Oil Painting
Susan A. Wenz-Denise
Articles
Oil Painting During Times of Tragedy
In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on NYC and Washington yesterday, it becomes an artist's second nature to use painting as an outlet. Emotions of grief, anxiety, and loss associated with such a horrific tragedy are similar to those felt in times of war. I invite all oil painters to ...
Framing - The Last Step In Oil Painting?
I believe that sometimes it is assumed that the frame of a painting is an after-thought. To me, the frame becomes a part of the artwork. I choose to determine the frame of each painting I create and begin incorporating it into the artwork right from the start.
We may often find our oil painting supplies dwindling just as our budgets seem to get tighter and tighter. This article provides some tips on how to keep painting when there seems to be no art supplies available.
Creative Process in Oil Painting
The most integral asset to an artist in any medium is his/her creative process. Talent without a thriving creative process will render itself useless over time. This article talks about some of the ways I tap into my own creative process in order to keep it flowing in healthy abundance
The Old Fashioned Way - Part I
This article is the first of a short series of articles, each focusing on an old fashioned technique that is not used so much today because of advances in the field of oil painting. This week's topic: Rabbit Skin Glue.
There is a huge amount of appreciation that I have for tiny paintings. This article talks about the wonder of creating and viewing small scale artworks.
You might have already guessed that if for the serious oil painter choosing which whites to paint with is critical, then the choice between black pigments is almost just as important. This article discusses the properties that differ among black pigments and how to choose a black colour according to your ...
For the serious oil painter, it is a serious question; which white? There are several variations of white pigment to choose from in oil colour. This article discusses the properties that differ among white pigments and how to choose a white according to your own needs.
Pigments in oil painting have varying opacity and colorfastness. This article helps categorize oil colours to make it easier to identify the different qualities among them.
Matte Finish Vs. Glossy Finish
I love being able to manipulate the finish in oil painting, making it matte, glossy, or somewhere in-between. What are your preferences when it comes to the finish of your oil painting?
I started the first of a series of critiques here at Oil Painting with a non-representational oil painting. In contrast, this next piece certainly is a representational painting, although in a surrealist style.
The article entitled Extending Paint Potential with Mixing Mediums and Solvents
explored different types of mediums and solvents in general and how they are used together in oil painting. Not much attention was paid to solvents and the complex issues surrounding them. In this article each kind of solvent and its ...
Oil Painting Without Paintbrushes
A Paintbrush is of course the most common tool in the application of oil colour. Often times, because I paint mostly with brushes, I tend to forget that there are other ways to apply paint to a surface.
This article touches on a few very popular ways to apply paint other than ...
Adding REAL Depth to Reinforce the Illusion of Depth
The traditional process of oil painting in itself tends to create the illusion of depth through layering. Even further, oil colour can be manipulated to create an illusion of depth through the play between light, color and shadow. It is more of a radical approach that I am referring to in ...
Making Sure Your Paintings Last
The debate pointed out in the previous article argues whether the longevity of a painting should be sacrificed for the concept or process, or if our responsiblity as artists towards immortality through our paintings should rise above as the most important priority in oil painting. The choice remains the artist's, but ...
The Never-Ending Art Debate - Our Responsibility to Longevity
There has been a continuous discussion amongst artists on whether or not the responsibility toward the lasting longevity of artwork should be taken very seriously. This article puts the issues out in the open for readers to comment freely on.
Oil colour, with its mediums, lends well to glazing techniques with a smooth varnished finish. However, there are a large variety of texture effects that can be attained in oil painting using traditional techniques like impasto, or simply through experimentation. This article will browse through the several popular oil painting effects, ...
Small, intimate paintings can be a delight to the viewer. However, there is also a lot to be said for very large paintings. This article will explain the necessary transitions and setup for painting on a larger scale than you're used to.
Things that can Go Wrong in Oil Painting
I have said before that oil painting is a pretty forgiving medium, but there are things that can go wrong and ruin your artwork if you aren't aware of them. In this article I will explore the common mistakes made in oil painting and in some cases, how to fix them. ...
I am more carefree in nature and many times I forego precautions in order to begin a piece, however (and that's a BIG however), no one can deny that there are indeed great health risks associated with oil painting.
I am very excited to start off a new series of articles that will appear randomly throughout the upcoming months with such a unique piece. The submission entitled "Light Modulator (Wave)" was sent in by the artist Michael Wells.
Oil Painters to Learn From...(Part Two)
This article continues the previous article, listing numerous oil painters who have marked history as accomplished painters in their fields.
Whether beginning a new genre of painting or continuing one you already enjoy, it is always extremely beneficial to adopt a seasoned mentor that exemplifies your genre or painting style. This article includes a list of numerous oil painters who have marked history as accomplished painters in their fields. I highly ...
The Essence of Time through Transfer Images
The previous article explained when and how to use a transfer image technique within an oil painting. Consequently, this article will show a couple of my own artworks in progress that integrate transfers.
