Oil Painting

Oil colour has been used by art masters throughout the ages and makes subtle variations of colour possible. Stocking paints, palettes, brushes, canvases, pencils, odourless solvents, glazing gels, mediums, linseed oil, books and more, Eckersley’s has everything you need to start working with oil. With a slow drying time, oil paint allows the artist to move colours around the canvas and blend together with ease. Oil paints are durable and long lasting, with minimal colour shift from wet to dry.

 

Whether you’re starting out with oil or you consider yourself experienced, Eckersley’s is your one stop shop for quality art materials. We stock brands such as Winsor & Newton, Art Spectrum, Lefranc & Bourgeois and Reeves and we’ve been providing materials to artists for more than fifty years. Browse our online inspiration section for helpful tips and techniques to start your journey into oil painting or perfect your already established technique.

 

Eckersley’s was established in 1965, with its first store located in Prahran, Victoria. These days there are dozens of Eckersley stores, located right across Australia. Visit us in a store today, or shop online for all your oil painting supplies, with fast delivery available throughout Australia and New Zealand. 

 

What is oil painting?

 

Oil painting is one of the oldest forms of painted art. It consists of applying paint to a support, usually made up of cloth or canvas. The oil paints are made up of pigments, binders and thinners. Oil painting is more suitable for fine art as compared to other forms such as watercolour and acrylic.

 

What are the advantages of oil painting?

 

There are many benefits to oil painting, including its flexibility and wide range of uses. Due to the long drying time for oil paints, artists can experiment with colour and composition, making it easier to create detailed and expressive works of art. Overall, oil painting is a popular and well-regarded art form that continues to be a common choice for artists and art lovers alike.

 

What surfaces can oil painting be used on?

 

Oil painting can typically be used on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, cloth, and wood. However, the nature and quality of the surface will affect the final appearance of the painting, so it is important to choose a surface that is well suited to your particular project.

 

What are some tips for painting with oil?

 

One of the most important tips for using oil painting is to take your time and allow yourself plenty of room for experimentation. Unlike other forms of painting, such as watercolour or acrylic, oil paints can be easily manipulated and edited well after they have dried. This gives you more freedom to explore different colours, techniques, and compositions without worrying about ruining your painting.

 

It is also important to choose the right surface for your project. Depending on the subject matter and style of your painting, you may want to use a smooth canvas or textured cloth, as this can affect the final appearance of your artwork. 

 

Another key tip for using oil painting is to take good care of your materials and equipment. This includes regular cleaning of your brushes, palette knives, and other tools, as well as storing paints and canvases in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

 

How long does it take an oil painting to dry?

 

In general, oil paints take several weeks or even months to fully dry and harden, so it is important to allow sufficient time for this process to occur before handling or displaying your painting. 

 

What are some things to avoid while painting with oil?

 

One of the most important things to avoid while using oil painting is rushing or rushing through your work. Unlike other forms of painting, such as watercolour or acrylic, oil paints can be easily manipulated and edited well after they have dried. This gives you more freedom to explore different colours, techniques, and compositions without worrying about ruining your work.

 

Another important tip for using oil painting is to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight or other heat sources, as this can cause premature drying and cracking of the paint. Additionally, it is important to store paints and canvases in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. With proper care and attention, oil paintings can last for many years, making them a great choice for artists looking to create long-lasting works of art.

 

What art supplies will I need when painting with oil?

 

Some of the most important art supplies for oil painting include high-quality paints and brushes, as well as a smooth or textured canvas surface. Depending on your particular project, you may also want to use a palette knife or other tools for mixing colours. 

What is the difference between acrylic paint and oil paint?

 

Acrylic paints are a type of water-based paint that generally have shorter drying times and are more versatile than oil paints.

 

Some common differences between acrylic paint and oil paint include the following:

 

  • Acrylic paints typically have shorter drying times than oil paints. This can allow artists to work more quickly and easily with their medium, while also making it easier to add edits or finishing touches to their work once it has dried.
  • Oil paints typically have longer drying times than acrylic paints, and they can take several weeks or even months to fully dry. This can make them more difficult to manipulate or edit once they have dried, but it also provides artists with more vibrant colours and textures to work with.
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