mardi 15 mars 2016

Learn Basic Oil Painting Techniques

By Susan Bell


Considering the many paint mediums such as tempura, acrylics and watercolors, the one most consider to be the most versatile to use and work with are oils. The pigments in this type of product apply to the canvas in a buttery rich consistency and keep their true hue and vibrancy as they age. There is a full range of useful oil painting techniques that make a virtually endless array of creative possibilities.

There are several reasons why this medium is favored by many artists around the world. This type of paint has the broadest color spectrum and tonal range of all available options. The slower drying time is a huge advantage for most as it allows the painter to blend strokes more smoothly and to make more precise corrections.

Yet another advantage to using this kind of paint is its suitability for whatever genre one prefers and practically any style. Both artists who prefer to do rapid style paintings and those who like to go slower and add carefully controlled details enjoy this medium. With this medium, certain nuances which are typically not possible to achieve with other types, come easily.

Regardless of genre and style, the basic tools of the medium are the same. These include a canvas, easel or tabletop, gesso, paints, palette and knife, thinner, various sized brushes and rags or towels for cleaning up. With these items, and the utilization of one or more application method, the artist can generate incredible works of art.

The key to creating a solid piece of artwork begins with creating a solid foundation. Applying blocks of color to various parts of the canvas through long, or choppy brush strokes of diluted pigment, allows an artist to lay down a guideline for the placement of other elements. This basic background can be built upon by adding additional layers and various details.

Giving dimension to one's work can be done with a variety of applications, often being used in conjunction with each other to get some interesting results. Among these are the thickness of paint, layering, brush stroke size, contrasting colors, as well as methods such as pointillism and crosshatching. Each of these, alone or in combination, create depth and lend the feelings of movement and space.

This particular type of paint can be very successful in creating a look of transparency that appears like crystal, still waters or glass. The main aspects of accomplishing this are the purity of the pigment and its creamy smooth consistency as it flows across the canvas, along with using contrasting colors and shading. Through long, unbroken brushstrokes, they are blended so smoothly that they appear seamless and it becomes near impossible to tell where the tones actually switch, similar to a reflective surface.

There are a lot of ways in which an artist can use the application methods such as brushstroke size and direction, pigment purity, irregular blending, and dilution to create whatever look they desire. Texturing with thick layers, stippling and deliberate stroking, is another avenue to provide convincing depth to the piece. Learning how to effectively utilize the power of pure blacks and whites can also be extremely effective tools.




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