I have always used acryllics, but I have never tried oil paints. Can you use them on canvas? How are they similar/different from acryllics? Do you have any tips on using oil paints? And are they difficult to use?
2007-02-22 07:49:24 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Painting
I am the biggest fan of oil paints. I think when you try them you will see why. They offer you the best freedom for creativity. Canvass is the traditional surface for oil paints because of it's surface texture.
But you will find that the smooth surface of Masonite board will give you some wonderful results as well. That is what is enjoyable about oils. They offer you a variety of choices in creating a painting that you will really be proud of.
2007-02-22 11:18:03 · answer #1 · answered by adamizer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my younger days I did some oil painting. I have used both acrylics and oil paints [not on the same picture] and yes, oils are made for use on canvas, but the canvas has to be "primed" with gesso. Some of your canvas boards and pre-stretched canvas is already primed, so nothing to do there, but if you buy rolls of canvas from art supply stores, you have to paint the gesso on and allow it to dry. Acrylics use water as thinner as it is a water-based paint. Oil paint has to have turpentine type thinners. Brushes may be cleaned with kerosene, however. Oil paints require a very long drying time, unlike acrylics which dry too fast for me, as I like to go back and paint wet-in-wet techniques. A good art supply store can help you a lot, as most of the people who work there know something about art in general and there are books available you can use that are very good on oil painting and how to use them. Linseed oil is the main medium for the paint pigments, hence it is called "oil paint". They sell "driers" to mix with your paint on the palette which helps somewhat in the drying time. Happy painting!
2007-02-22 08:12:19 · answer #2 · answered by hillbilly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just recenty tried oils and now I see why everyone likes them better than acrylics. They do take forever to dry, but the up side of that is you have plenty of time to change your mind about things. You just take your pallet knife and scrape it off! I loved mixing the colors right on the canvas. They are smelly a bit and I haven't tossed my acrylics but I did like the oil painting experience. And yes, use on a primed canvas.
2007-02-22 09:03:47 · answer #3 · answered by Joan H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can use oil on canvas, though I'd recommend putting a coat of acrylic on first, with a sealer.
Oils take longer to dry. You almost always have to put on multiple coats, unless you do it like bob ross or something.
They are easier to blend and play with.
You have to go in with an open mind. Oils use totally different techniques than acrylics.
I love both acrylics and oils.
They are not difficult to use at all. You just have to practice a little. You'll do fine.
Have fun.
2007-02-22 08:32:47 · answer #4 · answered by Whitney K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I started out with acrylic paints but now use only oils. I taught myself to paint with oils with library books in a relatively short time and you can too. Your acrylic experience will come in handy and yes, oils can be used on canvas. You can check out my art at hellosanantonio.com under artist name ''Guerro''.
2007-02-23 02:52:56 · answer #5 · answered by GUERRO 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is easier to blend oil paints they take over a week to dry completely.
You use them on gessoed canvas just like acrylics.
The smell from the chemicals make them impossible to use unless you have very good ventilation.
2007-02-22 07:58:29 · answer #6 · answered by justweird_sodeal 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First have turpentine or baby wipes by you in case they get on furniture or hands and clean your brushes with turpentine.
2016-05-23 23:41:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