Due to its unique properties, oil paint continues to be widely used by artists around the world, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Its adaptability and the beauty it brings to artwork make it an enduring favorite among artists in various genres and styles.
The long history and tradition associated with oil painting give it a sense of timelessness and prestige, attracting many artists who want to connect with art history and create works in a classic medium.
Properly cared for, oil paintings can last for centuries without losing their color brilliance. Many historical masterpieces that have stood the test of time were created using oil paint. Oil paintings are less prone to cracking over time compared to some other mediums like acrylic. The flexibility of oil paint allows it to adjust to the expansion and contraction of the surface it’s applied to, reducing the risk of cracks forming.
Oil paint is incredibly versatile, allowing artists to create a wide range of effects, from highly detailed realism to loose and expressive styles. It can be applied in thin glazes or thick impasto, offering a lot of creative possibilities.
One of the decision is which surface to choose for oil painting. They can be used on a variety of surfaces, also reffered to as “supports”. The key characteristic of a surface suitable for oil painting is its ability to handle the properties of oil paint, such as its slow drying time and the need for a stable, absorbent, and non-reactive foundation. Here are some common surfaces used for oil painting:
Canvas: Canvas is one of the most popular surfaces for oil painting. It comes in different forms, including stretched canvas, canvas panels, and canvas pads. Stretched canvas is usually made of cotton or linen, offering a sturdy and stable surface that can withstand the weight of the paint.
Canvas is commonly manufactured using either linen or cotton. While linen presents challenges in terms of proper priming and stretching, it provides the smoothest and most rigid surface for painting. It boasts exceptional longevity, making it high standard among classically trained artists. On the contrary, cotton is a more cost-effective alternative to linen and is simpler to stretch onto a frame. Most commonly used is a cotton canvas.
Wood: Wooden panels or boards are another traditional option for oil painting. Plywood and solid wood panels can be coated with gesso or another suitable primer to create an ideal painting surface. Wood panels provide a smooth and rigid support for oil paints.
Wooden boards that are commonly called MDF should be of medium density. Very thin ones are prone to bending. These boards should be coated with gesso for proper preparation.
Paper: Heavier-weight papers, such as oil paper or watercolor paper, can be primed or treated to create a suitable surface for oil painting. Proper preparation is essential to prevent the paper from absorbing too much oil and becoming brittle over time.
Many brands are preparing this paper for oil painting. And our young artist are loving this surface.
Canvas boards: These are canvas sheets that are glued to cardboard or wood boards. They are an affordable option and provide a stable surface for oil painting.
Jeans Cloth: Jeans you wear can also be choice for oil paints. When your old jeans is no longer use to you, you can save it for your creative oil project.
Acrylic-primed surfaces: Many artists use acrylic gesso to prime surfaces like hardboard, masonite, or even walls. Acrylic gesso provides a suitable surface for oil painting and is more flexible than traditional gesso.
Metal: Though less common, some artists paint on metal surfaces, such as copper or aluminum. These surfaces must be properly prepared with a suitable primer to ensure adhesion and prevent corrosion.
Remember that regardless of the surface you choose, it is essential to properly prepare it for oil painting by applying a suitable primer (often gesso) to create a stable and absorbent surface. This will ensure the longevity and quality of your oil paintings. Additionally, each surface has its own unique characteristics, which can influence the final appearance and texture of the artwork. Experimenting with different surfaces can be a part of the creative process for oil painters.