OIL PAINTING

What is oil painting?

In the Middle Ages, a new technique arrives that will revolutionize art: oil painting. Until the century
In the 15th century, the most predominant technique in painting was fresco or tempera painting. Oil paintings
they used a binder made of egg yolk, which made it difficult to create the works; there was
to work quickly and not make mistakes, because the paint had a very short drying period.

The appearance of the oleo breaks with this tradition by presenting much more advantageous characteristics for
the artists, as much slower drying, brighter colors and a much larger color palette.
Thus, it begins to become generalized among the great artists of the time, giving rise to works as
important like The Mona Lisa by Da Vinci, The Starry Night by Van Gogh, The Girl with a Pearl Earring
Vermeer or the Birth of Venus by Botticelli. These works were much simpler to
market, making it easier to buy oil paints.

In fact, oil painting was so groundbreaking that it continued to be used in modern art, having
exponents in currents such as surrealism (with Salvador Dalí), cubism (with Pablo Picasso) or
Abstract expressionism (with Mark Rothko).

Characteristics of oil painting

The technique of oil painting consists of mixing different pigments with a binder based on
oils, usually of vegetable origin. It is applied with a dry brush, to which a little has been added.
of pigment. It is also important to remove the excess paint by rubbing the brush on a surface,
like a rag or a piece of paper.

Being a more consistent painting than the rest, theoil paintingsand ease of creating a palette
of quite a wide range of colors through the combination of other pre-existing ones. This is due to a
much slower drying (the main difference with egg yolk), so that we can
act on the canvas and apply different layers with plenty of time to spare. An added benefit
from oil paintings is the ability to correct the execution of what is painted: as it takes longer to dry, it
You can easily rectify what is placed in the box.

This must be complemented by a shiny finish of its colors, something capable of lasting during
many years (there are works that can last for centuries). These colors are what ultimately give
I play with the canvas. They allow creating the sensation of transparencies, shadows, metal… They make the painting...
glows on its own and gives very realistic aspects to the painter's projections. This makes buying
oil paintings, to be much more appealing.

In comparison with another type of paint that is widely used, such as acrylic, we can find several
differences. Acrylic is more liquid than oil paint, thicker and noticeable when applied.
dry. This causes the acrylic to lose volume, becoming smoother and losing textures. With the oil paintings
You can create textures - like brush strokes - thanks to how thick the paint ends up being.
the binders. It is these pigments that enrich oil paints, as a good work
It will be made with quality materials that withstand the passage of time without losing their qualities.

The main difference is the use: a smooth painting will be made with acrylic, while one with textures,
with oil. That is why we can see brush strokes and the hand of the author; it ultimately becomes a painting
more personal, that lets us see the direct work. The aloeleo painting also provides a lot of play in terms of
to supports, because we can find this technique in metal, wood, ivory, stone, and canvas board;
with these two being the most common. The use of such diverse surfaces is due to the binder.
based on egg yolk, which allows for easy adhesion. That is why most surfaces
They can be oil painted, with the only requirement of being sealed or primed afterwards.
The downside is that its duration is limited: over time it ends up drying out and cracking.
becoming brittle over the years. That is why the drying process can be altered.
with different additives that are added, such as cobalt drier.

Oil painting has many representative artists, but the Flemish were the first to
introducing this oil technique in Europe, becoming the favorite of many recognized artists
in the History of Art, like Leonardo da Vinci and Velázquez.

Supports that are worked with Oil

Oil on wall
Main article:Mural painting
First of all, the artist was preparing the wall to receive the paint (priming).
technique is described byGiorgio Vasari(1511-1574), architect and theoretical painter of Italian art in his
workThe Lives.5
First, the surface of the plaster is saturated with several layers of boiled oil, until reaching the point in
so that the wall no longer absorbs. When the surface is dry, a layer of white is applied
lead, from oil, from lead yellow and from refractory clay. The final layers are applied with powder of
very fine marble and lime, plus an application of linseed oil. To finish, a coat of
Greek fish.
The use of oil on the wall has been minimal in the history of art, as other techniques
like frescoes are much more stable and durable. However, some landmark works, such asThe
last supperby Leonardo Da Vinci or theBlack PaintingsofFrancisco de Goyathey employed this technique.

Oil on board
Main article:Table (painting)
This technique was the one preferred by the artists of theFlemish painting. However, great
number of Italian paintings from the early Renaissance period were painted on wood. They
I prepared the board with a layer of earthy calcium carbonate (whiting) and animal glue (gesso).
this way the wood turned out compact and smooth, awaiting the paint.

