All About Painting

How To Select Oil Painting Supplies

At some time in your life you may have decided that you would like to create art. More specifically, visual art might be the type you are hoping to do. This category includes sketching, sculpture, animation, and, of course, painting. The last of these is quite popular, but it can be difficult as well, especially if you have not been trained. The first step, though, is to get necessary supplies. Oil painting supplies might seem difficult to select, but the process can be simplified with the right information.

If you have decided to paint with oils, you have chosen a medium that has several advantages. First, oil paints do not dry as quickly as some others. This will allow for ample time to work and figure out what color blends you want to make. Secondly, oils can be put on thin or thick, so there is a range of preference. Finally, oil paints were used in several famous masterpieces of the past. This may be an enjoyable thought when you are painting your own pieces.

What you wish to paint often determines what materials should be bought. If you plan to do a lot of under layers (layers underneath what are the main objects of the picture), then paint that dries quickly can be beneficial. Such paint often contains manganese, lead, and/or cobalt in its pigment.

Another factor to consider when shopping for materials is the amount of paint you will need. This may seem obvious, but it is quite important to keep in mind. You might wish to buy everything you need at once instead of at separate times.

Oil paints are, of course, essential to oil painting. Many experienced artists recommend beginners buy a large amount of paint at first. There are colors that are considered standard, which include: Ivory Black, Titanium White, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, Pthalo Blue, Permanent Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, and Cadmium Yellow Light. 200 ml (milliliters) of each of these might be a good choice.

Secondly, paintbrushes are just as essential. It could work well to have 2-3 small, medium and large natural bristle brushes each. A palette is the “companion” supply item to the brushes. Your preference determines what you use for a palette. However, it should be large enough to fit all the colors on it and leave space to mix them together.

The other supplies you will need relate to what you will be painting your piece on. The first is canvas. Whichever kind of canvas you buy is up to you, but some oil painters, and artists in general, advise that paper is used when you first begin. A painter’s easel is the stand used to hold the canvas in place. It may be beneficial to find an easel that is adjustable to your height. Take into account whether you would rather stand or sit while painting.

Finally, it could be much easier to create a work of art if you know with certainty what you want to paint. Because of this, might want to buy a charcoal pencil, or even a few. With a charcoal pencil you can sketch the outline of your subjects before you paint them.

Although it might seem difficult initially, choosing oil painting supplies can be quite simple with some direction. Some choices are based mostly on personal preference, others on conventional standards. Ultimately, having the right supplies can make a great difference in your final masterpiece.

About the Author

Al Smitty is a writer who loves to discuss many topics ranging from antique oil paintings to American football. Thanks for reading!

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