What is the best oil paint to use?

Question

I've only been painting for about a year and I'm thinking my paint sucks. My pictures look kinda "dry". Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Add a little varnish, or try mixing the paint with some of the available oils at your local art store.
Also consider the option of making your own paint. All ya need is some oil (consult your local art store about the different painting oils, not salad...), pigment (it comes in all colors), a glass grinder ( it is shaped like an air hockey stick?! You know the handle you hit the puck with!), Now, what the puck was I sayin'?! Oh yea...AND, a 12"x18" mirror.
Put a little pigment on the mirror, But first make sure it's not still hanging on the wall!!! ANYWAY, add a little oil and use the grinder to make a slow small circular motion in a clockwise direction. Simultaneously move the small circular motion in a larger counter clockwise direction. Continue this for a short time until the pigment looks dissolved (Different pigments have unique structural qualities, so each one mixes in it's own time.) Finally add more pigment or oil to obtain your required consistency and color preference. "Ahh, Paint! The way Gran-Mutha use ta make!" YOU like it, don't cha?!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Well, the Van Gogh paint series ain't bad either!

-Good Luck!

Answer 2

I use Utrecht oils which are excellent, but not too expensive. Old Holland paints are supposed to be about the best, but I've never spent the extra money. You didn't mention which oils you use, by the way. You might try using Flex Gel which will add a bit of gloss to the oils. One last thing . . . after 6-12 months of drying (depending upon how thick you paint) you might want to varnish your paintings which will take away that "dry" look.

Answer 3

If you're using an "all-one-price" paint, you're getting more hamburger helper than you are hamburger. Old Holland is definitely the best, highest pigment load on the market and worth the money if you're selling your art.

But sometimes cheap canvas is the culprit, using cheap gesso that is so absorbant it literally sucks the oil out of the paints, leaving them looking powdery.

Also, some pigments dry shinier and some dry matte, so don't be afraid to varnish your paintings once they're completely dry - you'll be amazed how it brings out the colours and evens out the finish.

Answer 4

Some good answers so far... In addition adding other mediums to your paints can change the transparancy, fluidity, and texture once it's dry. Galkyd is a good product that also speeds up drying time (see alkyd). Sometimes I like to add stand oil or little traditional medium (turp, damar, oil). If you are confident with your compositions and handling of paint move up to some artist grade (real pigment, higher concentration), but if you are still getting frustrated and cleaning off or painting over your canvasas regularly stick with the cheaper paints and mediums. If it gets to the point of frustration that you start to dislike it. Set it aside and draw or carve or sculpt or bake or raise guinea pigs... come back to it when you're ready. Keep expressing yourself regardless of the materials you use. Enjoy!

Answer 5

Lately I've been using oils that come liquid in cans, the stuff that sign painters use, or what you might paint your lawn furniture with, like rustoleum, or something. Depends on where you live if you can get it in an art store or hardware. It is extremely shiny, I really like it. Lots of great colors.