Using Transfer Images in Oil Painting
Beyond tracing with pencil and tracing paper, there are really no well known methods of transferring an image onto canvas in coordination with oil paints. However, there is indeed an effective transfer technique for gesso-primed canvas that many people are not aware of. It entails using acrylic gel medium and an ...
Alkyd paint is a fairly new painting medium that is fully compatible with oil paints. This article explains what alkyds are and how they can be used as a subsitute, or along with oil paints.
Project #2 - A Seascape, (Part Two)
This article shows the completion of a two-part seascape painting series. Illustrations show how the painting progresses from the previously completed under-painting to the final product.
In this two-part set of articles, I will guide you through my experience of painting a seascape. Normally, seascapes are not common amongst my oil creations, however my younger brother Greg made a specific request that I cannot resist to honor.
Transparent Oil Colour Tutorial - Final
This article finishes the series of tutorials on Transparent Oil Coulor by showing the final product and explaining the process in which it was finished. An unlimited amount of layers can be applied to arrive at this point, until the artist is satisfied that the painting is complete.
Transparent Oil Colour Tutorial - Layer Four
This article continues the series of tutorials on Transparent Oil Coulor. At this point small brushes can be used, and attention can be paid to the intimate areas of the piece. High gloss glazing can also be done here in order to really emphasize bright spots of the piece. More layers ...
Transparent Oil Colour Tutorial - Layer Three
Transparent Oil Colour Tutorial - Layer Three is a continuation of a series of tutorial articles aimed at further explaining the steps of traditional oil painting. Layer Three focuses on color, depth & form.
Transparent Oil Colour Tutorial - Layer Two
Transparent Oil Colour Tutorial - Layer Two is a continuation of a series of tutorial articles aimed at further explaining the steps of traditional oil painting.
Transparent Oil Colour Tutorial - Layer One
Transparent Oil Colour Tutorial - Layer One is the first of a series of tutorial articles aimed at further explaining the steps of traditional oil painting that were outlined in the previous introductory article.
The Process of Transparent Colour
Painting in transparent colour, with much layering and glazing, has been the most traditional approach to oil painting. The process is a long one, requiring much patience and time, but the result is unlike that of any other form of art. This article explains each step of this layering process.
Combining Mixed Media with Oil Painting
Oil paintings are not often integrated as mixed media with other art forms because there are not many art mediums that are chemically compatible with oil paints. However, there are many ways to create unique oil paintings by using different materials not of conventional oil painting. In this article I will ...
The instinct to paint in an Expressionistic way is natural to me, but it may not be for more conventional artists who tend to prefer the elongated process of traditional painting. In order to encourage some Expressionism from time to time, no matter what painting style you usually paint in, this ...
Oil painting lends itself well to expressing a personality through portraiture. In this article I discuss how oil painting in different styles can evoke the mood of a portrait.
One of the fabulous benefits of oil painting is being able to manipulate color in so many different ways. In this article I share two of the color theories that I use often in my own paintings and how they are similar to color theories used by painters from history.
One of the best ways to acclimate oneself to the potential of oil painting is to paint a series of still-life paintings. In this article I talk about using the fundamentals of art to create intriguing still-life paintings that can eventually be the basis for future works of other genres. Included ...
A painting surface that is improperly prepared or looks sloppy can ruin the presence of an entire painting, regardless of how well it is painted. In order to avoid this mishap, this article will focus on several different types of painting surfaces and how to prepare them efficiently.
Most artists find their brushes invaluable, as they eventually begin to hold dear a favorite brush or two. Being the only indispensable tools in oil painting it is imperative you choose good quality brushes and take excellent care of them. This article helps define the different types of paintbrushes for oil ...
Extending Paint Potential with Mixing Mediums and Solvents
Beyond paint, there is a world of mixing mediums and solvents that can alter the effects of your painting. In this article I will define many different types of mixing mediums and solvents, including when and how to use them.
The Quest of Purchasing Oil Paints
Arm yourself with knowledge and confidence before entering an art store to purchase your oil paints. This article talks about the oil paint selection process and what I find to be the most valuable in establishing the knowledge and power required to cast down the arrogant sales clerk that may be ...
In part two of "Getting Started" I will help guide you in getting your painting materials together to finally begin painting. This article includes preliminary information on paints, palettes, brushes, mixing mediums, and solvents.
Part one of a two part article, this article is geared toward beginners trying oil painting for the first time. It will give you a general idea of how to set up a working environment in order to begin your oil painting experience.
Learn whether or not oil colours are right for you... In this article I will explain how the medium you decide to use can directly influence the subject of your painting, the textures or effects you'll be able to achieve, and even the safety precautions needed in order to protect your ...
Oil Paints - The Spirit of the Medium
In this introductory article on oil paints as a painting medium, I will show you through my own experience the benefits of learning to paint with the most passionate yet versatile painting medium.