Top 10 Tips To Start Oil Painting Like a Pro

Posted: Jun 16, 2009 | Comments: 0 | Views: 364 | Bookmark and Share

LEARN HOW TO DRAW

You will be amazed at how much learning how to draw will help improve your oil paintings. In fact, years ago art students were not permitted to paint until they learned the fundamentals of drawing. Drawing gets you more in touch with value, line and form without the distraction of color. Find a good book on drawing fundamentals and start there.

LEARN ABOUT COLOR

Nothing can confuse a beginner more than color. You need to have a good understanding of color theory if you intend on producing high quality paintings. Concepts like color temperature, hue and intensity are very important and should be studied. Once you have a good understanding of color theory, you must then learn how to mix your colors. There is much more to color mixing then meets the eye. For instance, you cannot mix any old blue with any old yellow and get the perfect green. Certain blues and yellows behave differently than others, so you must learn about the properties of each color.

PERSPECTIVE

Perspective in painting is one of the biggest hurdles for beginners. Sometimes a painting just looks "wrong", and often it is because the perspective in the painting is off. Learning about perspective will teach you how to properly translate a 3-dimensional world onto a 2-dimensional canvas or other support. Learning perspective is a necessary ingredient toward producing convincing oil paintings. There is of course an exception to this, if you are producing an abstract work and your intentions are to warp the perspective.

MATERIALS

Materials to an oil painter are like what a guitar is to a guitarist. A guitarist cannot play without his instrument nor can he play without understanding how his instrument works. Your painting materials are your instruments. They are what enable you to express yourself, so learning more about them is an absolute must. Learn about the different kinds of brushes and what they do. Know your paints. Not all colors behave the same. Some are more transparent or opaque than others. Know your supports and the difference between them. The list goes on.

TECHNIQUES

There are a plethora of oil painting techniques that you can learn to create your paintings. Techniques like wet on wet, glazing, alla prima, knife painting, etc. should all be explored. Working with various techniques will help you develop your own unique style and help you to produce more interesting paintings.

START WITH A CONCEPT

I remember not too long ago, what a frustrated painter I was. I had 10 or so incomplete paintings collecting dust in the corner of my small studio. I would attempt to complete these paintings over and over again, until finally I had to take a step back and try and understand what I was doing wrong. The reason I lost interest and was unable to complete these paintings, was because I did not have a concept in mind before I started. I would start haphazardly without a clear vision of what I really wanted to accomplish. Concepts are methods for solving problems in a painting. What do you want your painting to be about? When you have a blueprint or roadmap in mind before you start painting, there is no room for diversion. You must stick to your plan.

MASTER YOUR BRUSH

A very important part of oil painting is having control over your brush. Without good brush control , your effectiveness as a painter is limited. Make sure you have the best possible brushes you can afford. One of the biggest mistakes artists make, myself included, is not reloading the brush enough. Make certain you always have enough paint on your brush so that there is always a layer of paint between your brush and the canvas. Do not try and scrub the paint into the canvas. Paint your strokes and leave them be. Don't over work your brushstrokes.

FAT OVER LEAN

Follow this rule and you will reduce the chance of your paint cracking. Each layer of your oil painting should have a higher oil content then the one below it.

ORGANIZED PALETTE

Having a clean organized palette is an essential part of good painting. Get into the habit of laying out your colors the same way every time you paint. Arrange your colors along the edges of your palette leaving a lot of room in the center for mixing. Don't be afraid to squeeze out a good amount of paint, especially your whites. You will be more productive if you aren't continuously stopping to squeeze out more paint. Make certain to include all of the colors you think you will need to complete that session of painting. It's a good idea to continuously wipe your palette clean during the painting process. Keep some alcohol handy so that you can keep the mixing area of your palette clean.

INSPIRATION

If you are ever feeling uninspired don't get discouraged. Try taking a walk outside, breath in the air, look around at the beautiful earth God created. Try playing music while you are painting. You will be surprised how music can affect your painting. Visit a museum or local gallery. Viewing other works of art can really get your creative juices flowing.

