Can a 13-Year-Old Use Oil Paints?

Starting to paint at a young age can be both a fun and educational experience. Many emerging artists begin their journey at around the age of 13, much like me who started at 12 and now has painted around 3000 paintings. This article aims to explore the feasibility and safety of using oil paints for 13-year-olds, as well as offering some tips and techniques.

Appropriate Age for Oil Painting

At 13, a young artist has developed both the physical and mental capabilities to handle oil paints effectively, making it a suitable age to begin. However, it may be a good idea to start with safer alternatives like acrylics, which are less toxic and easier to clean up. Acrylics can be a fantastic transition for beginners due to their quick-drying nature, making the learning process less daunting.

Hazardous Ingredients in Oil Paints

Oil paints contain pigments that are inherently safe when used as intended, but other components such as solvents and mediums can pose some risks. Turpentine, a common solvent, can cause skin allergies and should be avoided. Instead, odorless thinners and odourless mineral spirits are safer options. Traditional solvents like turpentine are better kept in sealed containers, and I recommend using a Kilner jar with a wire filter mesh at the bottom to prevent pigment clogs.

Using Baby Oil and Water Base Oils

Using baby oil or water base oils to clean hands and brushes is a popular method, but it’s important to note that baby oil can take a long time to dry and may not be the most efficient. To clean brushes, water base oils like Liquin or stand oil are excellent choices as they dry much faster and leave less residue. New paints often don’t require much thinning, if any.

Exploring Other Mediums

As for blending techniques, it’s important to understand that pigments behave similarly in oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints. The difference lies in the mediums that hold the pigments in suspension. Oil paints, for instance, use mediums like linseed oil, while acrylics use polymer-based mediums. Different mediums affect the texture, consistency, and drying time of the paint. Experimenting with different mediums can expand your artistic capabilities and allow for more intricate and nuanced works.

Important Considerations

When starting at 13, or any age for that matter, it’s crucial to learn about the chemicals involved in painting. Watching tutorials on YouTube and reading about the subject can provide valuable insights. Young artists should understand the difference between pigments and solvents, as well as the proper use of additives. With practice and patience, they can develop a solid foundation in oil painting techniques and explore the endless possibilities of their creativity.

Conclusion

Whether a 13-year-old can use oil paints is largely dependent on how they approach the medium and the safety measures they take. Acrylics, while slightly less challenging in terms of drying time, can be a great starting point. As they grow, they can transition to oil paints with the knowledge of proper techniques and safety precautions. The key is to start young and practice consistently. The more they paint, the better they understand the medium and can truly express their artistic vision.