Techniques of Oil Painting
There is no specific way of painting although there are various ways to create a painting. Artists train themselves in a wide variety of ways and practice them. Oil painting is an amazing painting technique. In fact, painting with oil paints can be an exciting adventure. Oil painting is easy and simpler than etching or watercolor painting. There are different techniques of doing oil painting. Some of the fundamental oil painting techniques are as follows.
 Generally, to make an oil painting you need to thin the oil paint with a solvent such as turpentine in order to apply the paint in layers. Another way is to draw your picture first with water-soluble pencil or charcoal, and then apply the paint in layers.
Glazing is the oil painting technique which requires you to wait for the layers to dry. Many artists do not prefer this technique as it takes quite a bit of time and can be difficult. In order to glaze, first you will have to apply a gray shaded layer of opaque monochrome under-painting. Then you should apply thin layers of transparent oil glazes when the under-painting is dry. In this technique you do not mix the colors but apply the colors in layers to get the desired effect.
The impasto oil painting technique is something you must try. In this technique, you should apply the oil paint in heavy thick strokes, the results mostly makes the painting unique.
Another technique of oil painting is done using palette knives. This technique is used by adventurous artists. In this method you should spread the paint using palette knives and then scrape the paint off in order to create a painting. This technique gives you immense fun and satisfaction once you get used to it and this is a great way to let your imagination and creativity to fly.
 Alla Prima oil painting technique can be the choice of oil painters having little patience. This method does not require layering and can be performed in one sitting. This method saves you the waiting time needed for the layers to dry.
Present-day oil painting is mostly direct painting. Direct painting involves the immediate application of paint to a canvas with minimum prior planning and under-painting. Using direct painting you can produce oil paintings of great dynamism and freshness. Unfortunately, this method requires very good skills.
Besides the above techniques, there are also other oil painting techniques. None of the technique is better or more correct than the other. Choosing a technique is only a matter of personal preference and interest. With all the different techniques, making an oil painting can never be a boring hobby or profession. Oil painting is a wonderful approach to make your creativity in the world of painting.
The different aspects of oil painting techniques should be studied separately, if you are interested in oil painting. I you know the different techniques on how to paint, the process of layering, color mixing, tones and everything else needed, you will be inspired to create an oil painting. To master oil painting techniques, you need not only painting skills, creativity and inspiration, but also a lot of proper practice. There are many interactive online art schools and online tutorials that will teach you to draw and paint using these oil painting techniques.
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