short essay about oil painting

Oil Painting

Oil painting involves using pigments mixed with a drying oil medium as the binding agent.

Oil painting is a technique that uses paints containing pigments mixed with drying oil as a binding agent. Artists apply these paints to a canvas, and the most common oils used in this process include linseed oil, walnut oil, poppy seed oil, and safflower oil.

Oil painting has been a central medium in Western art for centuries. It started in Europe around the 12th century but really flourished in the 15th century, thanks to Dutch painters like Jan Van Eyck. Over time, artists began to prefer oil paint over egg tempera and switched from wood panels to canvas. This shift in materials also led to various innovations in style and technique. For example, Caravaggio used dramatic lighting, Rembrandt layered thick brushwork, and Impressionists played with new ways of mark-making.

Later movements like Fauvism and Abstract Expressionism brought vibrant colours and unique approaches to the canvas. Neo-Dada artists like Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg even incorporated everyday materials into their oil paintings.

29 results found for "Oil Painting"

Art in the age of femme pleasure.

As Janelle Monáe’s new album heralds the age of pleasure, femme visual artists are also imagining sexualities liberated from the male gaze.

What is an edition?

At Avant Arte, limited edition artworks are our bread and butter. As with many good things, they come wrapped in jargon. Read on for a quick fix summary of everything you need to know to start collecting.

Lynette Yiadom-Boakye

A true pioneer, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye’s fictional portraits have influenced the 21st century renaissance of the black figure in mainstream art. 

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We speak with Hollywood’s favourite poster artist James Jean about art, film and a new category for the Academy Awards.

Jenna Gribbon

Jenna Gribbon (she/her) was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, 1978. She currently lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.

Baldur Helgason

Baldur Helgason (he/him) was born in Iceland, 1984. He currently lives and works in Chicago in the United States.

Chris Huen Sin Kan

Chris Huen Sin Kan was born in 1991 in Hong Kong. In 2021, he relocated to London with his family, where he continues to live and work.

Christian Rex van Minnen

Christian Rex van Minnen (he/him) was born in 1980 in Rhode Island and lived in numerous US cities such as Denver, Los Angeles and Colorado, before settling in Brooklyn, New York.

American artist Scott Kahn was born in 1946 in Springfield, Massachusetts and now resides in upstate New York.

Daniel Crews-Chubb

Daniel Crews-Chubb (he/him) was born in 1984 in Northampton, United Kingdom. He currently lives and works in London.

Michaela Yearwood-Dan makes swathes of tropical colour dance. Just translates the artist’s large-scale original oil paintings into an edition of 14-layer silkscreen prints. Taking inspiration from nature and her Caribbean heritage, the print interlaces flora and fauna with the words: "Just let me hold you and let's bask in the magic”. The artist’s vibrant assemblages signal to both a personal and collective narrative, prompting viewers to sit and spend time engaging with her work. The edition launches in collaboration with London-based charity QUEERCIRCLE , a hub for LGBTQ+ arts and culture in London which the artist has supported since their opening in 2021.

So Youn Lee’s candy-hued protagonist looks back with a question. Mango is found at the centre of many of So Youn Lee’s paintings. Wide-eyed, naked and often accompanied by their French bulldog Choco. In cosmic scenes of “gentle chaos”, the pair embark on various adventures – an allegory for Lee’s experiences as an immigrant in Los Angeles, and her reflections on the human condition. In Ready? Mango becomes ice cream-like, surrounded by fireworks and adorned with cherries. The oil painting, rendered in pastel hues, acid brights and mottled texture, has been carefully transformed into a UV flatbed print with deckled edges and a matte varnish seal.

Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe

Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe was born in 1988 in Accra, Ghana, and is now based in Gresham, Oregon.

Angel Otero

Angel Otero (he/him) was born in 1981 in Santurce, Puerto Rico. He now splits his time between the island and his studio in New York City.

Strawberry Tears

Absurdism, horror, and cultivated arbitrariness meet canonical oil painting in a distorted portrait by Christian Rex van Minnen. Grotesque and yet – somehow – delicious, plump gummy sweets float above a pulled and pinched face, veiled by a tattoo-esque layer of lurid cartoons. With a focus on tonal depth and richness of colour, the edition is printed in 34 distinct layers and finished with gold shimmer. Embossing and gloss varnish cause the gummies to jump forth from their surroundings, to surreal effect. Specks, bubbling and pitting are a conscious choice by the artist, conceived to echo the aged surfaces of the centuries-old Dutch Masters paintings that inspire his work. The irregularities, unique to each print, are achieved by curing layers of ink for less time than usual – an experimental technique developed in collaboration with printmakers at Make-Ready in London. The resulting artwork deftly entwines the precise technicalities of silkscreen printing with its lyrical unpredictability.

483,422 stitches compose an otherworldly landscape by Marina Perez Simāo. With her first textile work Perez Simāo explores the liminal zone between abstraction and figuration, reimagining an archetypal sunset as a series of fluid yet sharp-edged shapes. The edition translates the formal language of her lyrical oil paintings, inspired by the undulating landscapes of Brazil, into an embroidered tapestry in 24 colours. From thread to framing, each element of the artwork is crafted and assembled in Lyon – a historic cradle for artisanal French textiles. Proceeds from the collaboration will support the work of Gallery Climate Coalition and ClientEarth .

D.I.Y (Hand-finished)

A hammer in one hand and a nail through the other, all is not as it seems for the pink protagonist of D.I.Y by Nicasio Fernandez. The edition translates the rich pigments of Fernandez’ oil paintings into a vibrant 33-layer silkscreen. 20 prints have been intricately hand-finished by the artist, adding objects and details to create a variety of absurd scenarios – no two the same. “Painting should excite, agitate and entertain.”

A hammer in one hand and a nail through the other, all is not as it seems for the pink protagonist of D.I.Y by Nicasio Fernandez. The edition renders the artist’s intriguing creation in a silkscreen print of 33 varying colours – capturing the richness of colour typically used in his oil paintings. Though uncanny, the pink figure is engaged in the everyday act of D.I.Y labour. “Painting should excite, agitate and entertain.”

INGERSOLL'S BRANCH

Emotional and physical memories meet – unconstrained by reality – in a domestic American landscape by Scott Kahn. Based on an original oil painting from 1989, INGERSOLL’S BRANCH recalls a visit to a friend's home in New Jersey. Kahn combines elements from various parts of the surrounding grounds. His paintings are not about representing geographical truth. Instead, they are a record of a mood, or a moment. Liberated by this approach, the scene is littered with visual contradictions. Trees from every season huddle together, and a vibrant blue sky is peppered with clouds threatening to burst. Each print is intricately hand-finished by the artist in oil paint – adding a new layer of depth and definition to the orange and green trees that frame the image.

Hot blue bath

Innocence and menace meet in a richly coloured scene by Jordi Ribes. Hot blue bath reimagines Ribes' original oil painting through labour intensive photopolymer etching. The unusual medium allows the capture of both meticulous detail and dense pigment, resulting in a sleek but amply textured print. Uncanny and restricted by the coiled bath, the central figure is surrounded by an undulating, vegetal landscape seemingly ready to swallow them whole. The edition will launch in three distinct colour palettes, conceived by the artist to be displayed together or singularly.

Hot green bath

Innocence and menace meet in a richly coloured scene by Jordi Ribes. Hot green bath reimagines Ribes' original oil painting through labour intensive photopolymer etching. The unusual medium allows the capture of both meticulous detail and dense pigment, resulting in a sleek but amply textured print. Uncanny and restricted by the coiled bath, the central figure is surrounded by an undulating, vegetal landscape seemingly ready to swallow them whole. The edition will launch in three distinct colour palettes, conceived by the artist to be displayed together or singularly.

Hot orange bath

Innocence and menace meet in a richly coloured scene by Jordi Ribes. Hot orange bath reimagines Ribes' original oil painting through labour intensive photopolymer etching. The unusual medium allows the capture of both meticulous detail and dense pigment, resulting in a sleek but amply textured print. Uncanny and restricted by the coiled bath, the central figure is surrounded by an undulating, vegetal landscape seemingly ready to swallow them whole. The edition will launch in three distinct colour palettes, conceived by the artist to be displayed together or singularly.

The Action of Three Primary Colours (Hand-finished)

Two years in the making, The Action of Three Primary Colours (Hand-finished) sees Jia Aili explore emotional expression through visual juxtaposition. The edition echoes the textural surfaces of the artist’s epic oil paintings with a series of silkscreen overprints and a layer of satin varnish. Drama is created through masterful use of colour, pulling inspiration from the chiaroscuro techniques of Old Masters. Dark greys, blues and blacks contrast bright white brushstrokes, which divide the composition into a series of dynamic geometric forms. 15 prints have been intricately hand-finished by the artist in marker pen and acrylic paint. Paying particular attention to line and movement, no two are the same. “Painting is not a reproduction of the objective world, but meticulous care of the spirit.”

The Action of Three Primary Colours

Two years in the making, The Action of Three Primary Colours sees Jia Aili explore emotional expression through visual juxtaposition. The edition echoes the textural surfaces of the artist’s epic oil paintings with a series of silkscreen overprints and a layer of satin varnish. Drama is created through masterful use of colour, pulling inspiration from the chiaroscuro techniques of Old Masters. Dark greys, blues and blacks contrast bright white brushstrokes, which divide the composition into a series of dynamic geometric forms. “Painting is not a reproduction of the objective world, but meticulous care of the spirit.”

From his studio in Rennes, French artist Alexis Ralaivao paints fleshy vignettes in sumptuous soft focus. Karine typifies Ralaivao’s nuanced approach to portraiture, in this case realised in a refined monochromatic palette. The work is launched alongside 3 more originals by Ralaivao and submissions from 3 other artists — as part of our first Work on Paper Week.

From his studio in Rennes, French artist Alexis Ralaivao paints fleshy vignettes in sumptuous soft focus. Caroline typifies Ralaivao’s nuanced approach to portraiture, in this case realised in a refined monochromatic palette. The work is launched alongside 3 more originals by Ralaivao and submissions from 3 other artists — as part of our first Work on Paper Week.

From his studio in Rennes, French artist Alexis Ralaivao paints fleshy vignettes in sumptuous soft focus. Corinne typifies Ralaivao’s nuanced approach to portraiture, in this case realised in a refined monochromatic palette. The work is launched alongside 3 more originals by Ralaivao and submissions from 3 other artists — as part of our first Work on Paper Week .

