Tips on Painting in Oil or Acrylic

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See Also – Tips and Tricks – more tips – Framing – Be an Artist – Arrangement – Tones – Instant Art – Paint Dries Fast – Magic White – Glue Canvas – Brushes

These lists of tips has much basic knowledge about painting in oils or acrylics and the tips may also be useful for water color artists. - About Art Paints -

  1. Oil paint is thinned with turpentine or similar medium.
  2. Acrylic paint is water based.
  3. Water-color paint is not the same as acrylic paint
  4. Water-color paint is applied in a series of washes.
  5. Generally the more water-color washes, the darker the tone becomes.
  6. Pen or pencil drawings may be colored with a water-color wash.
  7. Brushes are cleaned in turpentine for oils or water for acrylic or water-colors.
  8. Oil paints are sometimes too thick and require thinning
  9. Most acrylic paints are ready to flow off the brush
  10. Some brands have 2 or more qualities of the same color, e.g. junior, student and artist
    (This information is derived from my experiences and learning and may not be correct in every detail.)

  11. Student quality is recommended for beginners, junior quality is for play schools.
  12. Artist quality paints are more expensive, some being very expensive.
  13. Quality paint does not fade away when mixed with other colors.
  14. There can be great variations in a color with different brands of paint.
  15. Paint that is too thin and runny is not easy to use.
  16. Paint should be firm like thick cream or toothpaste.
  17. Never squeeze a tube of oil paint before you buy it (it stays squeezed)
  18. Linseed oil is for experts and makes a mess of beginner’s paintings.
  19. Have plenty of white paint on hand, you will need it.
  20. Make sure you have fresh air when working, even if the paint does not smell.
  21. All paints omit fumes.
  22. Acrylic retarding medium is useful, it stops the paint drying too fast.
  23. Paint dries fast in a dry breeze.
  24. Colors – Student quality White is OK.
  25. beginners might use acrylic white house paint to practice using the brush.
  26. Artist Quality White is sometimes on the shelf too long and past it’s use by date.
  27. These are some common colors used for painting Australian landscapes Most paints are student quality White, if painting in oils Titanium White
  28. Burnt Umber. (Burnt umber and white are good colors to start practicing the brush strokes)
  29. Blue, Crimson, Warm Yellow and White are the minimum needed to paint in full color
  30. Blue. There are many blues The 3 basic blues are, Ultramarine, Cobalt and Prussian – morning, noon and night
  31. Good strong blues for mid-day skies are Phthalo blue or Windsor blue. (Both artist quality)
  32. For distant mountains and for mixing greys, Cobalt blue or Cerulean blue or Cool Blue, Crimson or Cool Red, Alizarin Crimson, Crimson Lake, all give a similar result. Add a little Raw Sienna to turn a purple to grey.
  33. Warm Yellow or Cadmium or Cadmium deep, all look more like an orange than a lemon.
  34. Indian yellow is warm and bright when used with white. The color of golden wheat.
  35. Here are 2 colors similar to Indian yellow – Australian sienna, Australian red-gold.
  36. Burnt sienna, a red-brown soil color, when mixed with blue makes a black
  37. Raw sienna, a distant yellow
  38. Viridian or Phthalo green or Prussian green used mainly for green tints.
  39. Warm red or Cadmium red or Vermilion – fire engine red – used only in the foreground
  40. A basic list of art Colors -      White – Phthalo blue – Cobalt blue – Crimson – Warm red – Burnt sienna – Warm yellow -Raw sienna – Viridian – Burnt Umber.
  41. Warm and cool Colors -  Similar to fire, warm colors are colors close to you while cool colors are seen in the distance.
  42. Fire engine red is very warm, lemon yellow is cool,  burnt sienna is warm,  raw sienna is cool.
  43. If raw sienna is placed on a white background the raw sienna looks warm.
  44. In nature all colors fade into a cooler blue or grey as they move into the far distance.
  45. Tones of color means light or heavy, pale or dark, soft or strong.
  46. Use a flat palette You cannot pick up paint with a painting knife from a dished palette.
  47. A palette must not be porous, use a sealed surface so the paint will not soak in and dry out.
  48. Some good pallets are a piece of glass, wall or floor tile, large dinner plate, scrap of artist’s canvas
  49. Tear off palette pads are very useful.
  50. If working with children, use shallow dishes so the brushes do not go deep into the paint pot.
  51. Brushes -   Hog bristle brushes are used for oil or acrylic painting.

