What Is Oil Painting? 8 Things Beginners Should Know

Oil painting is a technique in which pigments are suspended in a drying oil binder, typically linseed oil. This medium allows for a slow evaporation rate and oxidation process, giving artists extended working time to blend, layer, and manipulate the paint on the surface.

The resulting paint film is durable, flexible, and capable of producing a wide range of optical effects, from subtle gradients to thick impasto. Because oil paints maintain color integrity over time, they’ve remained a preferred medium in both classical and contemporary art.

As Gerhard Richter puts it, 

“Oil paint has a richness and depth that other mediums can’t quite match.”

So, let’s set aside the doubts and learn what is an oil painting and what to know.

Key Takeaways

• Oil painting has rich textures, vibrant colors, and flexibility in techniques.

• Main tools include paints, brushes, canvases, and a palette.

• For depth and realism, you should learn layering and blending.

• Oil paints take time to dry. You can change the details even after application.

• Apply varnish to protect your painting and make the colors pop.

Skip to the next part if you just want to read about oil painting without history!

What is Oil Painting?

Oil painting is a type of art made by mixing pigments with oil, usually linseed oil. It’s known for deep colors, smooth blending, and rich textures. Unlike fast-drying paints like acrylics, oil paint dries slowly. That gives artists more time to work on details, mix colors, or change things even after the paint is on the canvas.

This slow drying time is one of the reasons oil painting has been used for centuries. It works well for both realistic art and bold, expressive styles. Artists can create soft shadows, glowing light, and thick, textured brushstrokes.

Oil paint also lasts a long time. When used correctly, it keeps its color and texture for decades — sometimes even hundreds of years.

History of Oil Paintings  

Oil painting is one of the most enduring and influential artistic techniques in history. It's renowned for its depth, richness, and versatility. Though its origins trace back to ancient times, it was during the 15th century that oil painting truly transformed art.

The Origins of Oil Painting

Before oil paints, artists primarily used tempera, a fast-drying medium made from egg yolk. However, tempera had limitations. It dried quickly, it was difficult to blend, and lacked the deep, luminous colors that oil painting would later offer.

Around the early 15th century, Flemish painter Jan van Eyck refined the use of oil as a binding medium. He mixed pigments with linseed oil to create a slower-drying, more flexible paint. This innovation allowed for seamless blending, transparent glazes, and fine details. It set the stage for different art styles.

The Rise of Oil Painting in the Renaissance

By the 15th and 16th centuries, oil painting had spread across Europe, with artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael mastering its potential. The slow drying time of oil paint allowed them to blend colors smoothly and create realistic lighting effects, a technique Leonardo called chiaroscuro.

Around the same time, Titian took oil painting further by using bold colors, expressive brushstrokes, and dynamic compositions. He influenced artists for generations.

Oil Painting in the Baroque and Classical Eras

In the 17th century, painters like Rembrandt and Caravaggio developed tenebrism, a dramatic lighting style that created strong contrasts between light and dark. This made their paintings feel more lifelike and emotional.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, oil painting continued to evolve. Fragonard used soft, delicate colors in the Rococo style, while Goya painted with bold realism, capturing raw human emotion. The ability to blend and layer made oil paint perfect for storytelling.

The Impressionist Revolution and Beyond

In the late 19th century, artists like Monet, Renoir, and Degas changed the way oil paint was used. They painted with loose brushstrokes and bright colors, often outdoors (plein air) to capture natural light. This was made easier by the invention of paint in tubes, which allowed them to take their work outside the studio.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, oil painting became even more experimental. Van Gogh, Picasso, and Francis Bacon moved beyond realism, exploring expressionism, abstraction, and surrealism, proving that oil painting could be both traditional and innovative.

Read more about other painting mediums.

Materials and Tools That Define Oil Painting

Oil paints

Oil paint is made by combining pigments with a drying oil binder, most commonly linseed oil. This combination gives the paint a thick, smooth texture and a slow drying time, making it ideal for layering, blending, and detailed work.

There are two main types of oil paints:

• Student-grade: More affordable, with lower pigment concentration and more fillers. The colors are less vibrant but suitable for practice or casual work.

• Professional-grade: Higher pigment load, stronger color intensity, and smoother application. Used for archival-quality and exhibition-level paintings.