We, human race made this structure

Aya Takano's drawings and oil paintings share playful visions of a future free from social constraints. Like much of Aya’s work, We, the human race made this structure embodies her surreal reflections on precarious individual identities in sprawling urban surrounds. “I’m always thinking that cities nowadays are very weird structures. I think we can make them better places to live, that we have enough intelligence to do it - but we are not doing it yet. At the same time I have a strong love for the cities, which is also nostalgic. This artwork was born from these feelings.” ©2014 Aya Takano/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Avant artists related to “Oil Painting”

George Condo

3 collaborations

Other words in the glossary

• 17th-Century Arts 1960s Art 1980s Art 20th century art Abject Art Abstract Art Abstract Expressionism Abstract Illusionism
• Abstract Landscape Abstract Photography Abstract Sculpture Acrylic Paint Action Painting Activist Art African art AfriCOBRA
• Afrofuturism Airbrushing Alabaster Albumen Print Algorithm Allegory Painting Altermodern American Abstract Artists (AAA)
• Analytical Cubism Angry Penguins Anti-Art Antiquities Aquatint Art Brut Art Informel Art Intervention
• Art Nouveau Arte Povera Artificial Intelligence Artist Appropriation Artist Commission Artist's Proof (AP) Artistic Tone (AT) Ashcan School
• Assemblage Auto-Destructive Art Automatism Autonomous System Avant Garde Bauhaus Ben-Day Dots Biennial
• Biomorphic Art Biomorphism Black Aesthetic Black Arts Movement Blockchain Body Art Built Environment Capitalist Realism
• Caricature Certificate of Authenticity (COA) Charcoal Drawing Chicano Art Classicism CoBrA Collagraph Complementary Colours
• Composition in Art Conceptual Art Conceptual Photography Conceptualism Concrete Art Contemporary African Art Contemporary Art Contemporary Asian Art
• Contemporary Figurative Painting Contemporary Impressionist Contemporary Jewelry Contemporary Performance Contemporary Photography Contour Line Contrapposto Craft in Art
• Creolisation Cubism Curator Dada Decadence Decalcomania Décollage Deconstruction
• Degenerate Art Der Blaue Reiter Diaspora Art Digital Art Digital Print Diptych Documentary Photography Drypoint
• Dynamism Edition Edition Number Edition Size Embossed Engraving Ephemeral Art ERC-1155
• ERC-721 Etching Expanded Cinema Expressionism Fairy Painting Fauvism Feminist Art Film Positive
• Fin de Siecle Flâneur Fluid Dynamics Fluxus Foreshortening Form in Art Formalism Found Object
• Fresco in Art Frottage Genre Painting Geometric Abstraction Georgian Art German Expressionism Gestural Gouache
• Graffiti Art Graphic Design Graphite Grattage Grupo Frente Gutai Hand-finishing Hard Edge Painting
• Hindu Art History Painting Hyperrealism Iconography Immersive Art Impasto Impressionism Independent Group
• Insitutional Critique Installation Art Intaglio Printing Interaction Art Intersectionality Kinetic Art Kitsch Land Art
• Landscape Art Les Nabis Linocut Lithography Madonna and Child Magic Realism Mannerist Medium in Art
• Memento Mori Mesh Count Metaphysical Art Mezzotint Minimalism Mixed Media Mobile Art Modern Art
• Mono Ha Monotype Montage Mosaic Art Motif in Art Naive Art Narrative Art Naturalism
• Négritude Neo-Expressionism Neo-Plasticism Neo-Romanticism NFT Non-Objective Art Nouveau Realism Offset Lithography
• Oil Pastel Old Masters Op Art Open Edition Original artwork Outdoor Art Outsider Art Painterly
• Papier Collé Participatory Art Patina Performance Art Performativity Photogram Photomontage Photopolymers
• Photorealism Photosensitive Emulsion Pictures Generation Plane in Art Planographic Printing Plaster of Paris Plinth Pop Art
• Portraits Post Painterly Abstraction Post-Impressionism Post-Internet Poster Art Pre-Columbian Art Printer's Proof (PP) Printmaking
• Process Art Proof Proportion Provoke Era Psychedelic Art Psychogeography Rayograph Readymade
• Reference Work Registration Marks Relational Aesthetics Relief printing Renaissance Reproduction Resin Rococo
• Romanticism Screen Fill Secession Self-Portrait Serigraphy Silkscreen Simulacrum Site-Specific Art
• Situationist International Smart Contract Socially Engaged Practice Soft Sculpture Sonic Art Sound Art Sound-on-Disc South African Art
• Squeegee Stencil Printing Street Art Substrate Suprematism Surrealism Synthetic Cubism Synthetism
• Tableau Tempera Textile Arts The Clique The Sublime Time-limited Edition Topographic Art Trompe-l'oeil
• Ukiyo-e Uncanny Underground Art Vanishing Point Vanitas Verism Verso/Recto Vitrine
• Vorticism VR Artwork Web 3.0 Wood Engraving Woodcut YBA (Young British Artists)

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A critical essay on oil-painting; proving that the art of painting in oil was known before the pretended discovery of John and Hubert van Eyck; to which are added, Theophilus De arte pingendi Eraclius De artibus Romanorum. And a review of Farinator's Lumen animæ, by R.E. Raspe. 1781

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Oil Painting Techniques – Complete Introductory Guide

Learning to master oil painting techniques for beginners can feel overwhelming initially, as so many different basic oil painting techniques exist. As with any other skill, learning to paint takes time and patience. Of all the mediums, oil painting exists as a particularly difficult one to learn. However, if the various tips and tricks are followed, your oil painting styles and techniques can increase dramatically and change your painting process.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Paint Sets and Canvases
• 1.2 Paint Brushes
• 1.3 Paint Palette
• 1.4 Palette Knife
• 1.5 Brush Cleaners
• 2.1 Perfect the Position of Your Brush
• 2.2 Vary the Pressure Used
• 2.3 Use Your Thumb to Blend
• 2.4 Hold the Paintbrush Properly
• 2.5 Be Cautious of Over-Mixing
• 2.6 Avoid Using Paint Sparingly
• 2.7 Maintain the Purity of Your Colors
• 2.8 Experiment With Two-Color Mixtures
• 3.1 Underpainting
• 3.2 Blocking In
• 3.3 Blending
• 3.4 Scumbling
• 3.5 Glazing
• 3.6 Alla Prima
• 3.7 Impasto
• 3.8 Grisaille
• 3.9 Chiaroscuro
• 3.10 Oiling Out

Choosing the Tools You Will Need to Begin

Oil paint has a long tradition within the history of art and exists as one of the most popular mediums that are still used today. However, before you can begin to learn the basic oil painting techniques, it is important to know what tools will be needed. If you are interested in starting to work with oil paints, it is important to have a selection of basic supplies at your disposal. This simply means that you should have specific tools that are used only for oil-based paints, as they should not mix with other kinds of paint.

Paint Sets and Canvases

In the beginning, a basic set of oil colors should be sufficient to get you going. Additionally, making use of a Masonite or birch wood canvas is preferable for beginners, as linen canvases can be costly. As you progress, you will find it in your best interest to spend money on professional-quality paint sets as opposed to expensive canvases. Basic canvases are ideal for beginners, as they work equally well as long as they are properly primed before painting.

Paint Brushes

When choosing which paintbrushes to use, you should look for brushes that are especially geared towards oil paints. Depending on what you will be painting, it will be beneficial to choose brushes that are different shapes and sizes to play around with, as they are all used for different techniques.

Paint Palette

Typically, plastic or melamine palettes are the most conventional and comfortable to use. However, if you are looking for the iconic curved palette, the wooden boards with the thumb hole are also a viable option. Just be sure to condition the surface by rubbing it with linseed oil to prevent your paint colors from seeping in.

Palette Knife

When it comes to mixing colors , it is best to use a palette knife. This tool will enable you to mix colors evenly and prevent you from getting too much pigment onto your brush as you mix. Palette knives can also be used to structurally apply paint, as this tool adds to the oil paint texture that is visible.

Brush Cleaners

Lastly, you will also need a cleaning solution to wash your brushes when you are finished painting. Solvents such as turpentine work wonderfully, as they can also be used to thin pigments while you are painting, but they should be used in a well-ventilated area due to their smell.

Tips and Tricks for Using Your Painting Tools

In addition to knowing which tools to use, it is also important to correctly understand how they should be used. Without knowing this, learning different basic oil painting techniques becomes difficult as the tools may stand in your way of succeeding.

Perfect the Position of Your Brush

While painting, it is important to remember that your brush has two sides, both of which should be used. Learning to orient your brush differently to control the lines you paint will help to improve your speed and adaptability within your oil art, as you will learn which sides are best suited for specific techniques. Additionally, turning your brush on its side will allow you to create finer lines than simply using the flatter part of your brush, which is ideal for wider strokes.

Vary the Pressure Used

The pressure you apply when painting will help determine the final result of your oil art and can make or break the look of an artwork. If you constantly apply heavy pressure, your paint colors could blend as a result and form bumps along the edges of your brushwork. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the differences between using soft, medium, and heavy strokes, as this will help to determine which would be the most suitable for whatever you are painting.

Use Your Thumb to Blend

Your fingers can also be the perfect tool to blend your paint, as the nerve endings can guide you to adjust the amount of pressure you apply. This can help you to smudge your lines as accurately as you want them. However, always be sure to consult the health labels on your paint tubes to see if the oils are harmful to the skin.

Hold the Paintbrush Properly

Knowing how to hold a paintbrush is essential, as this tool can influence how you paint. While there are a variety of grips that you can use when painting, it is suggested that you hold the brush handle as far back as possible when you are a beginner. While this may feel uncomfortable at first, this grip gives you the most control and allows for more sensitive and flexible strokes. Ultimately, gripping the paintbrush correctly allows you to paint with your entire arm as opposed to just your wrist.

Be Cautious of Over-Mixing

When combining colors, it is important to only mix them as much as needed before you can begin to use them. When colors are first blended, small irregularities sometimes appear in the mixture, which tends to add a sense of attraction and vibrancy to your work. If colors are overmixed, these qualities fall away and your color blend will look flatter and boring, which can affect the outcome of your painting.

Avoid Using Paint Sparingly

When deciding on how much paint to use, try not to limit yourself as this may influence the end result of your painting. If you find that you are continuously turning your paintbrush around a thin supply of paint, this is generally the time when you would need to remake the color mixture. However, this will all depend on the type of wash you want for your particular work. Some techniques will require a thinner wash, while others will need a denser wash to create the intended effect.

In essence, you need to make sure that you are using enough paint for the type of stroke you are attempting to create.

Maintain the Purity of Your Colors

Your paintbrushes must be clean when you dip them into different hues, as dirty brushes can spoil the colors you use. If this happens, the purity of your colors can be compromised, and cause you to paint with a shade not of your choosing. To maintain the intensity of the colors when they are used directly from the tube, it is important to make sure your brushes are washed regularly and in-between uses if needed.

Experiment With Two-Color Mixtures

As a beginner, it is suggested that you practice mixing paint using only two chosen colors and white. If you tend to select colors from every tube when mixing, you will create a blend that is bland and has a lower intensity. If you put in the time to improve your knowledge about colors and practice mixing concisely, you will be able to paint more effectively and create work that highlights your skill.

Top 10 Basic Oil Painting Techniques to Know

When it comes to learning basic oil painting techniques for beginners, many different techniques exist. While you do not necessarily need to use all of the oil painting styles mentioned below, it is important to have a basic understanding of them should you wish to incorporate them at a later stage.

Underpainting

Beginners to oil painting may find it daunting to apply color to a blank canvas when starting. Underpainting attempts to solve this by being the first layer of paint that is applied to a canvas before color is added. Underpainting acts as a guide of where you would like to paint the major parts of your composition, which removes the fear when you finally begin to paint.

To employ this technique, you will need to sketch out a rough idea of your composition by painting with a thin layer of paint, and then blocking off where you would like to place certain parts and color tones. This allows you to have a vague idea of where you would like to build your composition and provides you with a map to follow, which can calm you down when you are ready to start.

Blocking In

This technique refers to physically blocking in the different shapes and colors that are going to be used on your canvas before you can fully begin painting. The purpose of this is to create a plan that navigates you through the general composition and color choices and allows you to take care of smaller details, so you do not have to worry about them when painting.

Through using this technique, you can get a real feel for where your painting is headed. Beginners will start by painting a toned-down version of their main colors by using thinned paint and larger brushes. Once this is done, you will be able to increase the intensity of your colors and add additional layers as you go along.

Be careful of blocking with highly saturated colors, as you will spend the majority of your time trying to tone down the painting.

While this technique is possibly used the most by beginners, it is also one of the simpler methods. Blending describes two different colors that are slightly mixed together when wet, which allows a smoother transition between the hues to be created. However, this technique can only be done when the paints are wet and exists as a popular method within oil painting as the oils stay wet for a longer period.

