Supercharging your talent

     Over the last few years, I have been on a fascinating journey through the world of oil painting, exploring its vast landscapes, intricate techniques, and the unique qualities that have made oil paints a favoured medium among artists for centuries.

My aim is not just to instruct, but to share the essence of what I've learnt, focusing on the most relevant insights and techniques that have established my approach to art. Whether you're a beginner looking to take your first steps, or an intermediate artist seeking to refine your skills, this guide is aimed at inspiring, and enhancing your painting journey, one brushstroke at a time."

     But before we delve into the techniques and practices that can multiply your artistic capabilities, let's first take a few minutes to appreciate the achievements of the oil painting masters through the ages. Particularly, let's consider the early days of oil painting, a time when the concept of capturing an image was not as simple as snapping a photograph.

In those times, artists were the primary means of documenting the world, people, and stories around them. They didn't just paint; they captured emotion, light, and the essence of their subjects with a depth and realism that was unparalleled. Their work laid the foundation for what we understand and appreciate in oil painting today.

The masters of oil painting, from the early Renaissance to the birth of modern art, worked under constraints that demanded not only creativity but also a profound understanding of their materials; the tools of their trade.

Understanding the roots and evolution of oil painting will increase our appreciation and connect us more deeply to the rich tapestry of art history."

In the broadest terms, oil painting is a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of the beauty of life.

     Artists from centuries past, gathered natural elements (rocks and soil) from all corners of the earth. Then, grinding them down into a fine powder (pigments) enabled them to breathe life into their creations. And the magic didn't stop there; they discovered that by mixing these pigments with oil, extracted from the crushed seeds of various plants, they could create a medium that was not only versatile but also durable.

This ingenious combination allowed for the creation of magnificent landscapes and portraits that defy time, captivating us even today. The vibrant hues and the ability to layer paints for depth and texture gave artists a new world of possibilities. Through their mastery and innovation, they were able to capture the subtle play of light and shadow to the vibrant colours of nature, and the complex beauty of the human form. It was almost alchemy!

     As we explore the techniques and principles of oil painting, let's remember the roots of this art form; experimentation, proven techniques and a practice that connect us directly with the earth and all its colours

Let us embark on our own artistic journey, carrying with us the spirit of the pioneers and the mastery that characterised their work.

Stage 1 - Finding a surface to paint on

Our first task in the process is to find something to create our painting on.

Limited by the natural materials available, early artists often turned to what was at hand. A good, flat piece of wood was a regular choice (often Poplar wood) for its availability and relative ease of preparation. However, artists faced limitations in the size of their paintings due to the width of the wood. To overcome this, they might glue several pieces together, creating larger panels.

But despite its convenience, over time wood panels were prone to warping, infestation and splitting. X-rays taken of some old paintings reveal holes made by woodworms that had been filled in beforehand. Wood, these days, in the form of MDF is a very good option as it is stable, flat, strong - and no self-respecting woodworm would be attracted to MDF due to the resin that binds it together.

Slate, marble and stone offered a flat and stable alternative, impervious to the problems that plagued wood panels. Its weight, however, posed a significant challenge, especially for larger works, making it impractical for most applications.

The search for a better surface led to a groundbreaking idea of stretching canvas over a wooden frame. This provided artists with a flat, durable, and lightweight surface that could accommodate paintings of virtually any size. The canvas, made from linen or cotton, offered a versatile and resilient surface that absorbed the oil paint well, allowing for both intricate detail and broad strokes.

Today, the stretched canvas remains the preferred choice for many artists, embodying centuries of evolution in the pursuit of the perfect painting surface. Its simplicity and effectiveness are a testament to the ingenuity of past artists.