SETTING UP: oil paints and surface

Yarka Russian Primed Linen canvas

Since the Dutch invented oil painting back in the fourteenth century, oil painting has been one of the most popular and widespread mediums chosen by artists around the world. For many people who do not paint or who would like to, Oil painting seems perhaps daunting at first. Let it be known, oil painting is not as complex as people first assume. All one really needs is lots of enthusiasm and patience to learn. One also will require a small selection of brushes, a surface to paint on, should it be wood panel or canvas pre-stretched or not, a variety of color oil paints and some solvents.

Whilst many different surfaces are available to paint on, primed canvas is usually the most popular. Canvas can be bought by the yard and you can buy it already assembled or you can do this yourself providing you have the correct materials; artist stretcher frames, which are sold as single wooden slats that interlock with each other to form a frame; canvas, which is stapled to the frame; and gesso, which is applied in a couple of coats to the canvas in an even manner. This is basically used so that when you begin to paint on the canvas, the paint is not absorbed too quickly.