Getting started with oil painting: A beginner’s guide

Embarking on the journey of oil painting is an exciting adventure for any artist. While it can seem a bit intimidating at first, starting with a few basic principles can make the process much more approachable. Here’s what you need to know to begin your oil painting journey.

Materials you’ll need

1. Oil paints: Start with a basic set of primary colours (red, blue, yellow) along with white and a few earth tones like burnt umber and yellow ochre.

2. Brushes: Invest in a variety of brushes, including flat, round, and filbert shapes. Natural bristle brushes are often preferred for oil painting.

3. Palette: A wooden or glass palette is ideal for mixing colours.

4. Canvas: Choose pre-stretched canvases or canvas boards to begin with.

5. Palette knives: Useful for mixing paint and applying it directly to the canvas.

6. Solvent: Odourless mineral spirits or turpentine are used to thin the paint and clean brushes.

7. Mediums: Linseed oil or other oil mediums can modify the paint's consistency and drying time.

Basic techniques

• Colour mixing: Start by mixing primary colours to create a wide range of hues. Understanding the colour wheel can help you achieve the desired shades.

• Layering: Oil paint dries slowly, allowing you to work wet-on-wet or layer colours over time. This technique is called “fat over lean,” meaning you should apply thicker, oilier layers over thinner ones to prevent cracking.

• Blending: Use a dry, soft brush or your fingers to blend colours smoothly on the canvas.

• Cleaning brushes: Clean your brushes thoroughly after each painting session to keep them in good condition. Wash thoroughly with warm water and washing-up liquid/dish soap. 

Simple steps to start painting

1. Sketch your composition: Begin with a light sketch on the canvas using a pencil or thinned paint.

2. Underpainting: Apply a thin, monochromatic layer of paint to establish values and composition. This is often done with an earth tone like burnt sienna.

3. Blocking in: Add basic colours and shapes to your composition. Don’t worry about details at this stage.

4. Building layers: Gradually add more paint, working from dark to light. Focus on refining shapes and adding details.

5. Final touches: Add highlights, refine details, and make any necessary adjustments.

Tips for beginners

• Practice patience: Oil painting requires patience due to its slow drying time. Take your time to develop your skills.

• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles. Learning through trial and error is part of the process.

• Seek inspiration: Look at works by other artists to inspire your own creativity and develop your unique style.

By following these simple steps and embracing the learning process, you’ll soon find joy and satisfaction in creating beautiful oil paintings. Remember, the key to mastering oil painting lies in practice and persistence. Happy painting!