When working with oil paints, artists typically create their compositions by layering various colors. For instance, when painting a portrait, one might begin with a background color, then use another color to outline the proportions of the portrait, followed by adding additional colors for detail. The interaction between these layers of color is crucial and significantly impacts the final appearance of the artwork.
To optimize your painting process, there are three established rules to follow:
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1. Fat Over Lean: Imagine your painting as a flexible dance, where each new move must be more adaptable than the last. To prevent your painting from becoming rigid and cracking, introduce a bit more ‘dance oil’ or medium into each new layer. This keeps the layers supple. Think of it as dressing in layers for winter: your base layer stays close to your skin, and each outer layer is a bit looser to allow for movement.
2. Thick Over Thin: Consider your paint like a delicious layered cake. The bottom layers are your thin, moist sponge cake that bakes quickly, while the topmost layer is a luscious, thick frosting that takes its time to set. When painting, start with the light sponge layers and build up to the rich frosting. This way, the base dries first, providing a stable foundation for the luxurious thick layers on top.
3. Slow Drying Over Fast Drying: Think of painting as planting a garden. You wouldn’t plant a fast-growing plant over a slow one; the fast grower would block the sun before the slow one has a chance to catch up. Similarly, use quick-drying paints at the base, so they don’t overtake and crack the leisurely drying layers above as they expand and reach for the light.
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By following these rules, you’ll ensure that your oil painting grows and matures into a beautiful artwork without the risk of cracking or damage. Happy painting!
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