Art at the Library: Oil Painting

Oil paint, as a medium, became popular in the 1400s. Evidence exists that oil paint was in existence earlier on, but not consistently used.

The man who is credited with bringing oil paint to the mainstream is the 15th century Flemish artist Jan van Eyck. Van Eyck was a master at handling oils, and used them to create incredibly detailed luminous art works. Some of VanEyck's can be seen in Hubert and Jan Van Eyck by Elisabeth Dhanens http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b1361647~S50 Oils, unlike their oft-used predecessor tempera paint (combination of ground pigment and egg or water) had much slower drying time which allowed artists to make changes, layer, and blend colors. Artists like Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and Vermeer also used oil paints to create their masterpieces.

Oil paints became even more popular in the 19th century when they were manufactured pre-mixed in tubes. This removed the need for artists to mix their own paint with oils and pigment. Paint became more portable. Renoir, one of the most famous Impressionists, credited the tubes of paint as a help to create Impressionism. One of the hallmarks of Impressionism was that artists were able to paint out of doors. Artists no longer had to sketch and then return to their studios to paint. Artists such as Monet, Cezanne, and Van Gogh fully utilized the qualities of oil paint to create their masterworks.

Oil painting is a difficult medium. The qualities that make it wonderful are also those that can make it difficult to use.

Work with oil is probably best suited for those who already have painting experience working in other mediums.

For those who are willing to try, start with Oil Painting for the Absolute Beginner by Mark and Mary Willenbrink http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b4338273~S50 Before any discussion of technique the authors warn that oil paints can be hazardous. The pigments as well solvent can be toxic and should be handled with great care. The book has a detailed exploration of paint options, brushes, and color mixing. A DVD is included and features the authors creating two complete paintings.

While Oil Painting for the Absolute Beginner only touches on color mixing , the Windsor and Newton Coloring Mixing Guide for Oils http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b3998927~S50 provides a detailed guide. Windsor and Newton are one of the premier makers of oil paints. They suggest a budget friendly pallette for beginners and demonstrate how to create a rainbow of colors.

Oil Painting: The Workshop Experience by Ted Goerschner http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b2336277~S50 is a book version of a one week course in oil painting. The book explores basic artistic concepts such as color scheme, pallette, and the handling of brush and paint. The author include highlighted notes to provide additional helpful suggestions.

For those who have mastered basic technique and want to start painting Big Art Small Canvas by Joyce Washor http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b3884063~S50 is helpful. Washor’s emphasis is on smaller scale works and reinforces an emphasis on basic techniques. Smaller works allow for experimentation and practise, but help to keep material costs down.

Increased confidence and skill can influence subject choice. Oil painting is frequently used in the creation of landscapes. Oil allows for layering and blending of colors that acrylic paint simply cannot deliver. If you wish to see some incredible landscapes painted with oils, look at some of the works painted by Claude Monet. He was always trying to capture that fleeting moment of perfect light. Those who wish to follow in the steps of the Impressionists might like to try the following:

Oil Painting from the Landscape by Rachel Shirley http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b3634381~S50

Basic technique is explored as well as well individual projects. The book is beautifully illustrated and is a pleasure to look through.

For those who are looking for a challenge, there is no greater one than taking on the Old Masters themselves. Can you out paint Vermeer, Renoir, Manet, or Rembrandt? Test your skills with Painting Masterpieces by Mark Churchill, Consultant Editor http://alpha2.suffolk.lib.ny.us/record=b2575503~S50. Each work is broken down into multiple steps and the necessary materials are listed.

Copying is great for practise, but a unique style of one’s own is what marks a truly great artist.

Let the Library help inspire you! Need help finding the titles listed here? Stop by the Reference Desk and the librarian will be happy to help.

Rembrandt, one of the great masters of oil painting had one of his most famous works brought to life: http://youtu.be/VcfrRxU7JhU  Watch and see when life imitates art!