Oil on canvas
Main article:Canvas

Striped canvas.
It has been the favorite support since theRenaissanceup to our days, due to its ease for the
transport and storage and optimal preservation. The fabric prevents the bothersome and unsightly cracks that
small protrusions on the wood due to thermal or moisture fluctuations, and allows for the realization
of larger dimension paintings. Additionally, many artists take advantage of the weave of the fabric to
create particular expressive effects. The canvases often exhibit a more matte appearance than the paint
about wood, although this is often mitigated by the application of varnishes as a final finish.
The most commonly used fabrics for painting are thelinoleum, theburlapand thecotton.
The Venetian artists of the late 15th century were the first to use the mounted free canvas.
about a framework. The fabric reached its maximum splendor as a support in the 19th century with
theimpressionists, when outdoor painting began to spread and became necessary
lighter and easier to transport supportsar.6Currently, it remains the favorite of many.
artists, but with new techniques when applying oil. An example is the exclusive use of the
hands, visible in painters likeIris Scott.

Oil on other supports

The use of other supports different from the board or canvas was very limited, although not scarce.
since the Baroque period, the fashion for luxurious objects with a strange or novel appearance has prevailed,
for we know oil paintings on precious stones, metals, glass, and evenivory, what that
became very fashionable in the eraromantic. These supports often present problems of
conservation, since the adherence of the oil to these non-porous surfaces is lower. As for
stones, painting on was commonagateand aboutmarble, being stranger other supports such as
theaventurine.7Such supports, due to their exoticism and beauty, increased the value of the paintings.
As for metals, without a doubt the most used was thecopper. It was a very popular support from
end of the 18th century, in works generally of small size. The advantages it offers are its
stability and durability, and the uniform surface of the metal, which allows for a smooth and shiny finish.

Oil by glazing
The oil painting worked with glazes is the technique that was most used in the Renaissance.
It was also frequently used by later artists.Rembrandt, for example, he/she was finishing his/her
frames with numerous glazes of transparent color over the dry base. The glaze consists of
very thin layers of paint diluted in varnish or turpentine, so that the layer is transparent
inferior, thus the color we will see is the result of the mixture of the inferior color plus that of the glazing.
The German varnish is commonly used, made of 1/3 linseed oil, 1/3 turpentine and 1/3
damar varnish.

Binder
Oil was mainly worked with linseed oil in the past; currently, there are others.
media to use as a binder in paint such as the aforementioned linseed oil,
In addition, the distilled turpentine and dammar varnish, when combined in equal amounts, would work as
a binder with a greater adhesion to the fabric or support surface.
What are the advantages of oil painting?
Now that you know what oil paint is made of, we think it's appropriate to tell you what
these are its advantages and disadvantages before we venture to see the oil painting techniques.

Color quality
This is one of the main advantages of oil paint, as it offers you many shades of high quality.
quality, which contributes to a better artistic representation. It is here where the success of the painting lies
in oil, since, thanks to its oily bases, once the paint is dry, it does not lose its color
lively and powerful.

2. Thickness control
The oil painting technique allows you to work with both impastos and glazes, which provides
a wider range of possible effects.

3. Slow drying
This is one of the features of oil that many love, as it allows you to work at your own pace,
without rush and without mistakes. For this reason, we could say that this is one of the advantages of oil painting.
which makes it ideal for beginners, as it allows you to quickly correct any mistakes.

4. Persistence
Another advantage of oil paint is that it is a highly durable material, which makes it...
you can appreciate in the history of oil. Oil painting has existed since the late 14th century, and the works
of art made at that time continue with their vivid color.

What are the disadvantages of oil painting?

While everything sounds wonderful, you may be wondering what the disadvantages of painting are.
oil. This only has two disadvantages:

Thinner for oil

Turpentine or white spirit are very toxic chemicals, so you will have to paint your paintings in
oil in a ventilated area. However, nowadays, there are oils that allow you to work with others
liquids.

Slow drying
If you want a quick drying, its delay can be a disadvantage. However, drying liquids
for oil paintings would be a possible solution to the problem.

Source: Degranero.es
What are the materials for oil painting?

Well, it is time to review the materials that will be useful to you when carrying out the techniques.
oil painting. Below, we provide a list of the materials needed to make a
oil painting
• Easels

• Oils

• Oil brushes
• Glass or ceramic palette

• Different brush sizes

• Thinners or solvents for oils

• Canvas or cloth

• Gesso or acrylic paint (for preparing the canvas)

• Spatula

• Rags or towels
Once you have all these materials, you are ready to know what the painting techniques are.
in oil. As you will see, there are many ways to apply oil!

What are the techniques of oil painting?

If you are wondering how to paint an abstract oil painting, how to paint flowers in oil or how to paint a
landscape or portrait with oil painting, the following oil painting techniques will make every sensation
or image can be captured in a painting.

Layer painting technique

This technique is also known as the wet on dry technique or as the painting technique.
indirect. It is the most traditional oil painting technique, which is based on painting in layers.
To achieve it, the first layer of oil paint is applied and, once dry, the next one is applied.
Usually, the first layer is a pre-paint that gives the canvas a base color of the composition; it is
to say, it serves as a form of guidance.

In summary, it is one of the oil painting techniques that requires a lot of planning and
patience, as you have to wait for the first layer to dry before you can apply the next one.

