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Still life with oils step by step

Video: “Oil Painting Tutorial - Painting a STILL LIFE in OILS - Pears + Glazing Techniques!” by Andrew Tischler on YouTube.

Still Life with Oils Step by Step

Welcome to your guide on creating a beautiful still life with oil paints! In this tutorial, we will walk you through the materials you need, key techniques to master, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, you'll find valuable insights here.

What You'll Need

Before you start painting, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Oil Paints: A basic set including primary colours (red, blue, yellow), white, and a dark colour like ultramarine or burnt umber.
• Brushes: A range of sizes, including flat and round brushes. Look for brushes specifically designed for oil painting.
• Palette: A wooden or glass palette for mixing your colours.
• Canvas or Canvas Board: Choose a size that suits your workspace.
• Palette Knife: Useful for mixing paint and applying thick layers.
• Mediums: Linseed oil or a glazing medium to help with blending and transparency.
• Rags or Paper Towels: For cleaning brushes and wiping excess paint.
• Reference Photo: If you have specific fruits or objects in mind, take a photo or set them up as your still life.

Key Techniques Step by Step

1. Setting Up Your Still Life

Place your chosen objects, such as pears, on a table. Consider the arrangement and lighting, as this will impact the final piece. Natural light works best, so try to position your setup near a window.

2. Sketching the Composition

Using a light pencil or thin paint, sketch the outline of your still life on the canvas. Keep the shapes simple; you can refine details later.

3. Blocking In the Base Colours

Start with a large brush and apply the base colours of your objects. Don’t worry about details; focus on getting the right tones and shapes. This is where you lay down the foundation of your painting.

4. Layering and Blending

Once the base layer is dry, begin to add more layers. Use a smaller brush for details, and remember to blend colours where necessary. Techniques like glazing can enhance the depth of your work. For glazing, mix a small amount of paint with your medium and apply it over dried layers.

5. Adding Highlights and Shadows

To give your still life a three-dimensional look, add highlights where light hits the objects and shadows where they recede. This contrast helps in creating depth and realism.

6. Final Touches

Step back and assess your painting. Add any final details or corrections. This might include adjusting colours, refining edges, or enhancing highlights and shadows.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Even seasoned artists can make mistakes, but being aware of common pitfalls can help you improve more quickly. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Overmixing Colours: While mixing is essential, avoid making a uniform colour. Some variation adds interest.
• Ignoring Drying Times: Oil paint dries slowly, so allow layers to dry before applying more paint to avoid muddy colours.
• Too Much Detail Too Soon: Focus on the overall composition first. Details can be added later once you have a solid foundation.
• Not Using Enough Medium: If your paint feels thick and unworkable, try adding more medium to improve its flow.

Wrap-Up

Congratulations on taking the first steps to create your own still life with oils! Remember, practice is key in developing your skills, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Each painting is a learning experience. Enjoy the process, and have fun experimenting with colours and techniques. Happy painting!