Blending helps beginners in creating paintings that are smooth and lifelike, but can often be overdone as a result of this. This technique is more effective when used in moderation, as too much blending can create an inauthentic atmosphere in a painting as it takes on an excessively refined look.

Scumbling is a great technique that beginners can use to add more oil paint texture to their paintings. This essentially makes use of a dry and hardened brush and requires you to apply thin layers of paint onto your canvas. This then creates a textured effect as a cracked glaze appears, which is made noticeable by the underpainting that can then be seen through the glaze.

Scumbling differs from other techniques that work towards a smoother effect, as the aim is to leave areas exposed through an irregular application of paint. Thus, scumbling is ideal if you are wanting to create depth in your oil art.

Glazing exists as a popular technique within oil painting and is a good one for beginners to learn. This method makes use of painting thin clear layers on top of a dry opaque base layer. As each additional layer of color is applied, it changes the hue of the previous layer and the finish takes on a glossy appearance. This also helps in creating a multidimensional look. Due to the polished finish that glazing provides, it is often added over a thin layer of paint to create a shiny look.

For glazing to be achieved, you will need to first create a monochrome underpainting using opaque colors, and then slowly build the layers of glaze on top. Since you need to wait for each layer of glaze to dry, it can be a very laborious method of painting. Depending on how many layers you intend to use, your oil painting could take an incredibly long time to be finished. Each additional layer should also have more oil than the previous layer so as to avoid cracking at a later stage.

It is suggested that you use oil paints that have a more transparent quality, as the multiple layers work together to visually blend into interesting color combinations. This works especially well for painting portraits.

Also known as painting “wet-on-wet”, this method is possibly one of the more challenging ones to be learned when working with oil paints. This technique requires you to directly apply paint to a wet surface without letting any of the earlier layers dry completely. The benefit of using this technique is that paintings can often be completed in a single sitting.

This technique varies from the more traditional methods that allow each layer to dry before more paint is applied. However, given that it can take a few days for oil paint to properly dry , this method is preferable when painting quickly as it also allows you to mix your color layers directly on your canvas. This technique is ideal for painting evasive light as fast as possible, as well as for capturing landscapes at a specific time of day. Some famous artists who made use of this technique were Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet.

While this technique of being able to texturally paint may require additional practice and patience, impasto painting works especially well when you are attempting to add dimension to your artworks. The oil painting style of impasto involves painting strokes of thick paint to your canvas, which each mark being intentionally added. Painting in this style is often described as a bolder technique to employ, as your brushwork remains visible once the painting is complete.

An artist who was famous for using this technique in oil painting was Vincent van Gogh , as his brushwork emulates great activity and movement in his artworks.

A benefit of impasto is that your oil colors can be mixed directly on the canvas, which helps to draw attention to areas that are more striking than others. This thicker painting style can help to enhance the idea of three-dimensionality within your work, as you can change between using a brush or palette knife to create this depth.

The only trick to this is to liberally apply paint to your brushes and then freely spread it over your canvas. Those new to this technique should start by applying thicker paint in the foreground of their paintings, and then gradually thin out the paint as the background lessens. In doing this, impasto helps create the illusion of distance, which you can enhance by adding blobs of paint to close-up areas of the artwork.

Gris , which is the French term for “gray”, describes painting in a monochrome using only varying shades of black, white, and gray to demonstrate different areas of dark and light. However, due to the large assortment of colors that are at our disposal in the modern era , this technique of oil painting is slightly outdated.

Beginners to oil painting may find practicing with duller colors more reassuring before moving on to louder colors, as they can be unpredictable when put on the canvas. If you are wanting to try out this technique, it is ideal for underpainting before a painting is glazed over.

Chiaroscuro

Translated from Italian to mean “light-dark”, chiaroscuro refers to the balance that exists between areas of light and dark in a piece of art. This technique arose during the Renaissance as artists would create a noticeable contrast between light and dark in their work for a more three-dimensional look.

This technique can help to increase the drama present within an artwork, as it pushes the subject to the forefront of the painting. If you are interested in trying out this technique, it is suggested that you start with one light focus initially and work your way out from there.

Of all the oil painting techniques for beginners, oiling out is not one to be concerned with immediately. This technique is quite advanced, and therefore not necessary to know when first learning about how to paint. However, as you progress, this technique becomes useful when using oils.

Oiling out is used when oils have sunk into the lower layers of the painting, which leaves the top layers looking dull. This can often happen in patches, as the drying time differs between different colors. To fix this, you would simply need to dab a sparse amount of a top-quality oil medium over the areas in question once the painting is dry.

While it may seem that oil painting is quite a technical skill, it is entirely possible to begin to refine and improve your abilities in order to become a better painter. We have listed some of the more basic and slightly easier techniques for you to start out with when you begin to start painting with oils. After practicing these skills, you can always move on to more complex techniques if you would like to expand your oil painting skills.

In 2005, Charlene completed her Wellness Diplomas in Therapeutic Aromatherapy and Reflexology from the International School of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy. She worked for a company offering corporate wellness programs for a couple of years, before opening up her own therapy practice. It was in 2015 that a friend, who was a digital marketer, asked her to join her company as a content creator, and this is where she found her excitement for writing.

Since joining the content writing world, she has gained a lot of experience over the years writing on a diverse selection of topics, from beauty, health, wellness, travel, and more. Due to various circumstances, she had to close her therapy practice and is now a full-time freelance writer. Being a creative person, she could not pass up the opportunity to contribute to the Art in Context team, where is was in her element, writing about a variety of art and craft topics. Contributing articles for over three years now, her knowledge in this area has grown, and she has gotten to explore her creativity and improve her research and writing skills.

Charlene Lewis has been working for artincontext.org since the relaunch in 2020. She is an experienced writer and mainly focuses on the topics of color theory, painting and drawing.

Learn more about Charlene Lewis and the Art in Context Team .

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Home / Essay Samples / Art / Painting / The Description Of Oil Painting

The Description Of Oil Painting

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A critical essay on oil-painting

Proving that the art of painting in oil was known before the pretended discovery of john and hubert van eyck; to which are added, theophilus de arte pingendi eraclius de artibus romanorum. and a review of farinator's lumen animæ, by r. e. raspe., by rudolf erich raspe.

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Microfilm. Woodbridge, CT Research Publications, Inc., 1983. 1 reel ; 35mm. (The Eighteenth Century ; reel 420, no. 12).

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101 Facts About Oil Painting - How Much Do You Know About Oil Painting?

By marshall | oil paintings.

How much do you know about Oil Painting? Test your knowledge on the history of oil painting, how to preserve artwork, even learn when paintings were first broken down into fragments and sold as individual works. Learn some interesting facts such as what museums have in common with jewelers. Oil painting is a mixture of art, craft and science. We know finding facts and figures about oil paintings can be time-consuming and frustrating, so we put together this list of the top 101 facts, notes, and statistics so you can easily reference them and refer back to them any time in the future.  This space is constantly changing, so if you see a fact that is not up-to-date, feel free to let us know. And if you know a stat that we should add, let us know that too!

1. Linseed oil is pressed from the seeds of the flax plant.

Linseed oil is made from flax seeds, which  contain  30 to 40 percent  oil.  It dries to the touch quickly, between three and ten days,  but  it  takes  years  before  it dries completely.

2. It generally takes six months to a year to varnish the oil painting.

So, artists often tout the recommendation to wait until the painting is "touch dry". For some this may be a sufficient amount of time.

3. The American painter John Goffe Rand invented the paint tube in 1841, before that they were stored in animal bladders.

In 1841, a little-known American portraitist living in London invented a small, artists' aid that would have a significant impact on art.

4. The pigments used for oil painting are made up of organic materials and minerals, snail mucus and semiprecious stones.

The most basic pigments come from plentiful sources and produce what are often called "earth tones."

5. Leonardo da Vinci cooked oil paint with beeswax, to improve the process of oil paint.

Da Vinci is famous for many things - he was an innovator, scientist, engineer, sculptor, writer, astronomer... 

6. Ultramarine- deep blue was the most expensive pigment. It was once more costlier than gold.

Ultramarine blue (not cobalt blue) is maybe the most famous, expensive and rare colour pigment.

7. The earliest known oil paintings were Buddhist murals found in Afghanistan's Bamiyan caves.

Scientists found the murals in a network of caves where monks lived and prayed in the Afghan region of Bamiyan, according to a statement on the Web site of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, where the ancient paintings were analyzed.

8. Early in the 16th century, artists started painting on canvas instead of wood.

Canvas had the advantage of holding the pigments better, resisted cracking which is a common problem of wood and needed less preparation.

By Dru Bloomfield – https://www.flickr.com/photos/athomeinscottsdale/3836187025/in/photostream/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95427764

9. White paint was created with lead. It dried quickly and covered well but had the disadvantage of being poisonous.

The dangers of lead paint were considered well-established by the beginning of the 20th century.

10. "Dammar" is soluble in turpentine and dries rapidly to a high sheen, but it is unstable.

It is a 'soft' resin often from South East Asia and the most common resinous ingredient in traditional oil painting mediums.

11. Giovanni Bellini's work from 1480, "St. Francis in Ecstasy," captures oil's ability to create an accurate, complex composition with the soft glow of morning light and the detailed perspective of the natural landscape.

Oil became a useful medium during the Baroque period, when artists sought to display the intensity of emotion through the careful manipulation of light and shadows.

12. The paint could be thinned with Turpentine.

Mainly used as a specialized solvent. It is also a source of material for organic syntheses.

13. A basic rule of oil paint application is 'fat over lean.'

This means that each additional layer of paint should contain more oil than the layer below to allow proper drying. If each additional layer contains less oil, the final painting will crack and peel.

14. Modern acrylic "gesso" is made of titanium dioxide with an acrylic binder.

It is used in painting as a preparation for any number of substrates such as wood panels, canvas and sculpture as a base for paint and other materials that are applied over it.

15. Top-grade brushes are made in two types: red sable (from various members of the weasel family) and bleached hog bristles.

Both come in numbered sizes in each of four regular shapes: round (pointed), flat, bright (flat shape but shorter and less supple), and oval (flat but bluntly pointed).

16. The painting knife is a convenient tool for applying oil colors in a robust manner.

Painting Knife is an artist's tool with a flexible steel blade used to apply paint to the canvas.

17. The standard support for oil painting is a canvas made of pure European linen of strong close weave.

This canvas is cut to the desired size and stretched over a frame, usually wooden, to which it is secured by tacks or, from the 20th century, by staples.

18. The technical term "pentimento" refers to a peculiar effect, examples of which are to be seen in galleries.

Because thin top coatings of paint have become more transparent with age, the underpainting or drawing originally concealed has become visible.

19. The Mona Lisa is an oil painting by Italian artist, inventor, and writer Leonardo da Vinci.

Renowned for both its curious iconography and its unique history, the Mona Lisa has become one of the most well-known paintings in art history.

20. Oil paints don't dry. Instead they harden due to oxidation, usually in about two weeks, and are ready to be varnished in roughly six months. However, sometimes it takes years for an oil painting to fully harden.

Traditional oil paints dry by oxidation, when the oil reacts with oxygen in the air. There isn't any water in the paint to evaporate.

21. Impasto refers to a thicker application of paint (think Vincent Van Gogh) which has physical dimensionality.

Impasto painting technique can be achieved by applying many layers of the paint or applying the color straight from the tube; otherwise, it can be enhanced by a number of thickening agents.

22. An adored characteristic of oil paint is that they blend beautifully with each other making it possible to generate a variety of tones and shades as well as being able to create fine details and shadowing.

