Are you looking to get into oil painting? Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist looking to switch to oils, this post is for you! In it, we will discuss essential tips that will help you create beautiful paintings with ease. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for some new ideas, read on for the best advice on how to start oil painting!
1) Choose the right canvas.
When it comes to oil painting, the type of canvas you use is very important. You want to make sure you choose a cotton or linen canvas that is primed and ready to go. This will ensure that your paint will adhere properly and that your final product will look its best. If you’re not sure what type of canvas to get, ask your local art supply store for advice. They should be able to point you in the right direction based on your needs. And if you’re really struggling, there are always online tutorials that can help guide you through the process step by step. Just do a quick search and you’ll find tons of great resources.
2) Gather your supplies.
Once you have the right canvas, it’s time to start gathering your supplies. You’ll need oil paints, brushes, a palette, and some type of thinner (like mineral spirits). If you’re not sure what brand of paints or brushes to get, again, ask your local art store for advice. They will be able to help you find the best quality supplies that fit within your budget. As for the thinner, make sure you get something that is compatible with oil paint. This will make cleanup a lot easier and prevent any damage to your painting down the road.
3) Set up your workspace.
Now that you have all the supplies you need, it’s time to set up your workspace. You want to make sure you have a comfortable chair, a table or easel to hold your canvas, and good lighting. Natural light is always best, but if you’re painting inside, try to find an area near a window where you can get some good illumination. Once you have everything in place, it’s time to start painting!
4) Start with a sketch.
Before you start painting, it’s always a good idea to do a quick sketch of your subject matter. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy; just a rough outline of what you want your final painting to look like. This will help you plan out the composition and get an idea of where everything should go. Plus, it’s always easier to fix mistakes on a sketch than it is on a painting!
If you’re not sure how to get started, there are plenty of tutorials and how-to videos online that can help walk you through the process. Just do a quick search and you’ll find all kinds of great resources.