Some pigments or solvents used in oil painting can be toxic, but the paint itself isn’t inherently dangerous. Many manufacturers now offer solvent-free and non-toxic pigment alternatives.

Oil paint can be used straight from the tube, but artists often mix it with mediums to change how it behaves on the canva.

Oil Painting Mediums

Oil painting mediums are essential tools that can transform how oil paint behaves. They are added to paint to change its texture, drying time, transparency, and finish.

Mediums are additives that alter the viscosity, drying time, and finish of oil paint. Here are a few commonly used ones:

• Linseed oil: Improves flow and transparency; creates a glossy finish. Slows drying.

• Walnut oil: Similar to linseed but yellows less over time. Preferred for lighter tones.

• Turpentine: A traditional solvent used to thin paint and speed up drying. Strong odor and health risks — often replaced with odorless mineral spirits.

• Sunflower oil (non-traditional): Slows drying significantly. Can be used in simple or small-scale work but is not ideal for complex layering.

Mediums let artists control paint texture and drying behavior. A higher ratio of oil results in smoother, glossier surfaces. More solvent leads to thinner, matte finishes and faster drying — but can reduce paint durability if overused.

Paint Brushes for Oil Painting

The right brushes make a big difference in how your oil painting turns out. Each oil brush type is designed for specific techniques, helping you create different textures, strokes, and effects. Your painting process will be much smoother and more enjoyable if you understand the basic types of oil painting brushes.

Types of Brushes

Every brush type serves a specific purpose in oil painting. Some are perfect for fine details, while others work best for broad strokes or blending. Here are the main types of brushes used in oil painting.

• Filbert: Oval-shaped tip; combines the versatility of flat and round brushes. Useful for smooth blending and natural edges.

• Flat: Straight-edged, rectangular bristles. Ideal for blocking in large areas or creating sharp, controlled lines.

• Round: Tapered to a point. Good for fine details, outlines, and precision work.

• Fan: Fanned-out bristles used for soft textures like foliage, hair, or clouds. Also helpful for gentle blending.

Materials: Synthetic vs Natural Bristles

Brush bristles are made from either synthetic fibers or natural hair, each with unique characteristics. Choosing the right type depends on your painting style and preferences.

Synthetic brushes, made from nylon or polyester, are durable, easy to maintain, and budget-friendly, making them ideal for beginners. They also resist harsh solvents used in oil painting.

Natural bristle brushes, usually made from hog hair, hold more paint and create richer textures, making them popular among experienced artists. However, they require more care to maintain their quality.

Do You Wet Your Brush Before Oil Painting?

✖️ No! Never wet oil painting brushes with water. Oil and water don’t mix.

✅ Instead, dip your brush in linseed oil or turpentine before painting to help the paint flow smoothly.

Canvas for Oil Painting

The canvas you choose plays a crucial role in how your painting turns out. It affects how the paint adheres, how brushstrokes appear, and the overall durability of your artwork. The right canvas depends on your painting style, project size, and budget.

Types of Canvases

Oil painting canvases come in various forms, each with different textures, durability, and levels of flexibility. Some canvases are best for beginners and practice work, while others are designed for professional, long-lasting artwork. Choosing the right type can make a big difference in how your painting turns out. Here are the most common canvas types and how they can benefit your work. 

Stretched Canvas

Stretched canvas is the most popular option for oil painting. It consists of canvas fabric tightly stretched over a wooden frame, creating a firm but slightly flexible surface. Most stretched canvases come pre-primed with gesso, making them ready to use.

• Great for all skill levels
• Works well for blending, glazing, and impasto techniques
• Lightweight and easy to hang or frame

Canvas Board

Canvas boards are made by gluing canvas fabric onto a rigid backing, such as MDF or cardboard. They offer a textured surface for oil painting at a lower cost than stretched canvases.

• Best for small projects, studies, or travel
• More durable than paper but can warp over time
• Ideal for strong, defined brushstrokes

Oil Painting Paper

Specially treated oil painting paper is designed to handle oil paints without warping. Available in pads or individual sheets, it provides a more affordable and portable option.

• Great for beginners, sketches, and practice
• Less durable than canvas or boards but can be mounted or framed
• Works well for testing colors and techniques

Do You Need to Prime Your Canvas?

Unless you’re using a pre-primed canvas, priming is essential. It involves applying a layer of gesso, a white, paint-like substance that seals the canvas fibers, preventing oil paint from soaking through.