A blend is the gradual transition from one color to another. Oil paint, because it takes time to dry, allows you to move the wet paint around on the canvas.

23. Linseed oil, poppy seed oil, walnut oil, and safflower oil are commonly used drying oils.

Drying oil is a kind of vegetable oil which dries at normal temperature. Drying oil is the basic vehicle of oil plants.

24. Resins are either natural or synthetic organic chemicals that are solids or viscous (thick) liquids.

They are used to make media for painting (they are often too brittle when used alone) to alter the working characteristic of the paint film.

25. Stand Oil was widely used in the Dutch school of painting during the seventeenth century.

The oil is so called because of the old practice of letting the oil stand for long periods of time to allow the impurities to settle out.

26. Old masters usually applied paint in layers known as "glazes", a method also simply called "indirect painting".

This method was first perfected through an adaptation of the egg tempera painting technique (egg yolks used as a binder, mixed with pigment), and was applied by the Early Netherlands painters in Northern Europe with pigments usually ground in linseed oil. This approach has been called the "mixed technique" or "mixed method" in modern times.

27. Artists in later periods, such as the Impressionist era (late 19th century), often expanded on this wet-on-wet method, blending the wet paint on the canvas without following the Renaissance-era approach of layering and glazing.

This method, also called "alla prima" was created due to the advent of painting outdoors, instead of inside a studio, because while outside, an artist did not have the time to let each layer of paint dry before adding a new layer.

28. Tempera was a protein-based material that was commonly made by mixing colored pigments with a binder such as egg yolk.

Tempera (Italian: [ˈtɛmpera]), also known as egg tempera, is a permanent, fast-drying medium consisting of colored pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder medium, usually glutinous material such as egg yolk.

29. The founder of modern day oil paints is known to be a famous Belgian painter - Jan van Eyck.

He invented the first modern day oil paints by mixing pigments with oil from nuts and linseed. His paints are more vibrant and dries quicker.

30. Traditional oil paintings on canvas are a multi-component system consisting of many different materials combined together in a layer structure.

This usually consists of an auxiliary support, support, ground and paint layers, and a varnish layer.

31. One common measure of the causative property of oils is iodine number, the number of grams of iodine one hundred grams of oil can absorb.

Oils with an iodine number great than 130 are considered drying, those with an iodine number of 115-130 are semi-drying, and those with an iodine number of less than 115 are non-drying.

32. Traditionally, paint was most often transferred to the painting surface using paintbrushes, but there are other methods, including using palette knives and rags.

Palette knives can scrape off any paint from a canvas, it can also be used for application.

33. Artist-grade turpentine used in oil paintings is usually of a HIGHER purity than turpentine used for industrial purposes.

It has a cleaner and pleasant scent unlike regular turpentine found in hardware stores. Artist grade turpentine usually requires additional treatment and refining to remove unwanted impurities.

34. Contemporary varnishes are BETTER than traditional varnishes.

Traditional dammar varnish and other natural resins make a durable top layer but yellow and darken over time and become increasingly difficult to remove for purposes of cleaning a painting.

35. Grisaille is an oil painting approach in which the images is completed in shades of gray or another neutral (but grayish) color.

A grisaille may be executed for its own sake, as underpainting for an oil painting (in preparation for glazing layers of colour over it), or as a model for an engraver to work from.

36. Chiaroscuro is the Italian word for "light dark," which refers to the balance of light and dark in a drawing or painting.

Caravaggio and Rembrandt are the artists perhaps best known for using this technique.

37. Plein air painting is from the French phrase en plein air, which means 'in the open air'.

This type of painting started in the late 1800s when the Impressionists came out of their studios and into nature.

38. Glazing creates an incredibly unique effect in oil painting.

A glaze in oil paint is the application of a very thin, transparent and oily layer that usually contains only a single pigment.

39. Dry Brush technique gives a distinctive look that can create texture and movement in a painting.

Paint is applied with a brush that is relatively dry, but still holding pigment. This technique works with paint that is highly viscous and thick, the brush is wiped on tissue paper before paint is applied to the canvas to remove oily residue.

40. To clean away a layer of oil paint, use alcohol (a powerful solvent).

You can erase your work. If you feel like you've made a mistake or don't like the way a layer on your oil painting has come out, don't fret, you can wipe away that layer using alcohol.

41. A purifier can help reduce headaches when working with oil paints.

Most air purifiers can eliminate paint fumes and chemical smells as long as they have activated carbon and HEPA filters.

42. Putting your whole palette of oil paint in the freezer keeps paint wet so they can be used for a long time.

The cold temperature will slow down the rate of oxidation and evaporation, and so help prevent your oil paint from drying out.

43. Examining your work in a mirror will give you a different perspective which will help you check your accuracy.

The use of mirrors within art harnesses the magic of reflection to craft ever-evolving narratives around our perceptions of ourselves and our understanding of the world around us.

44. Murphy Oil Soap is used to clean brushes with dried paint left on them. Also works on clothes.

If you accidentally let paint dry on your brush, there is still hope. Soak your brush in Murphy's Oil Soap for 24 to 48 hours.

45. It's easier to paint on a wet canvas. You can add a touch of water to the water-soluble paints to help it along.

Painting wet into wet has several benefits - speed, economy, variety and painterliness. It's important to note that while this technique can be used with any painting medium, it works best with paints that dry slowly.

46. The tendency of low oil-content oils is to dry with a relatively matte finish, known as 'sinking in.'

The most common chorus as to the causes of sunken-in patches of paint tends to focus on two areas - overly absorbent grounds and paints thinned with too much solvent.

47. "Rabbit Skin Glue" is a generic term for binders made from animal by-products and not evidence of systematic bunny culling.

Rabbit Skin Glue is traditional partner to chalk in gesso making. As it's hygroscopic, it has been superseded by modern glues.

48. A painting palette can be made of plastic, melamine or wood.

The most commonly known type of painter's palette is made of a thin wood board designed to be held in the artist's hand and rest on the artist's arm.

49. 'Tonking' is a method of removing excess oil from canvas by blotting with absorbent paper.

It's used to make changes to a painting by removing oil paint or to create a workable surface where paint has become to thick or the consistency is wrong and needs to be corrected.

50. Using the "oiling out" technique can give the painting a new lease on life.

Oiling out effectively evens out the surface quality and saturates colors while bonding permanently to paint layers.

51. 'Melgip' is the essential 19th-century medium, traditionally a mix of mastic, oil and lead.

Melgip allows oil painters to create incredibly subtle gradations of optical colour. Essential for traditional oils, and great fun for contemporary painters.

52. Imprimatura is the general term for what Turner made into a 'colour beginning', literally meaning 'first painting'.

The purpose of imprimatura is merely to cover the canvas in a more neutral tone (the bare white canvas can be difficult to paint on as your sense of tones and value may be skewed).

53. Ébauche is a classic method for oils, and a technique preferred by masters from the late Renaissance to the present day.

It is an incomplete watch movement consisting of plates, bridges, wheels, and barrels to be finished and fitted with jewels, escapement, mainspring, hands, and dial.

54. Lake colours often behave poorly if they are applied in impasto.

A lake color or lake pigment is basically insoluble in nature and colors through dispersion. Lakes are produced through precipitation of soluble dyes with some metallic salt.

55. A great way to see mistakes or pentimenti in oils that have been disguised by overpainting is an X Ray image.

X-radiography is one technique which can reveal useful information. This technique can show the different elements of a painting, from the canvas or panel it is painted on to the top paint layer.

56. Water-mixable oils, also called solvent-free soils, offer greater convenience and increased accessibility.

There is no need for solvent. Simply use water as your "solvent" to thin the water-mixable paints and for cleanup.

57. One popular medium, known as Maroger's, was made by grinding pigments with "yellow varnish".

Yellow varnish was made by melting damar crystals (a tree resin) in hot linseed oil, mixing them with a water-in-oil emulsion paste.

58. Walnut Oil dries more rapidly than poppy oil.

Walnut oil is cold pressed from walnuts and refined for purity. It can become rancid if stored for too long.

59. Cobalt Drier reduces drying times by attracting oxygen more quickly to the paint film.

It is a viscous purple fluid made by cooking cobalt salts in linseed oil. It should be used sparingly (no more than 5%) and may alter colors slightly, especially light colors.

60. Spirit of Petroleum is most effective in thinning out colors and providing a smoothness in application similar to watercolor painting.

It is a refined petroleum oil best suited for thinning out colors. It provides a smoothness in application similar to watercolor painting.

61. Cold Wax Medium is a soft paste used to make oil colors thicker and more matte.

A soft paste formulated to knife consistency, Gamblin Cold Wax medium is made from naturally white unbleached beeswax, aklyd resin and odorless mineral spirits (OMS).

62. Oil of Spike or Spike Lavendar is distilled from Lavandula spica, a broad-leafed variety of lavender which grows wild in Europe and is cultivated in Spain.

It has properties similar to turpentine, but has a greater tendency to gum or oxidize when exposed to air.

63. Oil paint has a very specific grinding process.

Each pigment has to be sourced and treated individually - some pigments need to be ground very finely whereas with others if you grind them too much they'll lose their desired colour.

64. Pigments come from different places so the cost of the pigment itself, how difficult it is to obtain and how much it is in demand also dramatically changes the cost.

In professional paints ranges come in series where paints made with more expensive pigments will be a higher series and cost more to buy than those made with cheaper pigments which will be a low series.

65. Cobalt blue was the primary blue pigment used in Chinese blue and white porcelain for centuries, beginning in the late 8th or early 9th century.

Cobalt blue is a blue pigment made by sintering cobalt (II) oxide with aluminum (III) oxide (alumina) at 1200 ˚C.

66. Earth Colours are an example of cheaper pigment.

Earth colours tend to be the cheapest such as yellow ochre (PY43), this pigment is a natural clay earth pigment: a mixture of ferric oxide and varying amounts of clay and sand.

67. In early Christianity, tempera was used extensively to paint images of religious icons.

The pre-Renaissance Italian artist Duccio (c. 1255 - 1318), one of the most influential artists of the time, used tempera paint in the creation of The Crevole Madonna.

68. Hog brushes are ideal for beginners and are the most traditional type of brush.

Hog brushes can be used to create both thin glazing and heavier impasto effects. Hog brushes are quite appealing; they operate well, have a lovely spring, and endure a long time.

69. Oil and water don't mix.

Oil is nonpolar, which means it's "afraid of water" so it doesn't like to mix and water molecules are more attracted to other water molecules than oil molecules because they are polar.

70. "Slow over fast" is a rule in oil painting.

This means you must make sure the last layer of paint will dry quicker than the following layer, to prevent the paint from cracking and ruining your work.

71. Scumbling is a great way to bring texture to an artwork.

Scumbling refers to the technique of using a dry, stiff brush to apply thin layers of paint to canvas. The result is that the image does not have a smooth finish, with some of the underpainting still exposed.

72. Early in the 16th century, artists started painting on canvas instead of wood.

73.  prior to the 19th century, an artist's studio looked like a laboratory..

The artists had to grind the pigments, boil the oil and use exact formulas to create their oil paints back then. Apprentices were hired too to help with this chore.

74. 'Blocking in' is a technique used by artists as a way to start an oil painting.

By blocking in, you completely cover your canvas with paint so that no white from your gesso ground is showing.

75. The literal translation of Sfumato from Italian is 'softened' or 'soft like smoke'.

This technique was developed by Leonardo da Vinci. The key to this technique is in creating gradual colour and shape transitions. Outlines appear soft and hazy and shapes seem to blend into one another.

