Getting Started: Preparing Your Painting
The first thing we need to be clear about when starting to paint is understanding the technique for oil painting and having a defined concept of what we want to depict. For this, it is essential to create a sketch of our work before beginning to paint.
Sketching
A sketch helps establish the boundaries of the painting within the canvas and leads to better final results. It also speeds up the process by reducing errors, meaning fewer corrections are needed.
Types of Brushes
Once the sketch is completed, we move on to gathering the materials.
Brushes: Choose your brushes according to the type of painting you’re creating. The brushes needed for a landscape will differ from those for a still life or portrait. Therefore, selecting the right brushes is crucial.
Solvents for Oil Painting
Next, consider the solvent. It’s advisable to use a solvent suited to the current temperature because drying times can vary. For instance, a fast-drying solvent combined with high temperatures will cause the paint to dry even faster, which could complicate achieving the desired result.
If you’re painting from a printed photo, ensure it has enough quality to clearly define the details. Poor reference quality may lead to confusion during application. Finally, ensure proper lighting in your workspace. Inadequate lighting can significantly alter the perceived outcome when viewed in brighter settings.
Oil Painting Technique: Process
Base Layer Application
When painting with oil, it’s essential to know that one of the easiest approaches is working back to front. This technique prevents smudging and eliminates the need to carefully protect the edges as you would when working front to back.
Defining the Painting
Once the entire canvas is covered with a base layer of flat paint, begin refining the shapes or objects. After finishing this stage, allow the paint to dry before moving on to the final details. Always maintain the back-to-front approach.
Final Details in Oil Painting
If you’re new to oil painting, these tips will be invaluable until you develop your own style. It’s recommended to start with a mixture of 75% solvent and 25% oil for the first layer. Then adjust to 50% solvent and 50% oil for the next layer, followed by 40% solvent and 60% oil. For the final details, use 20% solvent and 80% oil.
Protecting Your Finished Work
Once your painting is complete, protect it with a varnish. However, oil paintings take 6 months to 1 year to fully dry, so it’s best to apply varnish approximately 8 months after completion. This step ensures the painting remains protected and prevents deterioration over time.