Oil Painting - Myth Busted

Oil painting is a popular medium among artists, but there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding this technique. Here are some common oil painting myths and the truth behind them:

Myth 1: Oil paintings cannot be finished in one sitting

False. Alla prima is a technique in which paintings can be completed in one sitting

Myth 2: Oil paints and supplies are expensive

False. Well, first up, painting is an expensive hobby. I personally feel watercolors are more expensive. Right from colors to brushes to watercolor paper, everything is expensive.

Since the demand for watercolors is more, watercolors are way more expensive than oils.

Oil brushes are not more expensive than water-color natural hair brushes. Though acrylics are cheaper, the results don't look as rich as oils.

Myth 3: Oil mediums are not safe (because it's not water-based)

False. Water-based mediums are also not safe because of the chemicals that are present in the pigments. As long as your room is well-ventilated, none of the solvents/mediums can harm you.

Myth 4: Oil painting has more procedures/processes to follow

False. There are no strict procedures to follow, you can outline with a pencil and start painting just like any other medium. Just like how you need water to wet in other mediums, you will need linseed oil. Turpentine for cleaning brushes or washes.

Myth 5: Oil paintings are messy

False. Any medium is messy when you are new to that medium. Let alone oils, even watercolors can get messy.

Myth 6: Blending and layering in oil mediums are difficult

False.It’s a technique that needs practice just like wet-on-wet or wet-on-dry techniques in watercolors or acrylics or gouache

Myth 7: Cleaning brushes is a nightmare

False. Have you tried dipping them in turpentine? (an alternative to turpentine is odorless mineral spirits or low odor mineral spirits)

Myth 8: It's hard to mix the right color

False. Just needs some practice :)

Myth 9: It’s difficult to get a realistic look

False. Just needs some practice :)

Overall, it's very important to invest in decent brushes, paints, solvents\mediums, and canvases\papers. It doesn't have to be expensive, but decent paints can help overcome some of the basics problem/myths.