76. You can use the palette knife to make clouds, water, mountains, trees, a cabin, land, etc.

A palette knife is a blunt tool used for mixing or applying paint, with a flexible steel blade it is primarily used for applying paint to the canvas, mixing paint colors, adding texture to the painted surface, paste, etc., or for marbling, decorative endpapers, etc.

77. The finest quality brushes are called "kolinsky sable".

These brush fibers are taken from the tail of the Siberian weasel. This hair keeps a superfine point, has smooth handling, and good memory (it returns to its original point when lifted off the canvas), known to artists as a brush's "snap".

78. Varnishing serves two main purposes.

First, varnish serves as a layer of protection between your painting and the environment - it is meant to be a removable layer. It also serves to even out the sheen of your painting if you have the glossy/dull patches which are quite common to oil paints.

79. 'The Birth of Venus' is one of the most famous artworks of Botticelli.

The composition portrays with an exquisite lyricism the arrival of Venus (Aphrodite), borned from the foam of the sea, to land. Although naked, the goddess does not suggest any eroticism, but in fact a kind of delicate purity.

80. 'Starry Night' is probably the most famous oil painting made by the dutch post-impressionist artist, Van Gogh.

This was painted when he was 37 years old and isolated in an asylum; the landscape portrays a mix between the real world and Van Gogh's own memory.

81. Leonardo da Vinci perfected the technique of sfumato, which he described as "without lines or borders."

The term 'sfumato', which translates as 'smoky', refers to a blurring of the hard edge lines that separate adjacent objects or colors from one another.

82. The easiest way to remove a thin layer of dust, grime or residue in your oil painting canvas is with a soft cloth and soapy water.

Due to its low pH level and mild properties, olive oil-based soap is often considered the most effective soap to use. Make sure you don't use anything that contains alcohol as this could remove some of the paint.

83. When painting with heavy colour, it is best to apply thick layers over thin layers.

This is because the thin layers dry more quickly. For example, if you like the impasto style of the Impressionists, with their thick, bold brush strokes then it is important to remember that these thick layers need to be uppermost: thin layers on top of impasto layers are likely to crack.

84. It is best to use fast drying colours continuously as under layers.

If a fast drying layer is applied on top of a slow drying layer then your painting may crack. This is because the fast drying layers will have dried on top of layers that are still in the process of drying out, and as the slow drying layers dry they will pull and twist the layers above, making them crack.

85. The history of oil painting goes back to ancient times, when man started to confine his acquaintance in the painting work.

In the grottos of Southern Europe, early man mixed animal fats with earth and stain to form the very first oil paints. These oil paints were distorted onto the walls of the grotto.

86. Antique Oil Paintings describe the ancient story in a very fascinating way.

Most popular works by the renowned artists are obtainable in museums, and are easily acknowledged by art lovers around the globe. They get attraction because of their exquisite and massive value.

87. Conventional artists use canvas made from Linen to produce oil paintings.

Paintings by famous artists such as Boticelli, Picasso, and Leonardo da Vinci etc. are well-known for their technique and gorgeousness. These arts cannot be afforded by an ordinary man because of its high cost and uniqueness.

89. The worth of the oil paintings is established by its maturity and age.

There are many tests available to discover the age of the painting. Some of these genuine tests involve inspecting the cracks on the paint, pigmentation, varnishes, and tinge of the colors.

90. The most apparent reason behind people buying oil paintings is the modern fashionable thinking and imparting beautification to their homes.

Oil paintings are thought to have a high status among homeowners. Some owners buy oil paintings based on their particular tastes, and these paintings are admired all over the world as massive works of art.

91. Painter and television personality Bob Ross was a prolific artist who purportedly completed 30,000 paintings during his lifetime.

Ross wanted everyone to believe that they could be artists. Ross was born in Daytona Beach, Florida, on October 29, 1942, to Jack and Ollie Ross. Ross' father was a carpenter and builder.

92. Oil paints are flexible.

It means, since they take time to dry, you can always do something with them over the painting.

93. Fijnschilder is an oil painter who works in a detailed, technically competent style.

Rembrandt originally made his reputation as a Fijnschilder. The approach is seen in the work of other Dutch painters such as Godfried Schalcken.

94. 'Tonal Grounds Under Painting' is the type of painting that has the entire canvas covered in a single transparent color.

Rembrandt originally made his reputation as a Fijnschilder. The approach is seen in the work of other Dutch painters such as Godfried Schalcken. This layer will create backlighting shadows that will tone the entire painting and provide contrast for complimentary colors.

95. When attempting an underpainting, one of the best ways to start is by thinning your paint with a solvent.

This will thin the pigment and then lift off a bit and blend in with later layers of paint as you continue with your painting highlighting the underpinning and the extra work you've done.

96. Brush strokes can do more than just put the paint on the canvas or panel.

With strong brush strokes, you can emphasize certain areas of your painting or add texture to your work. The right brush strokes can bring a new dimension to your subject and become a real highlight to your work, so don't take your strokes for granted.

97. The main advantages of oil paints are their flexibility and depth of colour.

They can applied in many different ways, from thin glazes diluted with turpentine to dense thick impasto. Because it is slow to dry, artists can continue working the paint for much longer than other types of paint. This provides greater opportunity for blending and layering.

98. Oils also allow the artist to create greater richness of colour as well as a wide range of tonal transitions and shades.

Oil colours do not change noticeably after drying, and it is possible to produce both opaque and transparent effects, as well as matte and gloss finishes. In the hands of Old Masters like Rubens or Rembrandt oils permitted stunning effects of light and colour as well as much greater realism.

99. Oil paint dries under the influence of oxygen and light.

Once the paint is dry, this oxidation process does not stop but continues in an aging process. Eventually this can be visible as cracking.

100. Using too many different types of mediums, and/or creating your own mediums, can put a painting under "stress".

Damage is very unpredictable in this case. The easiest way to avoid putting your painting under stress is to adhere to the Fat over Lean rule.

101. The sinking of the top layer causes a dull finish.

The main cause of a dull finish is from the incorrect ratio of drying oils to paint and solvents. More specifically, it occurs when there is too much of a solvent concentration in the paint. Fortunately, "oiling out" is a way to regain the sheen of your surface.

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Student Essays

4 Well Written Essays on Painting & Its Importance [ 2024 ]

Painting is a constructive art. It is the human passion to draw something out of the heart. Read the following essay that sheds light upon the meaning and purpose of painting, painting as a hobby, and benefits of painting essay for children & students. This essay is quite helpful for children & students for their school exams preparation etc.

Essay on Painting | Painting as hobby | Types, Purpose & Importance of Painting Essay for Students

Painting is an art form that surfaces images to canvas or other materials by applying paints, pigments, and other mediums. There are several different media used for painting like oils, acrylics, watercolor, etc.

Painting is a beautiful art of colors . It requires creative skills to paint images on canvas or any other surface. There are various stages of painting that include preparing the surface, under-painting or blocking in colors, laying the paint, and blending colors. Additional layers of paint are applied to the surface in order to build up complex colors.

The history lies in cave paintings, which are considered as the first ever paintings. These paintings were done to depict life in those times.   It was then that people realized the power of expression in art. Following are the important types of painting:

• Minimalist paintings
• Abstract expressionism paintings
• Postmodern paintings

Some of the famous painters of the world who made their contribution to art include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Raphael, Vincent van gogh, Pablo Picasso, etc. Some of the paintings that are famous worldwide include Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the night watch by Rembrandt, the awakening conscience by Raphael, etc.

Some of the major art galleries of the world include The Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, National Gallery, Tate Modern London, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, National Galleries of Scotland, etc.

Purpose of Painting

Painting is the great colorful depiction of Art . The main functions of paintings are that they can transport you to a different time and place, evoke varied emotions from within the society, provide inspiration to people who love creative arts, etc. Following are the important functions of paintings: –

• To express an idea or a thought
• Beautiful view of nature and objects
• Memories and different emotions associated with the painting
• Helps in relaxation and meditation
• Inspiration for creative people
• Acquisition of knowledge about history, culture etc. through paintings
• Invention of new form-styles and themes
• Aesthetically pleasing paintings and pictures
• Visual learning and knowledge about things around us through photographs.

Joys of Painting

Painting is fun when you don’t give it the kind of importance that you give your studies or any other work. This way it can be enjoyed like a break from your regular stressful routine. Paint whenever you feel like, for no reason at all and see how it helps you unwind.

Painting in Modern Times: Artworks have been produced by computers for a long time now. In the beginning, it was mostly used to generate technical drawings and research papers by scientists and engineers. However, with the advent of digital photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Corel Draw, artists started using computers to make their paintings look more realistic, to create various effects like colors blending in the air.

Nowadays, many artists use 3D software like Maya and Z-Brush to create their artworks. Maya is used by many 3D animators, video game developers and VFX (Visual effects) artists, etc. Z-Brush is a digital sculpting software which allows artists to create 3D models from scratch.

Benefits of Painting

Painting has been a pleasure.  It has the following benefits: –

• Visual learning and knowledge about things around us through photographs i. Provides inspiration to creative people
• Memories and different emotions

Painting for Children

Painting is a very nice hobby, so students should definitely be encouraged to follow painting. Painting develops the skills of creative thinking and expression which are necessary for everyone.

Painting has been used as a form of art since centuries. Painting has been and will continue to be used as a way to express thoughts and experiences, depict memories and different emotions associated with the painting, provide inspiration to people who love creative arts etc.

There is nothing wrong with painting, if it is done by children. Painting can help them to develop their creativity, imagination and hand-eye coordination. They can even learn to paint by numbers once they are familiar with the various painting tools. Then they can paint on their own. Children don’t waste time while painting, instead they learn to make the best use of their idle time.

Learn to Develop an Interest into Painting

Anyone can learn how to paint. Painting is a very nice hobby that everyone should try at least once in their life.  It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, you can always try your hand at painting.

It is true that some people just naturally seem to be better than others in terms of skill and creativity, but there are many artists who have not even received formal training, yet they paint very beautifully. According to me anyone can learn how to paint.

You should always begin with small canvases, until you get used to handling paints, brushes etc. You should be able-bodied enough to carry out all of your painting activities without getting tired too soon which might lead to your paintings being sloppy. Try different styles and themes. There is no end to creativity and imagination, so don’t limit yourself with a particular style or theme. You can always try your hand at something new.

Essay on Painting My Hobby:

Painting is an activity that I have loved since childhood. It is not just a hobby for me, but also a way to express my creativity and emotions. Whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed, painting acts as a therapeutic outlet for me. In this essay, I will discuss my love for painting in 200 words.

I remember being fascinated by colors and shapes as a child. I would spend hours drawing and coloring in my sketchbook, creating my own imaginary world. As I grew older, painting became a frequent hobby that I turned to whenever I needed an escape from reality.

What I love most about painting is the freedom it gives me to express myself without any limitations. There are no rules or boundaries when it comes to art, and that is what makes it so special to me. I can use any color, any stroke, and create whatever I want on the canvas.

Apart from being a creative outlet, painting has also taught me patience and perseverance. It takes time and effort to bring an idea or concept to life through art. As I continue to paint, my skills improve, and I am able to create more complex and meaningful pieces.

I have also found solace in painting during difficult times. Whenever I am feeling down or struggling with my emotions, I turn to my paintbrushes and canvas. The process of creating something beautiful from a blank canvas is therapeutic for me.

In conclusion, painting is not just a hobby for me, but an essential part of who I am. It allows me to express myself, relax my mind, and continuously improve my skills. I am grateful for having this hobby, and I hope to continue painting for the rest of my life. So why not pick up a paintbrush and canvas yourself? You never know, you might discover a hidden talent or find peace in this beautiful form of art. Happy painting!