  52. Hog bristle is a firm bristle, usually a white bristle.
  53. Many hardware stores stock a good range of hog bristle art brushes.
  54. Small soft hair brushes are used for fine lines and can be bought at the newsagent.
  55. Long or short handle makes no difference.
  56. The size of the brush is stamped on the handle.
  57. Different brands of brushes have different numbers for the same sized brush.
  58. Common house painting brushes may be used.
  59. Very soft, big brushes are of no use, they become sloppy when loaded with paint.
  60. It is wise to have several similar favorite brushes, they do wear out.
  61. A fan brush can be made by driving a clout down the middle of a round brush.
  62. Kerosene is ok for cleaning brushes after oil painting.
  63. Hold a small soft haired brush under hot running water to regain its pointy shape.
  64. Do not clean your brushes excessively while painting.
  65. Clean your brush with a cloth each time before picking up paint.
  66. A brush will retain its desired shape if cleaned with a cloth while painting.
  67. Wipe your painting knife every time before picking up paint.
  68. Canvas  - Artist’s canvas comes in rolls and can be purchased by the yard or meter.
  69. The common width for canvas is 52 inches A standard roll is about 6 yards long.
  70. Much larger and wider roles are not uncommon.
  71. There are many different qualities of artist canvas.
  72. Pre-primed canvas is undercoated ready to accept the paint, Oil or Acrylic.
  73. Stretched canvas on frames can be useful but expensive for learning to paint.
  74. Prepared artist panels are cardboard with a primed canvas surface.
  75. Pre-primed canvas, stretched canvas and canvas panels are for painting in oils or acrylics.
  76. An ideal situation is for primed canvas to be pinned down on a firm, flat surface.
  77. Mask off with masking tape the area to be painted leaving about a 2 inch border.
  78. Canvas can be glued to hard board with PVA glue (white colored woodwork glue).
  79. The canvas can be glued down before or after being painted.
  80. Some canvas will shrink when wet Some canvas will wrinkle while being glued down but will soon flatten out.
  81. Hard board, primed with flat PVA house paint is OK to paint on with Oils or Acrylics.
  82. Hard board is Masonite, Craft wood, Custom wood etc. Some plywood is ok.
  83. When under coating hard board, finish all the final brush strokes in the one direction.
  84. Plaster board walls are great to paint on but must be under coated with water based paint.
  85. If painting on metal surfaces such as milk cans or saw blades, use oil primer and oil paint.
  86. Small scenes can be painted on gum leaves – they look good.
  87. Picture Frames   Most oil or acrylic paintings do not require glass when framed.
  88. Most oil or acrylic paintings do not require a colored mount around the painting.
  89. It is easier to paint a picture to suit a frame than to find a frame to suit a picture.
  90. A picture frame should be of the same style as the furniture in the room where it hangs.
  91. Nowadays stretched canvases may be hung without a frame, it looks modern.
  92. A dark frame will enhance the perspective in a landscape painting.
  93. Varnishing - Paintings with a final varnish are less likely to become marked and are easier to clean.
  94. Varnish may be gloss or matt.
  95. Gloss varnish reflects light like a mirror making it difficult to view the painting at times.
  96. Matt varnish does not reflect light.
  97. Varnish can be brushed on or sprayed from a pressure packed can.
  98. When varnishing, lay the painting face up on newspaper in a dust free area.
  99. Pressure pact spraying may need 5 coats, the spray is very fine.
  100. Use only Artist Picture Varnish.
  101. The same varnish is used for oil or acrylic paintings.
  102. A varnished painting may be cleaned using a nail brush with pure soap and water.
  103. Learning  –  Learning to paint with brush or knife is similar to learning to eat with chop sticks.
  104. The brush is an extension of the hand and takes a little time to co-ordinate.
  105. The co-ordination of the hand and brush can be practiced without producing a picture.
  106. Learn to use the brush by painting squares, curves and circles etc. in one brush stroke.
  107. Doodling with the brush is great practice.
  108. Painting is an acquired skill requiring practice.
  109. It is ok to copy.
  110. It is ok to paint the same picture over and over.
  111. It is ok to use a ruler or compass or anything to get the desired effect.
  112. Mistakes can often be seen when the work is viewed in a mirror.
  113. Painting many little pictures at the one time is a good way of learning.
  114. Practice clouds, foliage, grass, reflections etc. individually.
  115. Brush strokes can be practiced any time without producing a complete picture.
  116. Each time you pick up the brush your skills will improve, even when painting the garden shed.
  117. Mistakes are part of the learning process; you learn what not to do.
  118. Take time to think about and observe the rules of perspective drawing.
  119. Take time to observe how colors fade into the distance in a landscape.
  120. Keep your first paintings to look back on.
  121. Paint for the fun of it.
  122. While painting, stand or sit correctly, you might be there longer than you expect.
  123. If you like to draw in black and white, try painting in black and white.

