Plain how to start oil painting with artist paints

How to START Oil Painting with Artist paints: 6 Top Tips

The following how to guide has been prepared as part of a beginner art campaign called START by leading UK art suppliers Cass Art. The campaign aims to get people involved in painting and they have created a number of top tips which will be spread out over the next few months to get you taking the action to start with your art endeavour.

HOW TO START OIL PAINTING: 6 TOP TIPS This month we're celebrating the discovery of something new with our START campaign, whether you're dabbling in something new or revisiting an old skill. Oil painting is one of the most revered, and possibly one of the most difficult mediums to try out for the first time - but it really doesn't have to be.

For those of you who are new to using oil paints, we've put together our starter “How to Guide” to help you make those first vital steps - so read away, stock up on your oil paint essentials (all available from specialist art material providers) and start the art of oils today.

What you’ll need to get started:      

Oil paint set Canvas board Hog artist paint brushes Oil paint dilutant and brush cleaner Oil paint medium Metal painting knifes

Our Top Oil Painting Tips: Tip 1: Oil and water don't mix Perhaps the most important things you need to know when starting to paint with oils, is that you can’t mix oil paint with water because they repel one another. So instead of painting with water you should use a solvent like Turpentine or Zest. You should also clean your brushes with solvent - you'll find that water does nothing to budge this artist paint from your brushes - or your hands, for that matter!

Tip 2: Ventilation is a must Make sure you paint in a well-ventilated area because the solvents you need to use will give off fumes – or at least open a window whilst you work.

Tip 3: Always slow over fast when oil painting Always follow the “slow over fast rule� when 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.

Tip 4: Mix it up a little using a palette knife Try mixing your oil paints with a palette knife instead of a brush; this will stop your brushes from clogging with paint and will also give you a cleaner application of colour.

Tip 5: Use the right artist paintbrushes Use hog brushes instead of synthetic brushes when using oil paint. They are durable so can withstand the use of solvents, and they are designed to lift the heaviness oils.

Tip 6: Explore mediums You can use a medium or oil to mix with your oil paints and brushes, to adapt the consistency, drying time and finish of your painting. Refined Linseed Oil and Liquin are great for beginners; the first will slow the drying time, whilst the latter will speed it up.

A great one for beginners is the Winsor & Newton Artists' Medium, because it's straightforward and multi-purpose; it improves the flow of the paint, slows down drying time and improves fine details, as well as drying without leaving a yellow tinge.

Feeling inspired? Visit the www.cassart.co.uk art supplies online store to view their range of oil painting materials and give oil painting a go for the first time.