Short Essay on Painting:

Painting is an art form that has been around for centuries, dating back to prehistoric times. It involves using colors and various techniques to create visual representations of objects, people, or landscapes on a surface such as canvas, paper, or walls.

One of the earliest forms of painting was cave paintings, where early humans used natural pigments to depict animals and their surroundings. As time went on, painting evolved and became more refined, with the rise of different techniques such as fresco, oil painting, and watercolor.

Painting has been an integral part of human culture throughout history, with many renowned artists leaving behind a rich legacy of their work. From the iconic works of Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh to modern masters like Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock, painting has been a medium for self-expression, storytelling, and social commentary.

Apart from its artistic value, painting also holds significant cultural and historical significance. Many paintings serve as visual records of past events and societal norms, providing insights into different time periods. For example, the famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is not only admired for its aesthetic beauty but also serves as a representation of Renaissance ideals and values.

In today’s world, painting continues to be a popular medium for both professional artists and hobbyists alike. With the advent of technology, new forms of painting have emerged, such as digital art and street art. However, traditional painting techniques remain highly valued and continue to inspire new generations of artists.

In conclusion, painting is a timeless art form that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate us with its beauty, complexity, and ability to convey emotions and ideas. It will undoubtedly remain an essential part of human culture for centuries to come.

Paragraph on Painting:

Painting is an art form that has existed for centuries, with evidence of its existence dating back to ancient times. It involves the use of pigments, dyes, or other coloring substances to create images on a surface. This could be on canvas, paper, wood, clay, or even walls. Paintings can range from simple illustrations to complex and detailed works of art.

Throughout history, painting has been used for various purposes. In ancient civilizations, it was primarily used for religious or ceremonial purposes. In the Renaissance period, it became a means of expressing human emotions and ideas. Today, painting is considered a form of self-expression and is widely recognized as a valuable form of art.

One of the most significant aspects of painting is its ability to capture the essence of a moment. It allows the artist to immortalize their thoughts, emotions, and ideas on a canvas or any other surface. Paintings can also serve as a representation of history, culture, and social commentary. They have the power to evoke strong emotions and convey powerful messages.

Painting is not limited to just one style or technique; it is a diverse and ever-evolving form of art. Some famous painting styles include realism, abstract, impressionism, and surrealism. Each style has its unique characteristics and techniques that give the artwork its distinct look.

In today’s digital age, painting is not limited to traditional mediums like oil or acrylic. With advancements in technology, artists are now exploring digital painting and other innovative techniques to create unique and captivating pieces of art. Painting has evolved alongside society, and it continues to be a significant form of artistic expression, reflecting the culture and values of each era. So, it is safe to say that painting will continue to captivate and inspire generations to come.

The power of painting lies in its ability to transcend time and language barriers. It speaks to our collective humanity and allows us to connect with each other through shared emotions and experiences. Whether it is a classic masterpiece or a contemporary work, painting has the power to move, challenge, and inspire us.

In conclusion, painting is not just about creating pretty pictures; it is a profound form of human expression that has stood the test of time. It has played an essential role in shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves. From ancient cave paintings to modern digital art, painting continues to captivate and inspire us, making it a timeless form of art that will continue to hold significance for generations to come.

Q: How do you write an essay about a painting?

A: To write an essay about a painting, start with an introduction, describe the painting, analyze its elements and artistic techniques, and provide your interpretation and insights.

Q: What is painting and its importance?

A: Painting is a visual art form where colors, shapes, and textures are used to create images or convey ideas. It’s important as a means of self-expression, cultural preservation, and communication.

Q: Why is painting important in our life?

A: Painting enriches our lives by offering a creative outlet, preserving history and culture, inspiring emotions, and promoting visual literacy and critical thinking.

Q: What is an introduction to painting?

A: An introduction to painting typically covers the basics, such as color theory, techniques, and materials used in creating visual artworks. It’s the initial step in learning how to paint.

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14 Easy Oil Painting Ideas for Beginners (Step-By-Step)

• Last Updated: May 2, 2024

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Are you stuck staring down that blank, white canvas?

These easy oil painting ideas for beginners will get your creative juices flowing. With each idea, watch top-notch oil painting tutorials to get inspired and walk you, step-by-step, through each idea. Explore concepts like brushwork, color mixing, and value while trying them out for yourself and improving your oil painting along the way!

And learn to simplify trickier subjects into your own, manageable, easy oil painting ideas, so any ideas you have can be within reach…

What Is the Easiest Thing to Paint?

Easy oil painting ideas: painting fruit, painting flowers, other still life painting ideas for beginners, learn to push depth and form in your paintings, paint clouds with oils, paint a sunset with oils, ocean oil painting ideas for beginners, challenges of plein air painting, what do you need to plein air paint, turning plein air sketches into completed paintings, use oil painting sticks, painting animals, easy oil painting ideas: create texture with the impasto technique, learn from painters you admire, need more guidance for oil painting, what you’ll need to get started with oil painting.

You’ll want a selection of oil paints , oil painting brushes , a painting surface ( canvas paper is affordable!), a palette , linseed oil and/or gamsol if you want to thin your paint and paper towels.

Read our article on oil painting supplies for beginners for a more in-depth breakdown.

Next, pick a simple subject from our easy oil painting ideas for beginners that interests you!

If you just started learning how to paint with oils , the easiest thing to paint is going to be any simple still life subject in a controlled environment, with a good, clear lightsource and shadows.

Boxes and spheres are the most typical easy oil painting ideas for beginners. Most foundation oil painting courses start students there. With many new concepts to keep track of while oil painting, you want to remove other obstacles and focus on the painting fundamentals.

To add interest, fruits and vegetables make excellent life painting references and easy oil painting ideas for beginners. They’re essentially boxes and spheres themselves, always on hand and simple enough for your goals as a beginner painter.

Even if you have been painting for a while, when you hit an “art block,” doing some simple paintings can help bring you inspiration !

Still Life Oil Painting Ideas for Beginners

Besides its simple form, fruit is also great for learning to truly observe the color .

We all know that a lemon is yellow and an orange is orange. That’s what we call local color.

But when painting lemons, you’ll find that you’re not just going to use one tube of lemon yellow oil paint. Depending on the cool or warm light on your setup, you might add in a warmer cadmium yellow light and a cadmium red light to your mixtures, and use a full range of blues and greens.

Use these easy oil painting ideas for beginners to break through your ideas of what color something is “supposed” to be and train your eyes to observe what colors are really present.

Watch artist Clare Bowen paint and walk you through her approach step-by-step!

Watching flower painters on the television as a child is why I’m a painter today. Something is captivating about mimicking the movement of their petals through your brush marks onto canvas.

Florals are a little more complex than fruit, but still fall under the category of easy oil painting ideas because they allow for looseness and energy in your painting!

Don’t worry about reproducing every petal exactly. Simplify and strive for the big shapes and general flow of the petals and leaves rather than for hyper-realism.

Once again, Clare Bowen has a beautiful tutorial with commentary, this time painting sunflowers.

She paints wet into wet, using a large flat hog bristle brush to create thick and thin lines and suggests looking for the shapes of the negative space around your subject to better define your subject.

Closer to the end, she goes for the smaller details with a rigger brush that is great for fine lines.

Note that she often uses an over-handed grip, rather than holding the brush like a pencil. This allows for a variety of brush strokes and more decisive marks.

You don’t have to be limited to the classic fruit and florals for easy oil painting ideas for beginners. Try picking objects that are special to you!

Put interesting objects together to create a narrative or story within your paintings. Still life oil painting can be anything from dark and moody to fun and playful.

If you’re having trouble achieving the realistic quality you want in your art, it may be due to not knowing how to use light, shadow, and edge to your advantage on the canvas.

Check out Evolve Artist’s FREE Mini Depth Course , taught by artist Kevin Murphy , to learn the fundamentals that will help you to practice pushing depth and volume in your work!

Landscape Oil Paintings

Landscape painting is a great way to practice different techniques for brush work and oil painting textures . You can loosen up and work more expressively.

The great thing when learning how to paint landscapes in oils is you can work in a detailed and realistic style or as abstractly as you want, and it will still be recognizable as a landscape, so you can’t lose here.

As far as easy oil painting ideas for beginners go, oil paint is perfect for painting clouds. You can easily blend the paint into the surrounding sky for subtlety and achieve full, fluffy clouds and airy wispiness.

Work wet-on-wet and play with softening your edges or go for rich impasto with a palette knife!

(Note how there is no use of titanium white straight from the tube in Chris Long’s clouds.)

Sunsets are practically art already themselves, so they’re naturally a popular subject when coming up with easy oil painting ideas for beginners.

Have fun with color, saturation, and wild brush strokes across the sky. Don’t worry if you don’t have the world’s best drawing or painting skills .

Chris Long, paints sunsets with gorgeous colors and textures:

The ocean is another beloved landscape subject and is full of easy oil painting ideas for beginners because there are so many different types of ocean paintings.

You could focus on the water itself, shifting from blues to greens (or from ultramarine blue to phthalo blue!) and play with transparency.

Paint en Plein Air With Oil Paints

Put the previous landscape-themed easy oil painting ideas for beginners together and go out and paint a landscape en plein air ! Grab your portable easel and find open fields, rolling hills, or even go to the sea for art inspiration.

While photographs are wonderful resources, working from life has some unique advantages. Photos tend to compress colors and distance and add contrast.

Working from life, you can practice observing landscape as it really is and translate it directly to the canvas. You also get to enjoy nature and fresh air!

Artist Michael Chamberlain does a great job of showing his plein air process in this informative demonstration.

• Light changes quickly, so you have to work fast and be decisive.
• You have to carry your supplies with you and be careful to take everything when you leave.
• You might be exposed to sun, heat, wind, bugs, etc. so come prepared!
• Oil paint is slow drying, so it will be wet still when transporting it home.

To plein air paint, you’ll need supplies that are lightweight and easy to transport to your dream painting spot.

Bring several small canvas panels or boards to paint on so you can work on multiple sketches in one session.

Aluminum plein air easels fold up to fit into a convenient carrying case with a strap that you can throw over your shoulder.

Having so many views to paint can be overwhelming when choosing a composition. (Especially if you’re indecisive like me!) Carrying a viewfinder can help you decide between your plein air oil painting ideas and how to fit them onto your surface.

Also useful is an airtight box to put your palette in afterward, so you can keep your paint for next time.

Look online for local plein air groups or paint with other friends for motivation, encouragement, and support!

Try taking your small paintings back home to reference for future paintings that you can work on for a more extended period.

Maybe you’d like to use a glazing technique or want to work on a larger canvas than you could drag around. With your prior oil sketching, you’ll be able to capture the energy from working plein air and bring it back with you.

Easy Abstract Oil Painting Ideas

Abstract painting can take endless forms, and there are many techniques and easy oil painting ideas for beginners or advanced painters. Abstraction can be sparse and minimal or chaotic with energetic marks.

Whichever side you lean toward, you can play with color, shape, composition, and expressive mark-making techniques.

Stick with brushes and a palette knife, or go outside the box and use other tools like squeegees or cake-piping bags to make unexpected marks and textures! Painter’s tape is a useful tool to make sharp lines and edges too.

• Try painting abstractly with a thought, feeling, or theme in mind, and see what colors and marks you gravitate toward!

Oil painting sticks are great for expressive marks, and if you like the feel and look of drawing techniques and want to try oil sketching.

Petra Schott, an incredible abstract artist, and expressive mark-maker use oil sticks along with her oil paints to make colorful fields of varied marks.

Oil sticks are compressed pigment and oils that make up oil-soluble sticks that can be used alone or with oil paints and medium. You can add drawn marks to layers of your paintings with them.

Just peel off the film on the oil sticks before you work with them!