Most store-bought stretched canvases are pre-primed, but adding an extra coat of gesso can improve the texture, especially if the factory-applied layer is thin. If you’re using raw canvas, canvas boards without a primer, or untreated oil painting paper, applying one or two coats of gesso is crucial.

Which Canvas Should You Choose?

• For professional, long-lasting artwork → Stretched canvas
• For practice, studies, or travel → Canvas board
• For quick sketches or experimenting → Oil painting paper

What is The Golden Rule of Oil Painting? - Fundamental Principles

Fat over lean is the key principle behind long-lasting oil paintings. It refers to the gradual increase of oil content in each paint layer.

What Does “Fat Over Lean" Mean?

Oil paint dries by oxidation — the more oil in the mix, the slower it dries.
The rule:

• Lean layers (less oil) go first

• Fat layers (more oil) go on top

This prevents the upper layers from drying faster than the base, which would otherwise cause cracking as the painting cures.

Why It Matters

If a fast-drying layer sits over a slower one, the surface hardens while the base continues to shift — creating tension and cracks. Gradual layering keeps the structure stable.

Also, oil paint reacts to temperature and humidity. Flexible, properly layered paint handles those changes better and preserves the artwork over time.

What Is Layered Oil Painting and Why Is It Important?

Layering is a fundamental oil painting technique that adds depth, texture, and richness to artwork. By building up multiple layers, artists can create realistic shadows, glowing highlights, and smooth color transitions that wouldn’t be possible with a single application.

What Should the First Layer of an Oil Painting Be?

Your first layer should be thin and lean, meaning it contains less oil and more solvent (like turpentine or mineral spirits). This quick-drying base provides structure and supports later layers.

• Start with an underpainting or a thin color wash to outline shapes and values.
• Gradually increase oil content in each new layer (Fat over Lean rule).
• Avoid thick paint too soon, as it can dry unevenly and cause cracks.

Once your painting is complete, the next crucial step is understanding drying and curing. Knowing how oil paints dry and how to care for your artwork during this process will help preserve its beauty for years to come.

Oil Painting Techniques

With correct blending, you can create smooth transitions, soft gradients, and realistic textures. It adds depth and dimension and makes paintings look more lifelike. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve beautifully blended effects.

How to Blend Colors Smoothly

To create seamless color transitions:

1. Apply two colors side by side while the paint is still wet.
2. Use a clean, dry brush to gently blend the edges where they meet.
3. Light back-and-forth strokes soften transitions, while small circular motions create even smoother gradients.
4. Add linseed oil or glazing medium to slow drying time and make blending easier.
5. Work in small sections first, then gradually expand to avoid harsh lines.

⚠ Avoid over-blending! Too much blending can make colors look muddy and flat.

Common Blending Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Pressing too hard creates harsh lines instead of soft blends. Use light, gentle strokes.

2. Too much medium makes the paint runny and hard to control. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

3. Using a dirty brush - old paint can muddy new colors. Wipe or rinse your brush frequently.

4. Overworking the paint - too much blending removes texture and depth. Know when to stop.

5. Skipping layers - layering adds depth. Start thin, then build up highlights and details.

What Are the Best Glazing Techniques in Oil Painting?

Glazing is a classic technique where thin, transparent layers of paint are applied over dried sections of a painting. This method adds depth, richness, and luminosity, making colors appear more vibrant. When done correctly, glazing can turn a flat painting into one with glowing, lifelike dimension.

What Is Glazing and Why Is It Important?

Glazing allows artists to:

• Adjust colors without repainting
• Add highlights and shadows
• Create smooth transitions and realistic effects

It’s commonly used for skin tones, atmospheric backgrounds, and reflective surfaces like water or glass.

Underpainting Basics in Oil Painting

Underpainting is the first step in oil painting, helping to map out composition, light, and shadow before adding final colors. It acts as a guide, making the layering process smoother and ensuring the finished piece has depth, contrast, and balance.

Purpose of Underpainting in Oil Painting

The primary purpose of underpainting is to create a visual roadmap for the final artwork. It helps define light and shadow, establish color values, and outline important elements of the composition. Underpainting also reduces the need for excessive layering. It makes the painting process faster and more precise. It acts as a supportive base, ensuring that upper layers appear more vibrant and cohesive.

Common Underpainting Techniques

Different underpainting techniques suit various painting styles, with popular ones being grisaille and color blocking.

