised to roughly sketch the subject first using a single colour only. This will serve as the base for your painting where you draw a rough shape, line, and focal points using either a light coat of paint or a pencil. You can then begin your actual painting where you play with and mix various colours to create your final piece.
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