For the last decade, I’ve endeavored to master acrylic as a medium. I got really comfortable. If you know me, I don’t do comfortable for very long. So naturally, I started searching for a new challenge and make myself a little more uncomfortable. After some reflection, I decided that I wanted to go back to a medium I used frequently in college — oil paint.
Oil painting can seem a bit daunting at first: beyond just paint, you’ll have to stock up on things like mineral spirits and linseed oil. Once you understand the role that each supply plays, you’ll be able to start painting with a good understanding of how each can impact the painting process.
For today’s blog, I want to give you a peek at my oil painting toolkit and my must-haves to get started with the medium.
Canvas vs Panel
It all starts with the right surface. Whether you’re painting on canvas or on panel, you need to choose the right surface for your pieces, and this will impact things like paint absorption and drying time. For my new collection, I chose to paint on birch panels that are handmade by my partner, Daniel Adams. Gessoed birch panels allow for the oil to remain a bit wet for several weeks (without help from any solvents), so I have time to develop layers over time.
Paint
When choosing a paint brand, I knew I wanted a high quality pigment, so I decided on the Gamblin Artist Oil Color paint set, which would cover all of the major colors I would need, including the staples for every palette: Ultramarine Blue, Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow Light, Burnt Sienna, Permanent Alizarin Crimson.
Brushes
Brushes are always a personal preference -- for oils, you generally want to have several natural bristle brushes in various size; 2-3 round brushes for smaller details, and 2-3 softer brushes. I love soft brushes, so I tend to have more soft filberts and square brushes on hand than harder bristles. This really depends on your personal style as well as how smoothly you want to apply the pigments. I highly recommend taking a look at Rosemary & Co brushes. This brand from the UK is superior to many of the brushes you find at your local art store. So if you can — treat yo’self.
Solvents
When you start painting with oils, the natural concern is generally around solvents and toxicity. I highly recommend investing in Gamsol. Gamsol is less toxic than other brands of Odorless Mineral Spirits or turpentine because the harmful aromatic solvent component has been removed. It's also useful for studio and brush cleanup when paired with a Silicoil brush cleaner.
Linseed VS Walnut oil
Linseed is the traditional oil painter’s oil. Typically used for thinning the consistency of paint or for detailed work towards the finished surface of the painting. [‘Fat over lean’ meaning the application of oilier paint over paint thinned with turpentine]. Refined linseed oil is pale in colour and increases gloss and transparency. It slows the drying time of paint. It is extracted using heat and then refined to remove any impurities.
Michael Harding Refined Lindseed Oil is a very good choice.
Walnut oil typically has a glossy finish and is pale in color. It yellows less over time than linseed oil. Walnut oil is faster drying and is often used for whites, pale blues, and yellows. It doesn’t keep as long as other oils, and can ‘go off’ in storage.
Kremer Walnut Oil is a great choice!