Grisaille (Monochrome Underpainting)

• Uses shades of gray or neutral tones to define values before adding color.
• Ideal for realistic paintings, as it enhances light and shadow contrast.
• Color glazes can be layered on top for a luminous effect.

Color Blocking

• Uses broad sections of color to map out the composition.
• Helps define the general shapes and tones early on.
• Works well for bold, expressive styles where detail comes later.

Underpainting creates a strong foundation by defining values, structure, and composition, making the painting process smoother and more effective. It enhances depth, clarity, and balance, helping artists achieve more dynamic and visually compelling oil paintings. Building on this base requires mastering layered oil painting, a technique essential for adding depth, texture, and richness to your artwork.

How to Prepare Your Workspace for Oil Paintings

A good workspace makes painting easier, safer, and more enjoyable. The right setup helps you focus on your art, stay organized, and avoid hazards. Pay attention to ventilation, lighting, and how you store your materials.

Tips for Ventilation and Lighting

• Always work in a well-ventilated space, especially when using solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits. Their fumes can be harmful over time.

• Open windows or use an exhaust fan for airflow. If that’s not possible, use an air purifier with a carbon filter.

• Good lighting is just as important. Natural daylight is best, so set up near a window. If you use artificial light, choose daylight-balanced LED lamps to match natural light and reduce eye strain.

• Place your light so it doesn’t cast shadows or glare on your canvas.

Organizing Materials for Ease of Access

• Keep tools within easy reach. Use jars for brushes, shelves or carts for paints, and labeled bottles for mediums.

• Arrange paints by color so you can find them fast.

• Keep a rag or paper towel close for wiping brushes and cleaning spills.

• Set up a small cleaning station with brush cleaners, soap, and water so you can keep your tools in good condition.

Safety Measures When Using Solvents and Mediums

• Always use solvents in a ventilated area.

• Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin and avoid letting chemicals touch your skin for long.

• Store solvents and flammable materials in sealed containers, away from heat sources.

• Dispose of oily rags properly—they can catch fire if piled up. Use a metal safety container or an airtight bag.

• Label everything and keep dangerous materials away from kids and pets.

Once your workspace is ready, you can focus fully on your painting—and start practicing key techniques like blending to add depth and realism to your work.

Drying and Curing Oil Paintings

Drying and curing are essential stages in the oil painting process that ensure your artwork stays stable and durable over time. Unlike water-based paints, oil paints dry through oxidation, a chemical reaction that occurs when the paint comes into contact with air. This slow-drying process allows artists to blend and layer paint easily but requires patience and proper handling to avoid damage. Understanding how oil paints dry and how to manage the process can help you protect your finished artwork.

Answering: "How Long Does Oil Paint Take to Dry?"

The drying time of oil paint varies depending on several factors, including the type of paint, thickness of application, and environmental conditions. While oil paint may feel dry to the touch after a few days or weeks, full curing can take months or even years. 

Source: The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques by Ralph Mayer; manufacturer recommendations from Winsor & Newton, Gamblin, and Royal Talens.

By following these guidelines, you can better manage drying times and plan your oil painting process effectively. Remember that even if the surface feels dry, curing continues beneath the surface, so handle your paintings carefully until they are fully hardened.

Factors Affecting Drying Time

Oil paint drying speed depends on paint thickness, the medium used, and your workspace conditions.

• Thickness – Thin layers dry faster and are less likely to crack. Thick layers take much longer.

• Mediums – Linseed oil slows drying; Liquin and alkyd mediums speed it up.

• Environment – Warm, dry, well-ventilated rooms help paint dry faster. Cool, humid areas slow it down. Avoid direct sunlight.

How to Safely Move and Store Paintings During Drying?

Place wet paintings in a well-ventilated area with steady airflow. This helps them dry evenly. Avoid stacking or leaning them together—this can cause smudges or damage. Use a drying rack or stand so each painting stays upright and separate.

If you need to move a wet painting, hold it by the edges or place it on a rigid board for support. Keep it away from dusty areas. Dust and dirt can stick to the surface while the paint is still wet. If needed, cover it loosely with parchment paper or a clean cloth to block dust while letting air circulate.

Be patient. Let each layer dry completely before adding new ones, and give finished paintings plenty of time to cure. Proper handling and storage protect your work and help it last for generations.

