subject: Canvas Primer [print this page] Explaining Oil Paint Explaining Oil Paint
Oil paint is color particles, also called pigment that is combined with oil. Originally, artists combined diverse pigments and oils to create paint, but today many manufactures utilize linseed oil as a main component of paint.
In the hands of a master, the oil paints can be layered and blended on canvas to create rich, beautiful images. Oil paintings can be created by almost anyone.
Oil paints take longer to dry than water-based paints. The moisture in oil paints do not evaporate like water-based paints. If this is your first experience with oil paint, be aware that depending upon the humidity levels at your location, oil paints can take weeks to dry. Projects that require a significant amount of time for construction should use oil paints because of the length of time it may take to dry. A negative side to oil paint is meeting client deadlines while it is still wet. It's not smart to rush on an oil painting. A painting can be destroyed this way.
Beginning of Oil Paint
The painters of old, such as Van Eyck, DaVinci, Titian, and Tintoretto, all made their own oil paints by mixing pigment found in plants, flowers, and other ingredients and then boiling the oil, or baking it in the sun. Through a variety of items and/or wax, artists created new and unusual paints. For a while, paints were not contained in closed tubes until the mid 1800's.
When tube-packaged paints debuted artists were able to utilize their time better. Pre-made paints made it easier to finish projects in a timely manner. It also changed the way artists paint. An assortment of color, an increase in free time and flexibility was a direct result of packaged paints. The introduction of this new concept aided the beginning of the impressionist movement.
Creating Art with Oil Paint
Select a well-ventilated spot. Oil paints may leave a scent behind. Even though a paint chemical may say odorless, it may not have a preferable scent.
Anyone can find materials used to paint, but artists must also locate the right amount of light to paint in. Paint areas should have a nice amount of light. Natural light is always preferred.
Oil paint is typically painted on canvas. In the same way you paint a coat of primer on your walls before you paint a room, it's important to prime the canvas so the fibers don't absorb the oil. Gesso is primer for art pieces. Gesso is a water-based paint. Primer should be applied twice to a canvas, but the first coat should dry before applying the second.
Once the gesso has dried, it is time to jump in and begin your painting. Use a brush, fingers or any tool you desire to paint. You can draw the image on the canvas first or just apply the paint and see where it leads. Have a passion for your painting.
