Simple Oil Paintings for Beginners and Basic Techniques

Welcome to the world of oil painting! Starting your journey with oil paints can be both exciting and challenging. This guide will walk you through some simple oil painting projects for beginners, suitable for those just getting started in the wonderful world of art. Whether you're inspired by Bob Ross's easy-to-follow tutorials or eager to create your own simple landscapes, we'll cover everything you need to know to get started.

Basic Oil-Painted Sunset

One of the most beautiful and simple subjects to start with is a sunset. Here’s a basic technique to help you get started:

Choose a mini canvas or panel for your first project. This size allows you to experiment without the pressure of a large canvas. Apply a thin layer of your base color, which could be a light pink or orange for the sky, using a large brush. To add depth and dimension, layer darker colors on the lower parts of the canvas to simulate the fading light. Use lighter colors higher up to capture the glow of the sunset. When you’re satisfied with your base, add in details like clouds using a smaller brush. Focus on mixing colors to get the right tones. Let your painting dry completely before adding additional layers or varnish.

Materials for Beginners

Here are some essential products you might want to consider for your first oil painting project:

Basic Oil Paint Set: Joint brushes, acrylic mediums, and oil paints in various colors are must-haves. Canvas or Board: Choose a mini canvas or a small board to start with. Paint Palettes: A good quality palette can help you mix colors better. Brushes: A variety of brushes, including round, flat, and liners, will serve you well. Canvas Tape: To protect your working area. Toxic-Isolver: A good solvent to clean your brushes and maintain a clean workspace. Protective Clothing and Gloves: To keep your clothes clean and protect your hands from the oils.

Starting with Realistic Landscapes

For those who are more inclined towards landscapes like the ones painted by Shirom, an advanced student in graphite drawing, starting with realistic painting requires a solid foundation in both drawing and painting techniques. Here are some basic steps:

Graphite Drawing: Improve your graphite drawing skills before diving into oil painting. This will help you understand proportions, shapes, and values. Brush Control: Practice using brushes to get a feel for their movement and control on the canvas. Start with basic strokes and blend colors smoothly. Basic Oil Painting Drill: Use a monochromatic approach to understand values and shading. This helps in mastering the basic use of the brush and how the paint behaves. Adding Colors: Once comfortable with the brush and monochromatic values, gradually introduce different colors and practice mixing them to get the right shades.

Still Life Artwork

Still life paintings are another great starting point for beginners. For example:

Choose Your Still Life Subject: Start with simple objects like fruits such as apples. The key is to observe their shapes, textures, and colors carefully. Paint the Background: Apply a thin layer of a neutral color on your canvas to act as a background for your objects. Paint the Objects: Using a smaller brush, detail each object. Focus on the shadows and highlights to add depth. Layering Colors: Practice layering colors to achieve the desired effect. Oil paints take time to dry, which allows for numerous layers to blend seamlessly. Final Touches: Add any final details, such as reflections or highlights, to complete your still life painting.

Remember, the key to mastering oil painting is practice and patience. Keep experimenting, and soon you'll be creating beautiful artworks with confidence.

Conclusion

Starting with simple projects like sunsets, landscapes, and still life paintings can lay the groundwork for more complex works in the future. With the right materials and a bit of dedication, you're on your way to becoming an accomplished oil painter. Happy painting!