How to Start Your First Oil Painting

Creating your first oil painting is both thrilling and a little intimidating. With the right setup, materials, and a clear process, you can produce a piece you’re proud of while building skills that will carry into future works.

1. Choose a Simple Subject
Go for something you can easily observe and light well. A single flower, a piece of fruit, or a small object works best. Position it so it has a clear light source, creating natural shadows and highlights.

2. Prepare Your Canvas

If it’s not pre-primed, add one or two thin coats of gesso and let each coat dry fully. A lightly sanded surface after priming will give you smoother brushstrokes.

3. Arrange Your Palette

Lay out your colors from light to dark or in the order you prefer mixing. Keep plenty of space for blending so you don’t muddy your colors.

4. Do a Quick Sketch

Use thinned paint or a light pencil to map the main shapes. Focus on proportions and placement rather than details—this is your roadmap, not the finished image.

5. Block in Large Shapes

Apply thin washes of paint to mark out main areas of color and value. Keep these early layers light and lean (more solvent, less oil) so they dry quickly. This step sets the overall structure.

6. Add Midtones and Shadows

Once the first block-in is touch-dry, build depth by adding midtones and shadows. Use soft blending for smooth transitions, and leave areas of light unpainted until later.

7. Build Texture and Detail

Switch to thicker, oil-rich paint for the top layers. Add highlights last to keep them clean and vibrant. Use a palette knife for bold texture or a fine brush for crisp details.

8. Step Back Often

Every so often, look at your painting from a distance. This helps you spot balance issues, uneven colors, or areas that need more contrast.

9. Know When to Stop

Avoid overworking—too much blending or adding unnecessary details can flatten the image. Aim for a strong overall impression rather than endless tweaks.

Do Oil Paintings Need to Be Covered with Glass?

Unlike water-based artworks like acrylics or watercolors, oil paintings generally do not need to be covered with glass. Oil paints form a durable, protective layer as they cure. It allows them to resist environmental factors like dust and moisture better than other media. However, extra protection can be beneficial in certain cases. It depends on where the painting will be displayed or stored.

How to Frame and Protect Oil Paintings

Framing an oil painting without glass is a common practice. Traditionally, oil paintings are framed using open frames that allow the texture of the painting to remain visible. A floating frame is a popular option, creating a modern, gallery-like presentation while keeping the edges protected. If you’re unsure about how to choose the right frame, this helpful guide on how to frame an oil painting provides detailed advice for selecting the best option for your artwork.

If extra protection is needed, consider using a UV-protective glass or acrylic. This is especially helpful in high-traffic areas or if the painting will be exposed to direct sunlight. However, keep in mind that glass can cause glare and reduce the visibility of the painting's surface texture.

Alternatives to Glass, Such as Varnishing

Varnishing is the most recommended alternative to using glass. A varnish coat provides a protective layer that enhances color vibrancy, evens out surface shine, and shields the painting from dirt, dust, and UV damage. Use a removable varnish so the painting can be re-varnished if needed in the future.

There are two main types of varnish: gloss and matte. Gloss varnish intensifies colors and gives a shiny finish, while matte varnish creates a softer, less reflective surface. Some artists prefer a satin finish for a balance between the two. Make sure the painting is fully cured (6-12 months) before applying varnish.

Conclusion

Oil painting is a timeless art form that offers endless creative possibilities. From selecting the right materials and mastering essential techniques to properly caring for your finished artwork, every step in the oil painting process contributes to creating something truly unique and lasting. Understanding key methods like blending, glazing, layering, and proper drying ensures that your paintings remain vibrant and durable for years to come.

As you explore the art of oil painting, remember that it’s a medium that rewards patience, practice, and creativity. Mistakes become opportunities for growth, and each brushstroke takes you closer to realizing your artistic vision. If painting isn’t your path, you can still bring the timeless beauty of oil painting into your life by turning your favorite memories into custom oil paintings. Whether it’s a cherished family photo, a stunning vacation view, or a heartfelt moment, these paintings let you transform your personal moments into lasting works of art.

In the words of Chuck Close:

"Oil paint is a slow medium, but it’s a forgiving one. You can always go back and fix things."

With this mindset, embrace the process, learn from your experiences, and continue creating artworks that reflect your passion and personal style. Oil painting is a journey of constant discovery—one that evolves with every canvas you touch.