Paint With Oils
Painting with oils is more challenging than using watercolors or acrylics. You must have the patience to paint a single layer, let it dry, and return for additional layers over several days or even weeks. However, if you love the look of oils, nothing else will do. These steps will help you get started using oils to paint your masterpiece.
Instructions
1. Prepare your workspace. Set your easel and canvas in a well-ventilated location. If indoors open a window and use a fan to force the fumes outside. Put a drop cloth under your work area.
2. Pour thinner into a container and set aside. Pour one part medium and one part thinner into a second container, preferably a squirt bottle. Most painters use linseed oil as a medium.
3. Place a few pigments on your palette and, using your palette knife, mix them with the medium to the desired color and consistency.
4. Paint your first layer. Take care that this is a thin layer so it will completely dry in a couple of days, allowing you to start your next layer.
5. Use the thinner to clean your brushes between colors. When you're done for the day, don't throw the thinner out; the pigment will settle to the bottom and you can use the thinner again by pouring it into another container, leaving the pigment behind.
6. Store your canvas somewhere safe, wash your brushes in thinner and then with soap and water, and discard medium if it's cloudy.
7. Use more oil and less thinner as a medium for subsequent layers. The last layer should be the "fattest," containing the most oil.
