How To Use Oil Paints

When you learn how to use oil paints, you'll quickly learn that oil paints are simply beautiful. They have a wonderful organic quality to them. Oil paints have been used for centuries because of their color quality and their durability. Depending on the type of oil paint used, the paint can be easily stroked onto canvas or it can require a little more work. However, never fear. The painter is the master and the oil paint can be used any way the master likes.

To use oil paint, you will need:

• Oil paint brushes
• Oil paints
• A canvas
• An easel
• A palette
• Paint thinner
• A rag

Steps

1. Find a place where you can focus. Typically, this place can be by a stream or in a room with little noise to distract you. Also, keep in mind the subject you will be painting. What is the best area to do that work?
2. Set up all of your painting supplies. Take the easel and set it up properly. Put your canvas atop the easel. Then, dab a bit of each desired oil paint onto the palette.
3. Apply the paint onto the canvas. Depending on the thickness of the paint, each stroke can go further or shorter than usual. Make sure to test the paint first before committing to a major stroke. Once this is done, painting your subject will become a breeze.
4. Clean your brushes. It is good practice to clean brushes in between color changes as well as after the painting process is done. Wipe off as much paint as possible with a rag, then dip the brush into paint thinner.

These are general rules to keep in mind when starting to paint with oil paint. Practicing enough times, will help any painter become a master.