Question about painting with oil

Gingerbread

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I've always painted with acrilycs but I wanted to try out painting with oils. I was wondering though if anyone had any opinions on what medium (I think that's the word I'm looking for) :oops: to mix with the oil paint. Should I just use straight up paint thinner/brush cleaner? Or what? I went to the arts store only to be bombarded with all different tyes of thinners and oils and such and I just need something basic for now while I play around with them. Any suggestions....
 
Well, if you are just starting out with Oils for the first time, why don't you just use them "straight" and refrain from thinning them out with anything for now?

Since this will be your first go at it, I think it would be wise to just experiment with the Oils how they are. After you have more experience, then you can play around with changing the texture, thinning them out, etc.

In my opinion, one of the nice things about Oil paint is its body and texture. If one were to thin it out, in my mind it becomes quite similar to Acrylics. And then I think, why bother with Oils if they are just going to be thinned out? ;)

That's my 2 or 3 cents worth, anyway. :)

Good luck to you! I'm sure you'll enjoy the Oils. They are lovely to work with.
 
When I used to paint with them, I used an oil to "thin", not a thinner.

I totally switched to acrylics a while ago due to the hazardous nature of oils...that and the fact that someone in my art class accidentally put his brush in his coffee and had to go to the emergency room.

I found if you buy Utrect brand acrylics they are the same consistency as oils.

Good luck experimenting.
 
ChristyK15 said:
I totally switched to acrylics a while ago due to the hazardous nature of oils...that and the fact that someone in my art class accidentally put his brush in his coffee and had to go to the emergency room.

So would you advise against my experimenting with my oil paints, since I have a cat who wants to be involved in everything I do?

Additionally, doesn't pure turpentine thin oil paints? Again, this is a harmful substance, hence my not having experimented with my oil paints yet.
 
I would advise you to be careful, especially if you have a curious fuzzy that might get into some cadmium red or cobalt blue or some other thinner that could not be good for them.

Oils are fun, but they stink and can be toxic. I have 2 small children, so acrylics are the way to go for me. The bonus is that you can set aside your work and come back to it and the paint is not dry. That could also be a bad thing if your painting falls over and gets everywhere (been there and done that).
 
I have used oils before many times. It deppends on how you want your paint texture.....thinners can work nicely. I have to say though it's not as easy as one two three to clean up. There is more work invloved then acrylics. The paints don't stink it's the thinner that does the stench.Don't they make oderless? If your careful your furry won't bother the thinner because it smells. I love the fact though if your not done with your work you can set it aside and come back to it later to play around with it. Going to an art store can be overwhelming but if you find a person who knows the products in the store they can be helpful when making your choices.
 
If you'd like to try oils, but are scared of their toxicity and messiness, (they are a *pain* to clean off brushes) try water-based oil first. Ther are often not as expenisive and essentially behave like oil, even though they are more of a mix of oil and acrylic.
 
Thanks for the advice guys! I think I'm just going to have at it and see what happens :wink:
 
Liquin oil is a good thining agent. I also find it helps some oil colours to dry a bit faster.
I personally like oil paints because I can blend them together. I'm not too big on water colour, and I've never really tried acrylics. Maybe I should give them a go. :wink:
 
Watercolours are fun. I do suggest the tablets rather than the tubes of it, though. The tubes need a LOT of watering down, at least in my experience, where the tablets are a little easier to work with. Want faint wishy-washy colours? Use tons of water on the tablet before moving the brush to the paper. Want strong colours? Just use a touch of water and start painting :)
 
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