The Oil Painting Course

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Contrary to popular belief, oil is not a "difficult" medium to work with. On the contrary, it is an excellent medium for beginners because it is very easy to correct mistakes, either by erasing or repainting. Oil is also a highly flexible medium; its smooth consistency allows for considerable manipulation on the canvas, creating an endless range of textures and effects due to its slow drying time. When thinned with a solvent, it can be used to lay down subtle, transparent glazes that seem to glow with inner light. When applied directly from the tube, it can create thick, rich impastos, where the texture of the paint and brush strokes become an integral part of the final appearance of the work.