Oil Painting Basics: Free Guide on How to Oil Paint

Oil painting can be daunting for beginners, but there are plenty of reasons to take up this enjoyable art form, which is why we’re offering you a FREE download on oil painting basics!

In this free eBook, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to paint with oil. Here’s what you can expect in your free guide:

• A detailed FAQs section about how to oil paint
• Oil painting techniques for beginners
• A list of must-have tools for oil painting
• Plus, an overview of the chemistry of oil paint

Download Your Free Guide to Oil Painting Basics Today!

Oil Painting Basics for Beginners

We’re pleased to share with you this free guide on oil painting basics for beginners, which includes a special section on oil painting basics, must-have tools and info on the chemistry and safety of oil painting.

Beginner Oil Painting Techniques

Learn what it means to paint alla prima, how to glaze and scumble, and get more tips on oil painting basics for beginners.

The Science of Oil Painting and Why You Should Know It

There are two basic considerations when selecting oil painting brushes: the shape and the fibers. Understand the different options when you read this free article. Know what else you need to paint with oil: supports, a palette and an easel are just the start.

Oil Painting Chemistry and Safety

The pigments used in oil paints are nearly the same as those in watercolors and acrylics. Oil paints come in two grades, student and professional, the primary difference being the concentration of pigment or, in some cases, the method of mixing pigment and binder. Don’t miss Albert’s guide to the chemistry and safety of oil painting for beginners.

Oil Painting Tips

What does “fat over lean” mean? What’s the difference between traditional oil paints and alkyd oils or water-miscible oils? Do you need to use a medium when you paint with oils? Get the answers to these questions on how to oil paint, and more!

In addition to being the author of The Simple Secret to Better Painting, Albert is a longtime contributor to The Artist’s Magazine, in which he offers advice to readers and artists about a variety of media from the Ask the Experts column. We’re pleased to share with you this free PDF of his Mediapedia: Oils article, which includes a special section on oil painting tips, must-have tools and info on the chemistry and safety of oil painting.

New for you! Lessons in Layering: Joshua LaRock offers problem-solving tools for painting luminous portraits in the classical tradition. In this bonus article from The Artist’s Magazine, you’ll also score a portrait oil painting demonstration!

Oil Painting Layering Lessons

Extolling the benefits of glazing, LaRock emphasizes that laying down transparent veils of paint on top of dried opaque layers unifies a painting—and interacts optically, which facilitates a luminous backlit glow (a signature of his own beautiful work). “When teaching, and in my own work,” LaRock says, “I try to break down the whole process into distinct phases which allow for more focused thoughts, rather than trying to juggle everything at once, which is always overwhelming. There is then a set of ideas, or problem-solving ‘tools,’ at each stage that helps with evaluating the accuracy, overall cohesion and harmony.”