Painting In Oils First Essentials

By Author: Anthony Keith Whitehead
Total Articles: 21
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The ain of this present article is to provide a helpful discussion of what a newcomer to painting in oils will require. It considers the place of sketching as a requirement. It looks at tools associated with this. It also considers some useful books and other equipment.

While oil paintings are mainly in mind, the principles outlined here will apply to any medium. Painting can give enormous pleasure, either as a pastime or with more commercial ends in mind. But, for those just starting out, it is important to realise what skills and equipment will be needed. Two really important precursors, but which can provide great pleasure and satisfaction in them selves, are some ability in: sketching and understanding colour.

The Essentiality Of Sketching
One needs to be able to read maps and a compass before setting out on hiking holiday. A good deal of trouble could follow those without these requirements. Similarly with painting. One is essentially painting shapes of one type or another and without some ability in drawing progress will be much retarded. Some people convince themselves that they are unable to draw ...
... with comments such as "I can't even draw a straight line". This is quite likely true, but it is not that easy even for an experienced artist to draw a straight line freehand – but straight lines are not required to be drawn that often, except in particular cases.

In fact, most people can draw to some degree, and that ability is easy to build on. In most localities there are classes available which will provide much of what is needed. Then there are mountains of books on the subject.

Deciding Which Books
Books which offer to show one how to draw abound. Most bookshops will have a selection, and buying on-line from someone like Amazon often provides a range at very low prices.

.When deciding which book or books to purchase, do not initially be tempted into specialist areas, such as “How To Draw Mountains” or “How To Draw Animals” etc. Find one which provides a general introduction.

Buying from an actual retailer might give an advantage here in the sense that you can look inside and peruse the contents and introduction.

One book you might want to consider is Betty Edward’s "Drawing With The Right Side On The Brain”. This is an introduction which takes some beating.

Pencils, etc
The cost of learning to draw (unless you are paying for tuition) is quite low, mainly because of the cost of tools you will need. A few pencils of different hardness will get you quite a long way. Those with hard lead are indicated with a “H” on the side. So “2H” is harder than “H”, “3H” harder than “2H” and so forth. “HB” is of medium hardness and softer one have “B” on the side, or softer still with “2B”, etc.

There are other sketching tools , such as graphite and charcoal. You might want to try these out at some point, but pencils will be enough to get you going.

Drawing Pads
If you really want to get serious about drawing, and it may not be long before you do, besides, say, an A4 size of pad for when you are drawing at home, smaller sizes are useful to take with when going on a walk or in the car, so that you can extend your abilities by drawing whatever attracts you while out.

You will probably find a fairly smooth paper serves you best at first. However, there are all kinds of papers for drawing on which vary by weight and roughness. Experiment with some of these.

Easels
These come a wide range of sizes and types. However, until you really get going, you will probably find that a stiff pad or a piece of hardboard cut to a suitable size will suffice.

The Problem Of Colour
Having gained some expertise in drawing it is advisable to learn something about colour before actually getting too involved with painting. Colour can get very complicated and there are all kinds of theories about it. Some artists get very deep into this sort of expertise, but there are others who pay little attention to the theories.

So what you need to begin with is a basic introduction, a course or book that will explain some of the basic essentials. Betty Edwards, again, has an excellent introduction with “Color. A course in mastering the art of mixing color”. This will give you a good grounding if you are prepared to work through all the exercises. It’s not that you cannot start painting without this knowledge and, excluding those who go to art school, probably many people do. But, like setting out on an hiking journey, it’s much better to have a map than not to bother!

Paint And Other Stuff
In a short article like this, one cannot discuss all the varieties of oil paints available, but my articleWhat Paints Should be Used In Painting will provide a general introduction to the kinds and varieties of oil paints on the market. This should be as much as you need to make sensible and useful purchases.

After that, you should be ready to go!

AUTHOR: A K Whitehead
This article is copyright but may be reproduced providing that all this information is included.
This will take you to paintingsinoil.co.uk main page of original images painted by A K Whitehead.
All the paintings in oil here are by A K Whitehead, who is aself-taught artist, and are original oils and not copies. The approach is traditional, making use of various techniques, including impasto and glazing. This link will take you to the main categories of landscapes, seascapes, snowscapes, waterscapes and still life and all are provided with free frames and fastenings. Free delivery is also included within the UK.