(ArticlesBase SC #975387)

Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    RSS
    Print
    Email
    Re-Publish

    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/visual-art-articles/top-10-tips-to-start-oil-painting-like-a-pro-975387.html

    Article Tags:

    oil painting

    ,

    oil painting tips

    ,

    oil painting lessons

    ,

    oil painting techniques

    ,

    learn oil painting

    ,

    art

    ,

    arts

    ,

    art lesson

    ,

    art instruction

    How to Oil Paint with Hall Groat

    Learn how to classically oil paint or improve your oil painting skills with American artist, Hall Groat II. (08:36)

    How to Oil Paint

    This tutorial will teach you all you need to know to help you begin or improve oil painting. (09:28)

    How to Classically Oil Paint - Part 1

    American artist, Hall Groat II, teaches the world how to classically oil paint. (08:41)

    How to Oil Paint - Varnishing and Signing

    Learn how to oil paint and how to varnish and sign the finished still life painting. (03:22)

    How to Oil Paint - Cast Shadows, Stems and Edges

    Learn how to oil paint and how to cast shadows, stems and edges when painting still life. (05:35)

    Ralph Serpe

    Before you read on, you will have to try and forget everything you ever learned about oil painting and look at your painting from a new perspective. A recent art class I attended, taught by a master painter, has completely changed the way I approach oil painting and has opened up many new creative doors for me. I hope it will do the same for you.

    By: Ralph Serpe l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l May 23, 2008 l Views: 572
    John Mackinnon

    According to the publisher of Painting and Drawing Secrets: “ Recently a manuscript by highly acclaimed artist Alfred Daniels, has been re-discovered. Daniel’s work is the secret resource many top artists used to perfect their drawing and painting with oils and watercolors.” Read this detail review to discover if this Ebook is a gem or something to avoid before you b...

    By: John Mackinnon l Art & Entertainment > Art l Nov 17, 2009 l Views: 73

    If you wish to learn or polish the art of oil painting why not try an Oil Painting book.

    By: Isabel l Education l May 18, 2006 l Views: 769
    Ralph Serpe

    To accurately convey your feelings about the subject you are painting, you should learn and understand the fundamentals of oil painting like drawing, color theory, value and composition. I hope to give you a better understanding of these fundamentals in this article. This article is meant to be an introduction. You should study these topics further on your own when you have time.

    By: Ralph Serpe l Art & Entertainment > Art l Apr 05, 2007 l Views: 48
    John Mackinnon

    Andre Grobler, artist and author, has produced a video instructions manual for budding artists called “how to paint oils”. According to the information on his dvd jackets, he is a retired, South African painter and master teacher of over 43 years. He has painted over 20,000 paintings in his long career. Read this detailed review to discover if the “How To Paint Oils” video course is a gem or something to avoid.

    By: John Mackinnon l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l Nov 21, 2009 l Views: 82
    Ralph Serpe

    So you would like to learn how to draw eh? Drawing is one of the most economical forms of art and is very easy to get started. You really do not need much. For the absolute beginner, all that is really needed is a number 2 pencil and piece of cheap scrap paper. Eventually though, you will probably want to purchase quality supplies as you become more experiences and start producing finished drawings. This article will provide you with an introduction to some of the more popular drawing materials

    By: Ralph Serpe l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l May 12, 2009 l Views: 29

    This article covers some very important points if one wishes to make a living as a professional visual artist. After working with various artists and selling their art work in my Los Angeles art gallery and working with the world's largest fine art drawing and painting program, I have learned quite a lot about how one becomes a successful artist.

    By: Eric Hines l Art & Entertainment l Jun 18, 2008 l Views: 186 l Comments: 1

    Keeping those memories intact forever, Gen Y will have absolutely no problem. With all those digital stuff and gadgets, today’s generation can look back at memories and mementos conveniently and easily

    By: Shristy Chandran l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l Feb 10, 2010

    Sending a photo to be printed on canvas without touching it up is sort of like going to a cocktail party without makeup on. We know that real beauty is on the inside anyway, and if the content of your picture is optimistic and beautiful, it will always be so.

    By: Angus Benham l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l Feb 10, 2010
    Getbetterlife

    No matter what level of tattoo artist you are, you will need a list of tattoo supplies kept on hand and close by, includes tattoo machines, tattoo needles, tattoo inks, etc.

    By: Getbetterlife l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l Feb 09, 2010
    Leah Gray

    Combining hand-drawn drawing techniques with Digital art software to create unique cartoon caricatures for a unique gift or to capture treasured memories. By Leah Gray artist and writer.