Have you ever wondered what a real professional artist does week after week? Well, have a look at Anat Ronen’s work and while you are looking she is possibly working, brush in hand.  This is really good. go to The Amazing Anat Ronen
 Lets Paint
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26 comments on “Tips on Painting in Oil or Acrylic”

  1. jothi on said:

    sir ur paintings great really i was learn about your paintings lots thank sooooooo much

  2. Som on said:

    Thank you so much sir

  3. admin on said:

    Am not sure what canvas you have picked up at the hardware store but it might not be artist’s canvas and very hard to get ready for painting on. I use primed artist’s canvas from an art supplies store, it is under-coated ready to start painting on without any further preparation. The weight seems to be not important unless I am doing a big one, then a strong canvas might be needed.
    PS. Am wondering where you are. My family came from Dunedoo NSW.
    cheers Len

  4. Annie on said:

    Howdy Len,
    I live quite far from a larger town and have no access to art classes or teachers out here. Your lessons and the information you share have made me as giddy as a child who just received a spectacular gift. Thank you.
    What weight is the canvas you use in your videos? The one I picked up at the hardware shop is quite a bit more rugged and heavier than yours, and I would prefer to paint on a lighter, softer looking canvas.
    Thanks again, Len Hend!

  5. admin on said:

    Sorry i do not have water color lessons.
    You can try following my arrangements with your water colors.

  6. anneRR on said:

    Hi Len,

    Thank you very much for the free lessons. They are easy to follow and. and am able to produce excellent results.But the problem is the acrylic paints are a bit expensive. So I am also interested in painting with watercolours. Do you also have free painting lessons using water colours? I would really appreciate if you do.. Thank you.

  7. G. S. on said:

    My very dear Len,
    I totally agree with Sonja. It is truly wonderful to see your sharing tips and techniques without trying to make a “buck” simply out of your genuine passion for painting and generosity to share the treasure of your great knowledge, expertise & experience with others.
    I also feel very blessed to have come across your site. May the Lord bless you & your loved ones with all that is good.

  8. Heema on said:

    HI Len,
    Thank you so much for sharing such a nice information.As a beginner to acrylic painting , I must say this is one of the best site for learning perspective.
    With Best Regards..

  9. admin on said:

    Hi Lila
    I use any paint I can get but prefer Winsor and Newton in acrylics.
    I do have a litttle trouble with it drying too fast but have no definite solution.
    Have a look at my ‘Acrylic Paint Dries too Fast’ page and you might find lots of usefull info on my ‘Tips’ page.
    Len.

  10. Lila on said:

    Hello Len,
    I LOVE your lessons and have done the first two and am looking forward to all the others.

    I do have a question though. The paints I bought are sticky and thick and very hard to thin down and work with. What kind of paint do you use? I am working with acrylic. Also, do you have any other tips on what kind of brushes and anything else needed for a beginner at the age of, well let’s just say over 40.

    Thanks again for your great lessons!

