I want to take up oil painting. Where should I start?

Question

Please let me know all tips, sites, etc. needed to understand how to get started, etc.

Answer 1

See if you can find an art class. That would be the best way to start.

Answer 2

If you really want to paint with oils you should have a good sense of technique and form. Oils usually cost more than acrylics so I would suggest some art courses. If you can go to a good university that would be best but even most JCs will be adequate in helping you develop good art techniques.

During your study in painting you should cover oils in the third or fourth year of painting. If you go to oils sooner you may get a little more experience but after using so much paint on lessons you may feel it a bit expensive.

When you feel ready to use oils you will know. I would ask your instructor and see if it would help or hinder your work. I think oil is the way to go but not right away. I used acrylics my first 2 years at school and they worked fine. As I learned more intricate techiques requiring glazes and such oils became necessity. However if I started right off with oils I wouldn't have appreciated them as much and wouldn't know the proper use of acrylic bases and proper gesso.

If you are hell bent on oils just make sure you have proper hazardous waste disposal facilities, a well-ventilated facility, the proper mixing solutions (linseed oil, turp, lyquin, etc.), and plenty of turpentine (or turpenoid - it's better)!!!!! And never dispose of oils or turps in your sink! You'll thank me later and you'll save some fish.

If you want to know how to mix properly take ay least one color theory course. If you don't take that at least read - Yellow and Blue Don't Make Green. This will help you achieve the colors you want by mixing oils.

At least do a serious deal of research before you dip into oils.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Start by going to the art store and buying a 20x24 pre-stretched canvas, a starter set of acrylic colors, and a few larger flat and round brushes, then a stack of paper plates (your disposable palettes) from the grocery store, an easel would be good...then go outside, find a shady spot to set up, and go at it, ignoring what anyone else says....have fun! Remember all the pitfalls and the parts that made you most happy...and do it again, this time trying to avoid the same pitfalls. Then think about art classes.

Answer 4

try your local community ed classes. Most communities have arts and crafts classes for adults in the evenings, everything from different styles of painting to cooking and welding, etc. Try your local community college, as well.