Source: "The Mona Lisa" by Leonardo Da Vinci

2. Alla prima technique

This technique is also known as the wet-on-wet technique or as the technique of
direct painting.

It is one of the most famous oil painting techniques. Its name refers to a direct style.
of painting where the picture is done 'on the first try'; that is, on the first attempt, in one go.
continuous session.
The direct painting technique, in contrast to the previous one, is based on adding layers while the others
they remain wet, as it is not expected for the previous layer to dry.
To achieve this oil painting technique, it is very important to know how they work.
pigments, otherwise, colors that we do not want to mix can be combined. For
Hello, it is a somewhat complex oil painting technique that requires a certain level of expertise.theory
of the color.
The alla prima technique is characteristic of the Impressionists, as it allowed them to capture light.
dodge as quickly as possible. Some famous artists in this oil painting technique are Claude
Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, John Singer Sargent, and Joaquín Sorolla.
Cliffs of Etretat, sunset by Claude Monet

3. Impasto technique
This is another of the most famous techniques of oil painting. It consists of taking large amounts
of semi-dry paint with a spatula or with a dry brush and apply it as a thick layer over
the canvas to generate a relief and a three-dimensional effect.
This is a spatula technique for oil painting, which, by providing texture, is useful for representation.
better certain ideas or images, in such a way that added value is given to the picture; in addition to a
dramatic effect.
Some of the artists who mastered the technique of impasto were Vincent Van Gogh, Leonid Afremov.
and Bárbara McCann.

"Wheat Field with Cypresses" by Vincent Van Gogh

4. Glazing Technique
This technique is also known as the glazing technique. It is based on applying layers of color.
semi-transparent over other more opaque layers and lighter tones to create a hue
desired final result. For this, it is important to know how the pigments behave.
The oil glazing technique is used to create skin tones or to add realism to them.
fabrics or other surfaces of our painting. It is also used to create transparencies, like the
What are the characteristics of water or glass.

The Girl With A Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer

5. Technique of chiaroscuro
The technique of chiaroscuro consists of achieving a balance between light and darkness to generate
a dramatic effect in a piece. To apply this technique, one starts with a light source and
It works outward from there.
It is one of the oil painting techniques that generates a lot of contrast, as it creates a
three-dimensional illusion. Some of the most famous artists to use this oil painting technique
the Renaissance were Rembrandt and Caravaggio.

Source: "The Calling of Saint Matthew" by Caravaggio

6. Oil rubbing technique or frottage

The technique of oil rubbing or frottage consists of applying a thick layer of paint over the
canvas and then rub it with a piece of paper—smooth or wrinkled—non-absorbent to achieve
a texturing effect on the surface of the work.

Source: "Red Birds" by Max Ernst

7. Dry brush technique

The dry brush technique is also known as the scrubbing or scumbling technique.
It is usually used to create atmospheric depth. For example, to paint spaces with fog.
sun rays, clouds, rain, aged or rough objects, grass or tree leaves.
To apply the scumbling technique, you need to pick up the paint without thinner using a dry brush.
smart hard, remove the excess on a paper and, finally, apply it in the desired area so that
choose a delicate and light painting that leaves part of the base paint exposed.
It differs from the glazing technique because that technique seeks a uniform layer over
the surface and not a broken layer like the one that scumbling seeks.
Some of the most famous artists to use this oil painting technique were Jeff Rowland and
Turner.

Source: 'The world of Manué' by Joseph Mallord William Turner

8. Grisaille Technique
The grisaille technique consists of achieving a monochromatic painting that works with the scale of
grays. Initially used during the Renaissance as a technique to mimic sculptures, but today
Nowadays, it is used as a method to create a preliminary layer.
However, this is one of the oil painting techniques that is not very popular today.
but it can be very useful for beginners, as it helps to practice lights and shadows.

Source: 'Christ and the Woman Taken in Adultery' by Pieter Bruegel

9. Blocking technique in
This oil painting technique consists of zoning colors and establishing general shapes.
before starting to make the details of the canvas design.
The blocking technique is used to capture a composition and a color harmony; that is, it is useful for us.
as a guide to know where we are headed with the subsequent details and adjustments.

For this oil painting technique, diluted paint is commonly used.

Source: "Montagne Sainte-Victoire" by Paul Cézanne

10. Blending technique

This oil painting technique consists of lightly mixing colors while they are wet.
It is about achieving an image through a mess of strokes and broken colors, which up close will seem
diffuse, but from afar, the colors will create an optical illusion of the shape.
The blending technique is mastered by artists such as John Singer Sargent.

Source: 'The Black Brook' by John Singer Sargent

11. Oiling out technique
The greasing technique is used to bring color back to the upper layers. It happens that
Sometimes the oil sinks into the lower layers, which reduces vitality.
This oil painting technique involves applying a small amount of quality oil with a cloth.
Fine on the areas of sunk painting. This technique is only applied once the paint is dry.
to the touch.