Oil Painting Guide for Beginners

Many of you have seen oil paintings in the gallery, in friend’s houses, or in the shopping mall, etc. However, how much do you know about oil paintings?

Some painting - lovers want to learn to paint, but many do not know how to start. For many people, is an enjoyable and lifelong hobby, which helps us express emotions. Some think that painting is good to our health. That’s correct! Never too old to learn. Some beginners are worried about their ages, actually, they shouldn’t be. In fact, no matter when a person starts, it can be a rewarding pastime. Here we provide what you need to know about oil painting.

Firstly, you need to know the basic necessity for painting. Brushes are usually needed, especially sable brushes. Also, you need to prepare canvases, which can be bought from the oil painting supplier Meanwhile, palette and paints cannot be forgotten. Mineral spirits are used to thin the paint, and oils are used to thicken it. Here, we suggest beginners start out with vegetable oil. Besides, you need to know that the basic paint colors are ivory black, flake white, cobalt blue, ultramarine, cadmium yellow, chrome yellow, burnt sienna, etc.

Secondly, you should make sure that you have a good lighting in the room. Because good lighting can bring out the color more, meanwhile, it will lessen the strain on your eyes and keep you in good mood. Thus, a room with plenty sunlight is needed when you start to paint. Or, you can choose to paint outside. It is also a good environment for you to paint.

Thirdly, you need to learn about the rule of “fat over lean”, which means that each layer of the painting should have higher oil content than the ones below. Because paints with less oil will dry quicker. The rule - “fat over lean” helps to keep your oil paint from cracking.

Fourthly, it is important for beginners to compose the painting ideas in the mind first. You should be aware of the focal point of your painting. In the mean time, you should also control your own mind to avoid taking away from it. Last but not least, you need to know how to clean up after painting. We suggest you soak the brushes in baby oil, which will help emulsify the paint. Also, some oil painting stores sell pre-mixed cleaning methods for brushes, you can buy some from the stores. Painting is an enjoyable form of art. Whenever you start, it will be an unforgotten moment. Now, you may create your first oil painting in your life. Just enjoy it and have a fun day.

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