Curious about choosing the right oil paint mediums? We’re here to assist.
About twelve months ago, a significant shift occurred. A switch from acrylics, which was the primary artistic medium for about seven years, back to oil paints. Realizing that the transition wasn’t as seamless as imagined, there was a need to revisit the essentials of oil painting.
The return to oil paints presented a challenge. Memories of purchasing a variety of solvents and liquids in the past were vivid but deciphering their individual functionalities was a hurdle. Hence, the need to reacquaint with the art of oil painting.
This exploration led to the uncovering of multiple techniques and tips to select appropriate oil paint mediums, secrets that this article aims to share with you.
Before diving into the process of selecting suitable oil paint mediums, it’s crucial to address a point often neglected by beginners. It starts with understanding the main techniques involved in oil painting. Grasping these techniques will guide us in building our mediums – much like creating a skincare routine. Regardless of the choice of medium, understanding the basis of oil painting is a critical step that cannot be underestimated.
Understanding the Three Key Techniques to Select the Perfect Oil Paint Mediums
Selecting the right oil paint mediums can be a labyrinth if you’re unaware of how oil paint behaves. Here are three crucial techniques every artist should comprehend to avert any unpleasant surprises during their painting sessions.
- Building Oil Paint From Thin to Thick
An important aspect of oil painting is the methodology of application. The technique centers on starting with thin layers of paint and gradually incorporating thicker layers. This technique not only syncs with drying times, as thicker, high-viscosity layers take longer to dry, but also creates a vibrant depth to your art. Initially, you’ll need thinning mediums like solvents or turpentine to dilute the paint.
Take note! High-viscosity refers to the thickness of the paint. More to come on this as we advance through the article; - The Art of Glazing
Have you ever wanted to add a thin layer of paint over an existing thick layer without causing cracking? This could enhance depth or introduce a wash of color over a section of the painting. This is where the glazing technique comes in. Unique to glazing is that a glaze layer contains at least 10% oil color, setting it apart from the “thin over thick” technique. The mediums used for glazing are typically thinner oils, which allow easy layering; - Transitioning From Lean to Fat in Oil Paint
In the realm of oil painting, ‘fat’ means more oil. Thus, a ‘fatter’ paint has a higher oil content. In tune with the “thin to thick” technique, your base layers should be leaner (indicating the use of solvents to thin your paint), and your top layers fatter (requiring the use of more oils). Reversing this method could lead to cracking. This technique brings depth, helping to differentiate between the fore, middle, and background of your painting.
Understanding these techniques is akin to garnering a competent skincare routine: Knowing what to apply when and in what order can drastically change the outcome.
Exploring the Variety of Oil Paint Mediums: Characteristics, Uses, and Purchase Guide
Oil paint mediums serve as catalysts for the beautiful transformation of paints, modifying their distinct properties such as consistency, drying period, and other attributes. The multitude of oil paint mediums available each own their unique properties and benefits. Here’s a guide to some of the widely adopted oil paint mediums and their distinct characteristics:
Linseed Oil
Extracted from the seeds of the flax plant, linseed oil is a clear, yellowish liquid that ranks high among commonly used oil painting mediums. Its slower drying time provides artists ample flexibility to work with their paint over extended durations. Additionally, linseed oil grants oil paint a glossy finish.
Walnut Oil
As a preferred alternative to linseed oil by many artists, walnut oil has a reputation for slower drying, resistance to yellowing over time, and reduced possibilities of cracking. The oil bears a lighter color than linseed oil and offers a slightly less glossy yet appealing finish.
Stand Oil
Stand oil, recognized for its thick, syrup-like texture, dries slowly but leaves a high-gloss finish on oil paintings. Often mixed with other mediums to enhance glossiness and transparency, it can also be standalone to create a glaze or foster a smooth, even painting surface.
Alkyd Medium
The Alkyd medium is a synthetic concoction that outruns traditional oil painting mediums in drying speed, facilitating faster drying of oil paint without compromising paint quality. It also imparts a glossy finish to artworks.
Liquin
Liquin is an expedient drying medium utilized to hasten the drying time of oil paint. This fast-acting medium offers a matte or satin finish and is a go-to choice for artists intending to create thin, transparent paint layers.
