Mastering Advanced Oil Painting Techniques

If you’ve ever stared at a canvas and thought, “How on earth do artists make oil paintings look so alive?” you’re not alone. I’ve been there, paintbrush in hand, wondering if my masterpiece would ever escape the realm of “meh.” But after some trial, error, and a few paint-splattered shirts, I’ve picked up some advanced oil painting skills that really bring a canvas to life. Today, I’m sharing those with you—no fancy jargon, just real talk and practical tips.

Unlocking Advanced Oil Painting Skills: The Basics You Need to Know

Before we dive into the deep end, let’s get a quick refresher on what makes oil painting special. Oil paints dry slowly, which means you have time to blend, layer, and fix mistakes. But that slow drying time can also be a curse if you don’t know how to manage it. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Layering is your best friend. Start with thin layers and build up to thicker ones. This technique, called fat over lean, keeps your painting from cracking.

• Use mediums wisely. Linseed oil, stand oil, and turpentine can change the paint’s texture and drying time. I like to mix a little linseed oil for smooth blending but keep turpentine handy to thin out paint when needed.

• Brush choice matters. Stiff bristle brushes are great for texture, while soft sable brushes help with smooth blending.

  
  

These basics set the stage for more advanced techniques. Trust me, mastering these will save you from a lot of frustration.

Palette with mixed oil paints and brushes ready for painting

Playing with Texture: Impasto and Beyond

One of the coolest things about oil painting is texture. You can literally feel the painting. Impasto is a technique where you apply paint thickly so it stands out from the canvas. It’s like giving your painting a 3D effect.

Here’s how I approach impasto:

1. Choose the right paint. Use paint straight from the tube or mix with a thickening medium.

2. Load your brush or palette knife generously. Don’t be shy—this is where you get to be bold.

3. Apply with confidence. Press the paint onto the canvas and let it pile up. You can create peaks, swirls, or even scratches for added interest.

   
   

Impasto works wonders for things like flower petals, rough tree bark, or even the glint of sunlight on water. It adds drama and invites viewers to get up close and personal with your work.

If you want to soften things up, try glazing. This is where you apply thin, transparent layers of paint over dry layers. It’s like putting a tinted window over your painting, changing the mood without losing detail.

Canvas with thick impasto oil paint strokes creating texture

The Magic of Underpainting and Scumbling

Underpainting is like the skeleton of your painting. It’s a monochrome sketch that sets the tone and values before you add color. I usually use burnt sienna or ultramarine blue for this step. It helps me see where the shadows and highlights will go.

Once the underpainting is dry, I move on to scumbling. This is a technique where you drag a dry, lighter layer of paint over a darker one, letting bits of the underpainting peek through. It’s perfect for creating atmospheric effects like mist, clouds, or worn surfaces.

Here’s a quick tip: use a stiff brush and very little paint for scumbling. It’s all about subtlety. You want to suggest texture, not cover everything up.

Both underpainting and scumbling add depth and complexity to your work. They’re like the secret sauce that makes your painting pop.

Why I Love Using Palette Knives (And You Should Too)

If you think palette knives are just for mixing paint, think again. These handy tools can create sharp edges, bold textures, and unexpected effects that brushes just can’t match.

I use palette knives to:

• Scrape off mistakes (because yes, I make plenty).

• Apply thick layers of paint quickly.

• Create clean lines or rough textures depending on the knife’s edge.

  
  

The best part? Palette knives are forgiving. You can scrape, smear, and layer without worrying about ruining your brushes. Plus, they add a bit of fun to the process—like finger painting for grown-ups.

Try experimenting with different shapes and sizes. You might find your new favorite tool.

Bringing It All Together: My Go-To Workflow for Advanced Oil Painting

After fumbling around with different techniques, I developed a workflow that helps me stay organized and creative. Here’s what I do:

1. Start with a solid underpainting. It’s my roadmap.

2. Block in colors with thin layers. This helps me avoid muddy colors.

3. Add texture with impasto or palette knives. This is where the painting starts to sing.

4. Use glazing and scumbling for depth. These layers add atmosphere and mood.

5. Finish with details and highlights. The little touches that make a big difference.

   
   

Remember, patience is key. Oil painting is a slow dance, not a sprint. Let each layer dry enough to handle without smudging, but don’t wait so long that you lose momentum.

If you want to explore more about oil painting techniques, Ayal Armon’s site is a treasure trove of inspiration and tips.

Why These Skills Matter for Collectors and Designers

You might wonder why all this talk about texture and layering matters if you’re looking for art to decorate a space or add to a collection. Here’s the thing: paintings with advanced techniques have a presence. They catch the light differently, invite touch (even if you don’t actually touch), and tell a story beyond the image.

For interior designers, these paintings can be the focal point of a room, adding warmth and personality. For collectors, they’re investments in craftsmanship and creativity. And for gift seekers, they’re unique treasures that stand out from mass-produced prints.

So, mastering these skills isn’t just about making art—it’s about creating pieces that resonate and endure.

Ready to Dive In? Grab Your Brushes and Have Fun!

If you’ve stuck with me this far, you’re probably itching to try some of these advanced oil painting skills yourself. My best advice? Don’t stress about perfection. Embrace the mess, the mistakes, and the happy accidents. That’s where the magic happens.

And if you ever feel stuck, remember that every artist’s journey is full of trial and error. Keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep painting.

Happy creating!

If you want to see some stunning examples of these techniques in action, check out Ayal Armon’s gallery. Her work beautifully showcases how advanced oil painting skills can transform a canvas into a living story.