You don’t have to paint each strand of fur or feather. Some well-placed brush strokes suggest detail without painstakingly using the tiniest brush in the world. Sometimes less is more!

Try Different Oil Painting Techniques

Now that you have ideas for what to paint, play with different paint techniques ! You never know; you might find a technique that becomes a new favorite.

Alla Prima is a wet-on-wet painting technique . Tackle the easy oil painting ideas for beginners and finish a painting in one session. Paint directly without worrying about layers and drying in between.

Scumbling in art is a dry brush technique that uses less oil and opaque paint on later layers of an oil painting. It’s often used to add the lightest highlights.

The glazing painting technique utilizes thin layers of transparent oil paint over previously dried layers. It can shift, and depth, and unify colors.

Because previous layers must be dry, this technique takes longer and isn’t suited for quickly finishing the easy oil painting ideas for beginners.

If you appreciate thicker paint and lucious oil paintings, the impasto technique is for you. Use paint straight from the tube or try liquin impasto medium to extend your paint further.

Palette knives are useful for scooping as much paint as you need and spread it across your canvas as if you’re sculpting. Sound interesting? Find out how to paint with palette knives .

Oil Portrait Tutorials

Portraits are often a challenge for beginners, leaving many newbies wondering, “ Why is oil painting so hard !?” but the only way to master portraits is to start. And practice!

Here’s how to paint a portrait in oil  a lot easier…

For some easy oil painting ideas for beginners to portraiture, you can start by painting monochrome portraits , focusing on only the values. Try working from photos or do a self-portrait from a mirror. This way, you can take your time, unlike with a live model.

And remember once again to simplify your subject into BIG SHAPES and planes first!

There are infinite colors within skin tones of all shades, affected by light and shadow, so use your palette to reflect that!

If you’re nervous about tackling portraiture alone, try New Master’s Academy’s Portrait Painting for Beginner’s course and explore their extensive portrait oil painting tutorial list.

One of the best ways to learn is to watch other artists work through their portrait painting process. Nicolás Uribe holds live painting sessions weekly on “ Our Painted Lives ”, where you can watch his process in real-time and paint along.

It’s helpful to see decision-making happening because all painting is, for both beginners and masters, is a series of decisions! Everyone approaches their art differently, so watch as many artists paint as you can.

Did you enjoy this list of easy oil painting ideas?

Go on and experience capturing a sunset or making a flower last forever! You can paint at any level of experience and start building your confidence by practicing your skills in brushwork, color, and more.

Do you want to learn the best way to sign your painting ? Our article covers all the details!

If you feel like you need some more guidance in getting your painting ideas onto the canvas at the level you want as an artist, check Evolve Artist’s Course .

It’ll help you figure out what skills you need to work on and enhance any of these easy oil painting ideas for beginners to the next level.

Also, you can check out this review of the top oil painting lessons online .

If you liked this article, please share it!

Related posts:

• Oil Painting for Beginners: How to Paint With Oils
• Top 15 Best Oil Painting Mediums (With How To Choose Guide)
• Color Theory In Art: The Definitive Guide for Artists
• How To Clean An Oil Painting… And How NOT To
• Acrylic vs Oil Paint: What’s the Difference?

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How to Describe a Painting: 10+ Phrases to Talk About Art

Art is eternal. Many paintings created hundreds of years ago still inspire and excite us. But it’s also a great topic for conversation with friends or strangers. So, knowing how to describe a painting in your native language and English is essential. And, of course, we are here to help!

In this article, you will learn the best tips for describing a piece of art and understand the importance of such a process. So whether you need it for school or you are going to visit a museum, keep reading! You will find everything you need below. 

How to describe a piece of art: General tips

You probably think describing art is effortless. Just say some adjectives, explain the colors and composition, and you’re done. Well, it might be enough for art classes. Yet, in real life, we want you to be more prepared. Here is one of our favorite examples of describing a painting. In the Theory of Everything movie, Eddie Redmayne, a.k.a. Stephen Hawking, says that Turner’s paintings usually look like they’ve been left out in the rain. It is not the description we used to hear, but it is still valid. 

As you can see, you have genuinely enough ways to describe a painting. But since it might be hard to navigate at first, we created a step-by-step guide to help you understand what details need more attention and what to talk about during your next visit to the gallery. So, how to describe paintings properly? 

Describe your impressions

When discussing a particular painting at the gallery, express your feelings about it. Do you like it or not? Does the picture make you happy or sad? And why does it give you such a mood – because of the colors, composition, or maybe its background history? 

For example, you can say that the picture makes you sentimental because the woman in the foreground reminds you of your granny, whom you haven’t seen for a while. Or, for example, it makes you calm because you enjoy the sea view. You can use many adjectives to describe your feeling regarding any piece of art. Here are some of them: 

• Positive emotions: inspired, joyful, satisfied, interested, happy, serene, nostalgic, sentimental, excited, impressed, powerful, fascinated, etc.
• Negative emotions: disappointed, sad, moody, gloomy, unsatisfied, scared, nervous, angry, depressing, disgusted, etc. 

Don’t be afraid of telling the truth about your feeling regarding any art. Of course, there is no need to be rude – you don’t have to offend an artist and their work. But you shouldn’t tell untruth as well. If you don’t like something, pay attention to your feelings, and try to explain what exactly makes you feel that way. The excellent hack is to share your first thoughts when you see a particular picture for the first time. And when you are finished with this step, you can proceed to the next one. 

Describe the composition 

You can now talk more particularly about the chosen work of art after conveying your feeling from the picture. And the best thing to start describing it is to explain the composition. In layperson’s terms, you need to tell what is depicted on the canvas. You can use these common expressions and words to describe art composition: 

• in the foreground/background, in the middle, on the right/left side, next to, in front of;
• asymmetrical, symmetrical, centered; 
• urban landscape, suburban landscape, rural landscape; 
• a historic site, domestic setting, intact nature; 
• horizontal, vertical, circular, triangular.

For example, let’s look at the  Mona Lisa (we are confident you’ve seen this one before). What can you see in this famous painting? There is a beautiful woman  in the foreground . She has long black hair and wears a black dress.  In the background is a natural landscape – a river, mountains, and a road. 

You can be more general when talking about the painting’s composition. Just describe what you can see in the foreground and background, the main shapes of the picture, what is in the center and what is in the distance, etc. The best advice for this step is to tell everything you see, even the smallest details. 

Describe the colors

Colors are integral when you need to describe a painting. Of course, we are not telling you to go to the gallery and stand in front of pieces of art saying they are red or yellow. It would be a little bizarre. You can try some other things instead. Here are some adjectives you can use to explain the color palette of the painting:

• bright, vibrant, vivid;
• hot, cold, warm, cool;
• natural, artificial, earthy, rich, intense; 
• deep, flat, weak, pale, muted; 
• complementary, quiet, contrasting; 
• dark, light, monochromatic.

Take a look at the painting and try to identify your impression of the colors used. Are they good together? Do they fit the overall idea and composition? Can you identify the primary color palette and what it is? Are there any specific colors you can notice? The more details your eye can catch, the better your description will be. Try to feel the atmosphere the artist created using a specific color and explain it. 

Describe the scene

When describing a composition, you explain only the things pictured in the painting. But when discussing the scene, you create your own story based on the painting. Of course, it would be harder to describe the landscape scene because you can only guess the place’s location, city, or country here. 

But if there are any actions, and you feel a little creative, you can imagine the story behind this picture and add it to your description. Let’s get back to the legendary Mona Lisa. You probably know there are many stories about this masterpiece. So, why don’t we create another one? 

Take a look at this painting once again, and try to guess a few things. Who do you think this woman is? Maybe she is the wife of the artist. Perhaps she is his mistress. Or possibly, she is just the famous lady of that time, and it’s a custom painting. Where does she live? We know that Da Vinci was born in Italy but spent his last days in France. Hence, maybe it is one of those countries? The number of options is countless. You can choose any picture and make your own vision of it. 

Describe the history

Generally, four previous steps would be enough to describe a painting. But if you have a bit more spare time and want to impress whoever you will discuss the art with, you need to do some research. 

Start with the information about the artist. Find out their date and place of birth, the genres they were working with, and some major events in their life. When you know something about the artist, it will be easier for you to keep the conversation going. Moreover, it will significantly simplify the painting-describing process. 

After learning some basics about the author, research the information about the painting. Try to learn as much as possible about the events or people pictured on the piece of art. It may be a famous historical event or figure. Maybe, it is the sibling of the artist. The more you find, the better you will understand the painting. 

Of course, if you’ve decided to do this research, you should skip step four. It won’t be easy to guess and create your versions when you know exactly what the picture is about. But to mention the painting’s history, you need to be sure that you’ve found only relevant information. So pay attention to the smallest details to avoid misunderstandings and confusion. 

Why is it important to learn how to describe a piece of art?

You might think that describing a painting can be useful only at the museum or in your art class. But we can show you that it is not entirely true. This simple process can bring you more benefits than you can imagine. Here are only a few of them: 

• Improving your speaking and writing skills.  Of course, since we are here to study English, the first benefit is connected to our learning process. When you learn words to describe the painting, you expand your vocabulary, understand how to build sentences, and use them in your speech and writing. 
• Learning to understand yourself. Yes, you’ve read it correctly. As we mentioned earlier, one of the best ways to describe art is to start with your feelings. And when you realize what you feel regarding some painting, you will learn how to listen to yourself in other situations. 
• Imagination development. You probably remember that in step four of describing a painting, we offered to define a scene using your imagination – guess what is going on, and create your version of events. It will help you develop your fantasy and imagination and become even more creative. 
• Increasing knowledge.  You already know that to describe a piece of art better, you need to find some information about the artist and the historical background of the painting. It will help you to increase your knowledge of various topics, so you will always be an interesting person to communicate with. 

Only these four benefits can show you how much profit you have from learning how to describe art. You can use them to discuss paintings, even in your native language. And if you want to master this topic in English, we know precisely how to help you reach this goal. 

Learning the best words to describe a painting with Promova

If you are an avid reader of our blog, you probably know our main motto – studying doesn’t have to be boring. And if you still think that describing art in English is tedious, we are ready to prove you wrong. The Promova English studying platform is the best place to learn all the steps mentioned above, but make it easy and fun. There are a few studying options depending on students’ needs. And we will tell you about each one of them. 

Let’s start with those who seek help from professional tutors. If it’s you, we have a perfect solution. Promova offers amazing one-on-one lessons with professional teachers . They will prepare a unique plan according to your experience level, studying goals, and interests. As a result, you will start learning only the information pertinent to you and bypass all the useless details. 

You can join our friendly and exciting group classes if you need company. It is an outstanding opportunity for those who want to practice speaking. Depending on your English proficiency, you can join any group of six students and begin having fun right away. You can talk to people worldwide, discuss interesting topics, and strengthen your language skills. 

Another great option is suitable for those who don’t want to study general information but want to practice speaking and discuss various topics more. Yes, we are talking about our wonderful speaking club . Here, you can discuss art, books, movies, and other amazing topics with students from various countries. And the best thing is that it is free! Go to the Promova website , choose the subject you want to discuss, and book your place. Just as simple as that!

Finally, we have something great for those who prefer to study independently. The Promova app is perfect if you want to practice English alone, anywhere, and anytime. Install the application on your phone or laptop, and enjoy hundreds of lessons and exercises on grammar, vocabulary, speaking, pronunciation, listening, etc. The application is also free, so you can enjoy it immediately. Don’t hesitate, and check one of those opportunities to find the one that suits you best. 

All in all, discussing a particular piece of art might be more tricky than you thought. But with minimal preparation, you can become a personal guide for your friends on your next visit to the gallery. All you need to do is to remember some basic steps for describing a painting.

