“Brushes and Beyond Exploring the Materials & Mediums in Oil Painting”
If you are about to begin painting. I have got the basics covered; all in here
Get your hands dirty!
Yes, it would be easier for you to get started if you go to an online store or a nearby stationary shop and purchase the materials I will guide you through. Think about the first thing that crosses your mind when you think about P-A-I-N-T-I-N-G
There you go!
Brushes
Every stroke of the paintbrush is a journey into the artist’s soul
Now which ones to pick up must be a question in your mind.
In my experience, the best ones are hog bristle brushes because Brushes are designed for versatility, offering durable bristles that maintain their stiffness and effectively hold and distribute oil paint. They are available in different shapes and sizes.
Hog bristles, for instance, have been a longstanding choice for paintbrushes and art brushes due to their flexible and resilient nature. These animal fibers possess an exceptional capacity for holding paint.
The next Question in your mind would be; there are so many different shapes and sizes which ones are used for what type of painting? rite?
Yes, that would be a natural follow-up question. With the wide variety of paintbrush shapes and sizes available, it is important to understand which ones are best suited for specific types of painting techniques.
Let me introduce you briefly to each one of the types
1. Angle Brush
2. Wash Brush
3. Fan Brush
4. Round Brush
5. Filbert Bush
6. Rigger/ Liner Brush
7. Bright Bush / Flat
1. The angled brush is ideal for creating precise strokes, especially when “cutting in” objects while filling them in.
2. The wash brush, which is flat and wide, comes in various sizes. It holds significant water and is best suited for applying washes.
3. The fan brush is perfect for achieving unique effects and different textures, particularly in landscape paintings.
4. The round brush is widely popular and used for painting in many areas due to its fine tip. It is also available in various sizes.
5. The filbert brush combines the characteristics of a flat and round brush. It is excellent for creating rounded textures or edges, making it ideal for portrait painting.
6. The rigger/liner brush is designed to add details, create linear strokes, and outline.
7. The bright brush, also known as a flat brush, has shorter bristles, making it easier to control. It is particularly great for beginners.
While I am painting in Oils, Acrylics, or Water etc. Round Brushes are something I find most important to have mainly because Round brushes have a pointed tip, allowing artists to have precise control over their brushstrokes. This makes them ideal for creating intricate details, such as facial features or delicate textures. The fine tip also enables artists to achieve smooth and even coverage when painting.
Brushes are now sorted, what comes next is colors! I will talk about colors in detail with the color theory in my next blog.
I would suggest a beginner buy a set of 12 oil colors to explore them for the first time. Absolutely, you can buy color tubes separately and create all colors from primary colors. (Check my other blog for the details)
We have brushes and paints, but what will we be mixing them on?
I got ya! The Answer is a P-A-L-E-T-T-E
A flat surface, usually made of wood, plastic, or glass, is called a palette and is where artists mix and blend their paints. We will be mixing the paints on a palette. It provides a convenient and controlled space for mixing colors, adjusting their tones, and testing different combinations before applying them to the canvas. It is totally FUN!
There are many different sizes and types of palettes, including handheld palettes, tabletop palettes, and even single-use tear-off sheets. As they make color blending and experimentation simple, they are a crucial tool for painters. However, for Oils wooden or Acrylic Palettes are best suitable!
Wooden palettes are a traditional choice for oil painters, typically made of smooth, sealed wood, such as birch or beech, providing a natural surface for mixing paints. Workable for longer periods, as wood has a slight absorbency that helps prevent the paints from drying too quickly. Can not forget that the texture of the wood allows for easy manipulation and blending of colors.
Acrylic palettes are made of non-porous materials like acrylic or glass, which do not absorb the oils from the paint. Making them easy to clean and maintain. My most loved quality about them is their smooth surface for color mixing and allowing for easy color evaluation, as the paints do not seep into the palette.
You are mixing colors on a palette but are you not forgetting the main thing? yes it is S-O-L-V-E-N-T
Solvents are necessary for oil painting in order to clean brushes and accessories as well as thin out paint.
Turpentine/ Rectified Turpentine is an essential oil extracted from various coniferous tree resins. While turpentine is an effective solvent and diluter for oil paints, it emits a strong odor and can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. I have best avoided its odor by working in an open environment, especially by keeping the windows open. Just avoid long exposure to air or light as it may cause thickening or yellowish over time.
Alternatives can be Mineral spirits, also known as white spirits or paint thinner, a petroleum-based solvent and less in odor. They do not yellow or thicken over time when exposed to air or light, making them a reliable choice for artists. So as Gamsol can effectively dilute oil paints and is also suitable for cleaning brushes and other painting tools also ensures the longevity of the artwork.
Is Linseed Oil a Solvent? Why is it used in Oil Painting then?
No, linseed oil is a drying oil commonly used by artists as a medium or binder in oil painting. Artists use linseed oil for
1. Thinning paint
2. Extending drying time
3. Enhancing transparency and gloss
4. Improving paint flow
5. Increasing flexibility
Always use in Moderation! Excessive use can lead to longer drying times and potential issues with the stability of the paint layers. Linseed oil can yellow over time too, which may affect the appearance of the artwork.
Safety and precautions should always come first
- Avoid any kind of skin contact. Wear appropriate PPE such as gloves, goggles, and a mask to protect your skin, eyes, and respiratory system from contact with solvents and paint particles.
- Work in a well-ventilated area or use a ventilation system to minimize exposure to fumes from the solvents. Keep windows open!
- Use solvents in moderation. Avoid excessive use, as prolonged exposure can be harmful
- Store solvents in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources or open flames.
- Follow local regulations for the proper disposal of solvents and used paint materials. Do not pour solvents down the drain or dispose of them in regular trash.
- Painting with oils and using solvents can be physically demanding. Take regular breaks to rest and allow for fresh air circulation.
Always remember to refer to the manufacturer’s safety data sheets and product labels. Read detailed instructions and warnings regarding the solvents and paints you are using.
Pour the paints into Dippers or Used empty cans. Wear an old T-shirt or Apron while working with Oil Paints. Select a cotton or linen fabric as a Canvas for working.
I will be writing about the Canvas Detailed Blog Soon!
I hope you have now ample knowledge about the basic tools to start painting. Let me know how helpful it was and what else you want to read about in the comments!