Galkyd
Galkyd mirrors Liquin in its quick-drying property but trumps with its glossy finish. Artists commonly use it to create thick, appealing layers of paint.
Safflower Oil
Safflower oil, characterized by its pale, almost colorless appearance, is employed to dilute oil paint and enhance its flow. Despite its slower drying time, it renders a slightly glossy finish to the artwork.
Poppyseed Oil
Clear and light-colored, Poppyseed oil slow-dries to a glossy finish. Artists often combine it with other mediums to create glaze or augment the flow of paint.
Oleogel
Oleogel is a thixotropic painting medium originating from linseed oil and fumed silica. Artists leverage Oleogel to craft thick, delightful layers of paint without overusing oil. Though slow-drying, it ensures a glossy finish upon drying.
Each oil painting medium boasts unique characteristics to cater to the artist’s preferences and requirements. While some artists favor traditional mediums like linseed or walnut oil, others prefer synthetic mediums like alkyd medium or Liquin. Experimenting with these varied mediums will aid artists in deciphering the perfect blend that compliments their unique style and technique.
Decoding the Drying Times of Various Oil Paint Mediums
The drying time of oil paint mediums is a critical factor to consider while selecting the perfect medium for your artwork. It can range from as quick as a day to as prolonged as a couple of weeks. Here’s a categorization of oil paint mediums based on their drying speed:
Swift-Drying Oil Paint Mediums (1-2 Days)
These are the racehorses in the world of oil paint mediums. Known for their rapid drying rates within a day or two, these mediums are optimal for artists aiming for swift layering or those bounded by deadlines.
- Galkyd Mediums: These mediums possess rapid drying time while fostering thick, lustrous layers of paint;
- Alkyd Mediums: Synthetic in nature, alkyd mediums expedite the drying process without sacrificing the quality of the paint;
- Liquin: Available in original and fine types, Liquin is a popular choice for artists desiring to craft thin, transparent layers of paint swiftly.
Moderate Drying Oil Paint Mediums (3-7 Days)
A slightly slower drying period provides the advantage of flexibility, allowing artists to manipulate their artwork over multiple days.
- Refined and Cold-Pressed Linseed Oil: Offering the benefit of extra working time, these variants of linseed oil are ideal for beginners and experienced artists alike;
- Thin Layers of Poppyseed & Walnut Oil: When applied in thin layers, both poppyseed and walnut oils offer moderate drying times suitable for intermediate layers.
Leisurely Drying Oil Paint Mediums (1-2 Weeks)
These mediums are known for their unhurried drying attributes. They are solutions for artists seeking generous flexibility in their painting process or desiring a longer working time for their art.
- Fatter Walnut and Poppyseed Oils: Perfect for final layers or for artists adopting the ‘alla prima’ technique over extended periods, these oils offer the slowest drying time among oil paint mediums.
Now, let’s transition to a fascinating and related topic—the “time capsule drawing.”
In the realm of artistic expression, the concept of a “time capsule drawing” holds a special allure. This intriguing practice involves encapsulating a moment in time, complete with emotions, experiences, and perceptions, within a visual masterpiece. Just as selecting the right oil paint mediums is crucial for conveying your artistic vision, the “time capsule drawing” technique allows artists to preserve a slice of life within their artwork.
As you explore the world of oil painting and delve into the intricacies of selecting the right mediums, consider the possibility of infusing your work with the essence of a “time capsule drawing.” Embrace the opportunity to freeze moments in time, allowing your art to transcend the present and become a timeless testament to your journey as an artist.
Conclusion
The vitality of oil paint mediums in the artistic process is undeniable. From adjusting the paint’s viscosity to modifying its drying time, oil paint mediums empower artists to manipulate the paint as per their creative whims. The drying time of these mediums can significantly impact the creation process and determines the flexibility an artist has while working on their masterpiece. Therefore, understanding the drying times of various mediums becomes paramount in the pursuit of artistic excellence. With this guide, you are equipped to make informed choices in your journey of creating enchanting oil paintings. Happy painting!