• Find out more about the art and the artist. Scroll through the Internet and visit famous websites like the  National Gallery of Art to find information about the chosen painting. Describe the background history of the author and the painting.
• Describe your own feelings about the piece of art – what emotions does it evoke? 
• Discuss the composition of the painting – what you can see in the foreground, in the background, etc. 
• The next step is to mention the colors of the painting – what are they? 
• Finally, you can tell the story of the scene. If you’ve done the research mentioned in the first step, you can skip it since you’ve already discussed it. But if you don’t know what is going on, just turn on your imagination and try to guess. 

These five steps are the general plan for describing a picture in English. You can use them for discussing art in your mother tongue as well. And if you need some practice, please describe your favorite painting in our comments section. We will be happy to learn more about the art you like. 

How to describe a painting in English?

To describe a piece of art, find out more about the artist and tell the background history of the painting. Then, discuss the composition, color palette, scene, and your impressions of the art. Finally, use many adjectives to show various details of your chosen masterpiece. 

Is it necessary to learn how to describe art?

Although it is not mandatory knowledge, it can benefit your English and general studying. For example, learning to describe a piece of art can help you practice speaking and writing, expand your vocabulary, develop your imagination, and increase your general knowledge. 

How to talk about my impressions of a particular painting?

First, you need to determine what emotions the art evokes. Try to understand whether they are positive or negative. Then. when it’s done, try to specify your feelings. Does the artistic composition make you happy or sad, excited or disappointed, satisfied or disgusted? After you know exactly what emotions the painting evokes, try to find and explain the reason for it. 

How to describe a scene in the painting?

If you don’t know the historical background of the piece of art, you need to appeal to your imagination. First, try to guess the story of this painting – who is painted here, what is this character doing, if they are rich or servants, where are they going, etc. Then, imagine yourself as the artist – what meaning would you put into the painting if you were its author?

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Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History Essays

Leonardo da vinci (1452–1519).

A Bear Walking

• Leonardo da Vinci

The Head of a Woman in Profile Facing Left

Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio

The Head of the Virgin in Three-Quarter View Facing Right

Allegory on the Fidelity of the Lizard (recto); Design for a Stage Setting (verso)

The Head of a Grotesque Man in Profile Facing Right

After Leonardo da Vinci

Head of a Man in Profile Facing to the Left

Compositional Sketches for the Virgin Adoring the Christ Child, with and without the Infant St. John the Baptist; Diagram of a Perspectival Projection (recto); Slight Doodles (verso)

Studies for Hercules Holding a Club Seen in Frontal View, Male Nude Unsheathing a Sword, and the Movements of Water (Recto); Study for Hercules Holding a Club Seen in Rear View (Verso)

Carmen Bambach Department of Drawings and Prints, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

October 2002

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) is one of the most intriguing personalities in the history of Western art. Trained in Florence as a painter and sculptor in the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio (1435–1488), Leonardo is also celebrated for his scientific contributions. His curiosity and insatiable hunger for knowledge never left him. He was constantly observing, experimenting, and inventing, and drawing was, for him, a tool for recording his investigation of nature. Although completed works by Leonardo are few, he left a large body of drawings (almost 2,500) that record his ideas, most still gathered into notebooks. He was principally active in Florence (1472–ca. 1482, 1500–1508) and Milan (ca. 1482–99, 1508–13), but spent the last years of his life in Rome (1513–16) and France (1516/17–1519), where he died. His genius as an artist and inventor continues to inspire artists and scientists alike centuries after his death.

Drawings Outside of Italy, Leonardo’s work can be studied most readily in drawings. He recorded his constant flow of ideas for paintings on paper. In his Studies for the Nativity ( 17.142.1 ), he studied different poses and gestures of the mother and her infant , probably in preparation for the main panel in his famous altarpiece known as the Virgin of the Rocks (Musée du Louvre, Paris). Similarly, in a sheet of designs for a stage setting ( 17.142.2 ), prepared for a staging of a masque (or musical comedy) in Milan in 1496, he made notes on the actors’ positions on stage alongside his sketches, translating images and ideas from his imagination onto paper. Leonardo also drew what he observed from the world around him, including human anatomy , animal and plant life, the motion of water, and the flight of birds. He also investigated the mechanisms of machines used in his day, inventing many devices like a modern-day engineer. His drawing techniques range from rather rapid pen sketches, in The   Head of a Man in Profile Facing to The Left ( 10.45.1) , to carefully finished drawings in red and black chalks, as in The   Head of the Virgin ( 51.90 ). These works also demonstrate his fascination with physiognomy, and contrasts between youth and old age, beauty and ugliness.

The Last Supper (ca. 1492/94–1498) Leonardo’s Last Supper , on the end wall of the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, is one of the most renowned paintings of the High Renaissance. Recently restored, The Last Supper had already begun to flake during the artist’s lifetime due to his failed attempt to paint on the walls in layers (not unlike the technique of tempera on panel), rather than in a true fresco technique . Even in its current state, it is a masterpiece of dramatic narrative and subtle pictorial illusionism.

Leonardo chose to capture the moment just after Christ tells his apostles that one of them will betray him, and at the institution of the Eucharist. The effect of his statement causes a visible response, in the form of a wave of emotion among the apostles. These reactions are quite specific to each apostle, expressing what Leonardo called the “motions of the mind.” Despite the dramatic reaction of the apostles, Leonardo imposes a sense of order on the scene. Christ’s head is at the center of the composition, framed by a halo-like architectural opening. His head is also the vanishing point toward which all lines of the perspectival projection of the architectural setting converge. The apostles are arranged around him in four groups of three united by their posture and gesture. Judas, who was traditionally placed on the opposite side of the table, is here set apart from the other apostles by his shadowed face.

Mona Lisa (ca. 1503–6 and later) Leonardo may also be credited with the most famous portrait of all time, that of Lisa, wife of Francesco del Giocondo, and known as the Mona Lisa (Musée du Louvre, Paris). An aura of mystery surrounds this painting, which is veiled in a soft light, creating an atmosphere of enchantment. There are no hard lines or contours here (a technique of painting known as sfumato— fumo in Italian means “smoke”), only seamless transitions between light and dark. Perhaps the most striking feature of the painting is the sitter’s ambiguous half smile. She looks directly at the viewer, but her arms, torso, and head each twist subtly in a different direction, conveying an arrested sense of movement. Leonardo explores the possibilities of oil paint in the soft folds of the drapery, texture of skin, and contrasting light and dark (chiaroscuro). The deeply receding background, with its winding rivers and rock formations, is an example of Leonardo’s personal view of the natural world: one in which everything is liquid, in flux, and filled with movement and energy.

Bambach, Carmen. “Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519).” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/leon/hd_leon.htm (October 2002)

Further Reading

Bambach, Carmen C., ed. Leonardo da Vinci, Master Draftsman . Exhibition catalogue.. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003.

Additional Essays by Carmen Bambach

• Bambach, Carmen. “ Anatomy in the Renaissance .” (October 2002)
• Bambach, Carmen. “ Renaissance Drawings: Material and Function .” (October 2002)

Related Essays

• Anatomy in the Renaissance
• Architecture in Renaissance Italy
• Portraiture in Renaissance and Baroque Europe
• The Rediscovery of Classical Antiquity
• Renaissance Drawings: Material and Function
• Antonello da Messina (ca. 1430–1479)
• Arms and Armor in Renaissance Europe
• The Crucifixion and Passion of Christ in Italian Painting
• Drawing in the Middle Ages
• Dutch and Flemish Artists in Rome, 1500–1600
• Early Netherlandish Painting
• Filippino Lippi (ca. 1457–1504)
• Northern Italian Renaissance Painting
• The Papacy and the Vatican Palace
• Patronage at the Later Valois Courts (1461–1589)
• Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640) and Anthony van Dyck (1599–1641): Paintings
• Rembrandt (1606–1669): Paintings
• Sixteenth-Century Painting in Emilia-Romagna
• Sixteenth-Century Painting in Lombardy
• Sixteenth-Century Painting in Venice and the Veneto
• Unfinished Works in European Art, ca. 1500–1900
• Venetian Color and Florentine Design

List of Rulers

• List of Rulers of Europe
• Central Europe (including Germany), 1400–1600 A.D.
• Florence and Central Italy, 1400–1600 A.D.
• France, 1400–1600 A.D.
• Rome and Southern Italy, 1400–1600 A.D.
• Venice and Northern Italy, 1400–1600 A.D.
• 15th Century A.D.
• Biblical Scene
• Central Italy
• High Renaissance
• The Last Supper
• Madonna and Child
• New Testament
• Religious Art
• Renaissance Art
• Scientific Instrument
• Virgin Mary
• Wall Painting

Artist or Maker

• Boltraffio, Giovanni Antonio
• Parmigianino

Painting Essay

Introduction

While there are people who find peace in seeing the beautiful nature outside, there are also a few who find satisfaction in capturing this beauty in their paintings. Even though it is easy to draw something you see, it is sometimes difficult to understand the meaning behind a painting. Such is the depth and value of a painting, and this painting essay example will be ideal for your kids to write about painting.

Due to its simple and narrative format, this painting essay will be easy for your kids to understand. The essay is so easy to read that children will be able to create one on this topic effortlessly. Here is an essay on a painting I made.

Experience in Painting

It was during my 7th birthday that my parents gifted me with a set of paints and paintbrushes. Since I was young, I have had a liking for drawing and painting, and it was due to my artistic talent that my parents decided to give me this painting set. Of all the gifts that I have received, this one was extremely special for me. The moment I unwrapped the gift, I began mixing colours and dabbing them on paper. And the sheer sight of colours filled me with great joy.

In the beginning, I began painting things that I saw around me; sometimes, it was beautiful scenery or a particular incident, such as a boy helping an elderly man cross the road. Although my paintings were not perfect, I was happy that I could capture such memorable moments through my art. Slowly, I perfected the art by painting from my imagination and seeing things from a different perspective. I would like to highlight an incident in this essay on a painting I made.

My school organised a painting competition in connection with Republic Day, and I took part in it. Excitedly, I grabbed my painting tools and started painting an alluring landscape. I utilised the paper to paint a burning sunset at the top, glistening waters in the middle and lush greenery at the bottom. As the lines disappeared, the picture felt like a single landscape that depicted the colours of the Indian flag. Satisfied with my painting, I submitted it to the judges, and they applauded me for my creativity. The fact that I was able to show something meaningful through the painting filled me with happiness, and it was the greatest achievement that I have had so far.

Moral of the Essay

Painting is an art through which our children express themselves, and we cannot imagine how far their thoughts will go. While many of them will not have a natural skill in painting, as elders, we must ensure that we encourage the gifted children to practise painting and refine their art. This painting essay from BYJU’S shows that if we support the dreams and talents of children, they will surely go a long way. As such, they will stop doubting themselves and, in fact, believe that they can create wonders through painting.

For essays similar to the drawing essay, visit BYJU’S website. You can also find an exciting range of kids’ learning resources, such as short stories, poems, worksheets, etc., on the website.

Is painting a good hobby for children?

Children have varied interests, and if you think that they love art and painting, it will be good to buy paints, brushes and paper. While painting as a hobby will help them relax and enjoy, it will also develop their imaginative and creative skills as well as improve their hand-eye coordination.

How to improve your child’s painting skills?

Even though it is good to introduce them to painting at an early age, we must not overfill their plates. First, give them small canvases and let them learn how to mix colours to form new ones. Once they are familiar with colours, give specific topics or themes to paint. Also, present them with different types of paintings, like watercolour painting, oil painting, acrylic painting, etc.

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