Things required for Oil Painting:
1. Oil Paint
2. Paint surface, Oil Paper/ canvas
3. Linseed Oil
4. Paint Brushes
5. Knives
6. Easel
7. Palette
8. Oil Paint Cleaner
1. Oil Paint
Oil paint is a type of paint made by mixing pigments with a drying oil, such as linseed oil, sunflower oil, or safflower oil. Oil paints have been used by artists for hundreds of years and are considered one of the oldest forms of paint.
One of the unique characteristics of oil paint is its slow drying time, which allows the artist to blend and layer colors, and to make changes to the painting over time. The slow drying time also means that oil paintings can take several months to dry completely.
2. Oil Paper/ Canvas
Oil paper and oil canvas are both surfaces that can be used for oil painting.
Oil paper is a type of paper that is specifically designed for oil painting. It is typically made from a heavy, acid-free paper that is coated with a special primer that makes it suitable for use with oil paints. Oil paper is ideal for creating small studies or quick sketches, as it is lightweight and easy to carry around.
Oil canvas, on the other hand, is a type of canvas that is specifically designed for oil painting. It is made from cotton or linen, and it is primed with a layer of gesso, which is a paintable primer that makes it suitable for use with oil paints. Oil canvas is the preferred surface for many professional artists, as it provides a sturdy, durable surface that can withstand the layering and blending techniques that are often used in oil painting.
3. Linseed Oil
Linseed oil is a popular medium used by oil painters. It is derived from the seeds of the flax plant and is used to thin oil paint and make it more fluid. This allows artists to create smoother, more translucent layers of paint and produce a glossy finish.
4. Paint Brushes
When it comes to oil painting, brushes play an important role in creating the desired effect in your artwork. Here are some popular types of brushes used in oil painting:
Bristle Brushes: Made from the hair of hogs, these brushes are stiff and durable. They are ideal for painting thicker layers of paint and creating textured effects.
Sable Brushes: Made from the fur of sable martens, these brushes are soft and flexible. They are perfect for painting fine details and achieving smooth, even brushstrokes.
Synthetic Brushes: Made from synthetic fibers, these brushes are designed to mimic the performance of natural hair brushes. They are more affordable than natural hair brushes and are ideal for students and hobbyists.
Fan Brushes: These brushes have long, wide, and flat bristles, making them great for blending and creating soft, sweeping brushstrokes.
Round Brushes: These brushes have a round tip and are perfect for fine details, lines, and outlines.
It's important to choose the right brush for the job, as different brushes are designed for different painting techniques and styles. In general, a set of brushes with different shapes and sizes is a good investment for an oil painter.
5. Knives
In oil painting, palette knives can be used as an alternative to brushes for applying and manipulating paint.
6. Easel
An easel is a essential piece of equipment for oil painters. It is a stand that holds the canvas or panel in place while the artist works.
7. Palette
A palette is a flat surface on which oil painters mix and arrange their paint.
8. Oil Paint Cleaner
Cleaning your painting equipment is an important part of the oil painting process. Here are some commonly used oil paint cleaners:
Solvents: Solvents such as turpentine or mineral spirits are used to clean oil paint from brushes and other tools. They dissolve the paint and make it easier to clean.
Soap: A gentle soap, such as dish soap, can be used to clean brushes after using solvents. The soap helps remove any remaining paint and leaves the brushes feeling clean and soft.
Oil Paint Cleaner: There are also specialized oil paint cleaners available on the market, which are specifically designed to clean oil paint from brushes and other tools. These cleaners are often more gentle than solvents and can help extend the life of your brushes.
It's important to be careful when using solvents and to work in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, it's a good idea to avoid using solvents on natural hair brushes, as they can damage the bristles.