How To Paint With Oils

Pretreat an already stretched canvas with gesso. To further fill pores and smooth the surface, use fine sandpaper, and cover a second time. Once the gesso dries, sketch your scene.

Set the canvas on the easel. Squeeze out the “fat” or thick paint from the bottom of the tube onto the palette.

Mix linseed oil into the darker colors to be used on the under-painting, since it dries better. Use the palette knife to work in mineral spirits to make the paint lean and elastic.

Use a light hand when applying the paint, and a wider stroke when applying more medium.

Correct mistakes, wiping away the paint with the palette knife and use a turpentine-dipped, lint-free cloth to finish removing. When you repaint, sand that surface first and moisten it with a touch of mineral oil.

Dip the brush in a cup filled with a small amount of turpentine to clean as you paint. Dry the painting in light whenever possible, as daylight cures the colors better.

Wipe your knife and handles with rags when you’re finished. Stir the brushes in solvent, but don’t soak them overnight. Scoop leftover globs of paint from the palette so that the surface is smooth for the next round.