How To Series
Once you have gathered your supplies and familiarized yourself with the fundamentals, you are prepared to embark on creating your debut oil painting. Here are a few steps to contemplate:
Begin with a simple subject. A still life or a landscape with large blocks of color can be great starting points. Sketch your composition with a thin paint wash before wearing thicker layers.
Build your painting up layer by layer. Start with an 'underpainting' using thinned-down paint, establish your darks and lights, then gradually add more layers to develop textures and details.
Because of their slow-drying nature, oil paints can remain workable for several days. Use a palette with a lid or cover your palette with cling film to keep the paints from drying out between sessions.
Clean your brushes thoroughly after every painting session to prolong their lifespan. Use a brush cleaner or solvent (like turpentine or mineral spirits), but remember to do this in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
One of the advantages of oil painting is its forgiving nature. Mistakes can be easily corrected even after the paint has dried. You can scrape off unwanted paint using a palette knife or paint over it once it's dry.
One of the best ways to learn about art is to study the work of the masters. You can learn so much from many great masters and artists. Make it a habit also to study them, their lives, and their artwork
Don't be afraid to experiment as you gain confidence and mastery over your tools and techniques. Try painting different subjects, using new techniques, and developing your unique style.