Oil paintings have been used by artists for centuries. They are considered to be an old-school art form, likely because many European masters painted with it. Mona Lisa, the famous painting was also painted in oil. Oil art has a glossy, rich finish. It is a beautiful art form, but some people are intimidated by it. Check this out!
The depth of the abstract painting depends on how the viewer first interacts with it. They can be difficult to handle due to their consistency and quality. Just remember to use one stroke at a slow pace, rather than rushing.
Do you feel overwhelmed by the idea of painting with oil paints? Here are some tips to help you give your oil painting the depth and understanding that the world of art requires.
First, choose the best supplies for your abstract art:
Paintbrushes made of synthetic fibers are best.
Canvas can be made from a wooden plank, paper or any other material.
Oil paints cannot be used with water because it will not dissolve the oil. Linseed oil is a good alternative solvent.
You will need a palette or plate to mix colors on. Also, a palette knife is needed to mix colors.
Towels and old rags.
If you need one, an easel is available.
Prepare the base for your art piece in the second step.
It is important to apply a primer, called gesso, to your canvas before you begin painting an abstract. Oils are thick and will seep through if the surface has not been primed. It allows the surface to be painted easily and repels acids from paints. Gesso provides a smoother surface for painting.
Step four: Sketching your abstract ideas
You don’t need to draw your entire abstract art, just a rough sketch of it. This will help you to avoid misaligning your strokes with your intended idea. You can then start painting.
Learn how to layer your oil abstract art
Before you begin the main painting, apply a thick layer or covering over the thin one and let it dry slowly over fast. This means that you should use a thinner paint with less oil on the first layer, and a thicker one with a greater oil ratio for the subsequent layers. It will also ensure that no cracks will appear. Keep the linseed ratio at 2:1, as it tends yellow with age. However, it dries faster than other oils.
How to make an abstract oil painting step-by-step
It is time to paint your canvas. You can either use a palette to control the shading and angles or you can apply the different colors directly to the canvas.
Paint with only a few colours at first. Then, add shades to different areas in different shapes. Align the colors with your abstract idea.
The next step is to use a palette knife or brush after the shades have been placed where you desire. For a more smooth finish, flatten the paint globs using a palette blade and blend with a brush. For smaller details, you can dab on lighter or darker colors.
Then, using thicker paint to highlight the lines and angles you desire. The brush can be used to create bristles or edges on the surface. Move the brush to the direction you want your texture to take.
The paint will dry unevenly, some may be matte and others glossy. Store the artwork wet somewhere cool and dark with no dust. Paints may dry unevenly. Some will have a matte finish, while others shine. Don’t worry, you can apply a final coat of varnish after a month for a glossy finish. After another 11 months, you can use a removable conservator varnish.