    By: Leah Gray l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l Feb 09, 2010 l Views: 1

    The Free Celebrity Look Alike Generator is the new fun application that was recently developed to help you find your celebrity look alike. The software functions by you uploading your image to their server and then your picture will be analyzed and matched to the extensive database of celebrity images.

    By: Stephen l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l Feb 09, 2010 l Views: 29
    Aaron McLain

    Flower tattoos designs have been increasing in popularity over the previous years. This meaningful way to display art on your body has become a way for many to let it be known what is meaningful to them. Tattoo designs were originally placed on the face and were original to Japan. In modern day a flower tattoo has grown from the wild orchid to unusual and dramatic designs.

    By: Aaron McLain l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l Feb 08, 2010 l Views: 2

    Good quality, individual art has become more accessible for the consumer to purchase in recent years.

    By: Jenny Andrew l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l Feb 08, 2010 l Views: 2
    Michael Zelbel

    Acquiring prowess in beauty photography is no easy task - it takes much practice and a whole ocean of patience and perseverance. There are many things for a beauty photographer to know - from the basics of handling equipment to the subtlest nuances of light and composition. I will reveal you some of the basic issues that vex all beginners, so you could get past the neophyte stage as quickly as possible.

    By: Michael Zelbel l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l Feb 08, 2010 l Views: 8
    Ralph Serpe

    So you are beginning your journey into the wonderful world of oil painting? It can be a confusing process for beginners if you do not have someone to help guide you through the first steps. This article will provide you with all the necessary information that you need to get started.

    By: Ralph Serpe l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l Nov 12, 2009 l Views: 61
    Ralph Serpe

    One of the most satisfying and delicious home cooked meals you will ever make is a pot roast cooked in a slow cooker, also known as a crock pot. It is especially wonderful during cold winter months. This easy to make, tender and savory pot roast recipe is sure to be a huge hit with your friends and family.

    By: Ralph Serpe l Food and Beverage > Recipes l Oct 17, 2009 l Views: 318
    Ralph Serpe

    Guitar scales are extremely beneficial guitar practice exercise and if you aren't learning them, then you are at a serious disadvantage. Three important benefits of learning guitar scales are as follows...

    By: Ralph Serpe l Art & Entertainment > Music l Oct 09, 2009 l Views: 28
    Ralph Serpe

    Composition is one of the most important aspects of painting. A pleasing composition is one where shapes and colors in a painting are organized in such a way that there is a sense of balance. Creating a balanced and interesting composition is more challenging that it may appear. If something is out of place or wrong, the viewer is left confused or uninterested. The following tips should help steer you in the right direction.

    By: Ralph Serpe l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l Oct 07, 2009 l Views: 65
    Ralph Serpe

    Oil paint is an exciting medium to work with. One will never become bored while painting with oil paints. There are a variety of materials and other mediums at your fingertips and when you combine these materials and mediums with the versatility of oil paints, you have a variety of interesting ways to begin an oil painting. There are certain drawing and painting mediums that are compatible with oil paints and when utilized, will make your painting experience more interesting and enjoyable.

    By: Ralph Serpe l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l Sep 02, 2009 l Views: 187
    Ralph Serpe

    Acrylic paint, when compared with other mediums like oil paint, is a fairly new addition to the world of painting. It has only been around since the 1950's . It has been continually under development and refinement since that time. Just because acrylic paint has not been around as long as oils, does not make these paints less important or enjoyable.

    By: Ralph Serpe l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l Aug 18, 2009 l Views: 82
    Ralph Serpe

    Acrylic paint, when compared with other mediums like oil paint, is a fairly new addition to the world of painting. It has only been around since the 1950's . It has been continually under development and refinement since that time. Just because acrylic paint has not been around as long as oils, does not make these paints less important or enjoyable.

    By: Ralph Serpe l Art & Entertainment > Visual Art l Aug 18, 2009 l Views: 345
    Ralph Serpe

    Learning acoustic guitar is an extremely broad topic. One that would fill many books no doubt. The following guide focuses on some of the most important aspects of playing guitar providing you with an excellent starting point. This guide was written for the right handed, absolute beginner using a steel string guitar. My apologies to all of you left handed guitarists in advance.

    By: Ralph Serpe l Art & Entertainment > Music l Aug 05, 2009 l Views: 21

    Add new Comment

     
    * Required fields
    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    0