5.31.2016

Commonly Used Oil Painting Techniques

By Christine Ward


Oil painting produces some of the most magnificent pieces of art. The technique has been in existence for centuries and used pigments obtained from various types of seeds. Examples of these seeds include linseed, poppy seed, safflower and walnut among others. It is possible for the artist to prepare the oil paints themselves or to buy them from art supply stores. We will look at examples of oil painting techniques that are commonly used.

One of the most popular techniques is the use of layers. In this method, the artist will first paint one layer on the canvas and let it dry. Other colors are then applied in an overlapping manner so that they completely cover those underneath them. The general advice when this method is used is that one chooses lighter colors and then progressively moves to darker colors. Layering is preferably used for a painting that requires fine details and a fine surface finish.

Glazing is another popular technique that is easy to apply. It entails the addition of a transparent paint on top of an opaque one with the aim of modifying some aspects. Such may include texture, chroma and hue among others. It is possible to create the impression of a transparent glass using this technique. This done by using a pure transparent color against a background of dark contrast so as to create an impression of density.

Color intensification is something that can be done for most oil paints. This process entails diluting different colors so as to have many shades of the same color. The lightest shades are usually reserved for the background while the denser shades are used for the foreground.

Just as is the case with many other forms of painting, it is possible to achieve color blocking using this technique. This can be done easily using diluted brush strokes and following the outlines of objects in the paintings. This technique makes it possible to clearly define the edges of objects without necessarily using thicker paint. Use the same color that are used inside the object.

Chiaroscuro is a technique that has been used for many years. It is mainly used when there is a need to bring volume to an object. The main consideration when applying this technique is the application of light and dark contrasting to demonstrate the movement of light across the object. Choose a neutral background and ensure that the shadows are completely black.

Monochromatic painting is a technique that is employed in many forms of art and may be employed in this type as well. It entails the use of a single color except in a few cases where white paints may be included. Dilutions are usually done to have a wider variety of shades. The role of the white color when used is to add volume and emphasize the lighter shades.

There are different brush stroke sizes that can used in defining and differentiating objects within a painting. Long strokes, short jabs and even dots can be used depending on the desired effect. Small strokes are preferred for objects that are in the foreground. Non-representational strokes can be used to produce the color and the object simultaneously.




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