The Three Rules Every Oil Painter Should Know: Oil Painting Essentials
If you’ve ever been curious about oil painting but felt overwhelmed by the mess, smell, or complexity, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too! For years I put off trying oils because I thought they were smelly, messy, complicated and needed special materials and solvents. Today I want to share some of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way. Oil painting is a rewarding and expressive art form, and with the right approach, it can be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Today, I’m going to walk you through the 3 rules of oil painting essentials that will set you up for success and make your creative journey smoother.
Whether you’re just starting out or have some experience, these tips will help you build confidence and create beautiful paintings. Plus, I’ll tell you about some fantastic classes I run that can help you get started or improve your skills.
Understanding Oil Painting Essentials: Materials and Setup
Before you dip your brush into paint, it’s important to get familiar with the basics of oil painting materials and your workspace. This foundation will save you frustration and help you enjoy the process more.
Choose the right paints: Start with a basic set of quality oil paints. You don’t need every colour under the sun. A limited palette with primary colours, white, and a few earth tones will do wonders.
Select brushes wisely: If you're using regular oils, use hog bristle brushes for thicker paint and softer sable brushes for delicate details. If you're using water mixable oils, synthetic brushes are best. Having a few sizes and shapes (flat, round, filbert) is ideal.
Prepare your surface: Canvas is the most common surface, but you can also paint on primed wood panels or oil/canvas paper. Make sure your surface is properly gesso-primed to avoid paint soaking in.
Set up your workspace: Good lighting and ventilation are key. Regular oil paints can have a smell, so open a window or use a fan. Water mixable oils do not have a smell and are much more suitable for indoor use. Keep your brushes, palette, and paints organised and within reach.
By setting up your materials and space thoughtfully, you’ll find painting less intimidating and more enjoyable.
The Importance of Layering and Drying Times in Oil Painting Essentials
One of the biggest challenges beginners face is understanding how oil paint behaves. Unlike acrylics, oil paint dries slowly, which is both a blessing and a challenge. This slow drying time allows you to blend colours beautifully but requires patience and planning.
Work in layers: Start with thin layers and gradually build up to thicker paint. This technique is called "fat over lean" and helps prevent the paint cracking.
Allow drying time: Thin layers dry faster, so wait before applying the next layer. This can take from a few hours to several days depending on the thickness and environment.
Use mediums wisely: Adding mediums like linseed oil or water can speed up or slow down drying and affect the paint’s texture. Experiment to find what works best for you.
By respecting the drying times and layering properly, your paintings will have depth and durability.
What is the 70/30 Rule in Art?
The 70/30 rule is a simple but powerful guideline that can help you create balanced and harmonious paintings. It suggests that about 70% of your painting should be one dominant colour or tone, while the remaining 30% provides contrast and interest.
Why it matters: This rule helps avoid paintings that feel chaotic or overwhelming. It guides your colour choices and composition.
How to apply it: Choose a main colour or value to cover most of your canvas. Then add accents or highlights in contrasting colours or tones.
Example: If you’re painting a landscape, 70% might be the sky and distant hills in soft blues and greens, while 30% could be the warm colours of a tree or building in the foreground.
Using the 70/30 rule can make your paintings more visually appealing and easier to complete.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes: Tips from Experience
When I first started oil painting, I made plenty of mistakes and to be honest, I still make plenty of mistakes!. But each one taught me something valuable. Here are some tips to help you avoid common pitfalls:
Don’t overwork your painting: It’s tempting to keep adding details, but sometimes less is more. Step back regularly and decide if your painting feels finished.
Keep your brushes clean: Dirty brushes can muddy your colours. Clean them thoroughly between colours by wiping with a cloth and at the end of each session.
Use the right amount of paint: Too much paint can cause cracking, while too little can look flat. Practice applying paint in different thicknesses.
Be patient with drying: Rushing to paint wet-on-wet can lead to muddy colours. Let layers dry as needed.
Experiment and have fun: Don’t be afraid to try new techniques or colours. Mistakes are part of learning.
These practical tips will help you build good habits and enjoy your painting sessions more.
Where to learn
If you’re interested in learning these rules in a supportive environment, I offer a one-day class called 3 Easy Steps to Painting in Oils every May, June, and July. It’s perfect for beginners and those wanting to refresh their skills. For those who want to dive deeper into style and technique, my Paint like the Impressionists 2-day workshop in January is a fantastic opportunity. If you are looking for something more personalised, I also offer one-on-one Personal Tuition in my studio in Belgrave South.
Feel free to contact me to find out more about these classes and how they can help you start or improve your oil painting journey.
Embrace Your Oil Painting Journey with Confidence
Oil painting is a wonderful way to express yourself and create lasting art. By mastering these oil painting essentials and understanding the three key rules, you’ll find the process less intimidating and more rewarding. Remember, every artist starts somewhere, and with patience and practice, you can achieve beautiful results.
If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to help you in person. My classes are designed to be friendly, encouraging, and packed with practical advice. Whether you want to paint like the Impressionists or just get comfortable with oils, there’s a class for you.
Happy painting, and I hope to see you in one of my workshops soon!
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