    Lila

  11. admin on said:

    Thank you Maria
    I am too old and too buisy to do workshops now. Nowdays I like going to Thailand for a break where my wife has family
    Cheers
    Len

  12. Maria Badger on said:

    Hi Len – I love the way you capture the colours and beauty of the outback. Living in the out back yourself you must be inspired every day by God’s creation. I have only just discovered your paintings, and DVD’S. I find them very inspiring and helpfull. I was having lessons once a week, but my teacher is busy teaching in one the university in Adelaide. I have only started painting last year, Iam a late starter but thats ok better late than never. Iam still finding my way with what type of art, so I would like to combine landscape with abstract, at the moment Iam focusing all my attention on painting a waterfall with a billabong in the compostion. My favourite painting of waterfalls is the one that you paint as a speed painting on you tube. The big waterfall, its just magnificent, I tried the doingthe follage with the yellow and purple on the brush I didnt get the same effect I have not mastered it yet. But thanks to you I have mastered to a degree the reflections in the billabong I am very pleased with the result because if you saw my first attempt at a water seen well it wasnt very good I was going to throw it out but my Hubby told me not to. Anyway I guess It is their for a reference as to how I have improved. Do you ever come to Adelaide for any work shops, do you have any workshops anywhere else. Thanks for sharing your skills and insight with others bless you regards
    Maria

  13. admin on said:

    Hi – My painting lessons channel was complicating my website setup but now all my videos can be seen on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/speedpaintingdvds and at http://www.youtube.com/paintwithlen
    Tell your friends
    Have a good day
    Len

  14. MalaBharati on said:

    Hi Len,
    Regards from India.
    I just want to say ‘Thank You’ for your vedeos.They are becomes very essential for me..I am 49 yrs and I know nothing about art though I had a dream and love for paint always. The “Snow capped Peaks” was my first vedeo and it inspired me so much.I have drawn some of your vdo..It is not so good. But I felt happy .I did not know so much happiness was hiddedn to draw a picture. So, I just want to say many many thaks and regards to you. Sorry for my poor english
    May I know why have you deactivated your channel”paintinglessons”.It was very helpful for us..
    God Bless You

  15. Len on said:

    Thank you Mario and my best wishes are with you.
    Len

  16. Mario on said:

    Hi Len,

    I just found your wonderful site and want to thank you so much for your great tips and free lessons!

    As a child I spent a lot of times drawing all kinds of pictures but I never made a real attempt of painting. Many years went by in wich I did not touch a pencil or a brush at all – until this year.

    I started painting with acrylics some months ago without a teacher. I started with passion but without any technique.

    Reading your tips I found out some mistakes I made in my pictures. Without these mistakes thy woud look much more professional. I don´t want to copy but create my own style. Still there are a lot of basic rules which I want to learn.
    For instance the colors: I painted some pictures in “unreal” colors to create a dream- or fantasy-like landscape. I still like my compositions but with your tips I could do much better! I still would use these “fantasy-colors” but I would follow the rules and use pale cool tones in the background and bright warm tones in the foreground to achieve this special three dimensional look!

    Most ideas for pictures come to me at nighttime and I paint them the following day. One of your tips will be the HARDEST for me:
    “Do not try to paint a masterpiece till you can use the tools, just paint simple pictures.” – I always come up with ideas of very complex pictures and often I struggle through the process as I am not satisfied with my results until I “overpaint” the canvas several times.

    I will do some of my pictures again using your wonderful tips and then send you “before – after – photos” of them so you can see the difference. I can´t wait to start!

    I am very devoted and want to learn from one of the best I ever came across – from you.

    With kind regards and best wishes for you
    Mario

    P.S.: Sorry for my English – it´s not my mothertongue.
    P.P.S.: I´ll be an elementary school teacher next year and so I know about teaching well. I really must say from your videos and tips that you are an amazing teacher!!! You come straight to the point and you have such a motivating and very kind manner of teaching. I´m fascinated!!!

  17. Franc on said:

    Hi, I liked your video lesons your work is briliant. Tanks for the tips, a beginer needs lots of help. Regards Franc

  18. Carolyn Robinson on said:

    Hi Len, I too wish to say a big thankyou for your tutorials, I had oil lessons many years ago,these were not a thorough as what I have now learnt watching you work – it has been thirty years ago when I did paint,
    I have just started to paint again @ 60 and with your help I am so happy to be learning again
    I and many other people are very grateful for your knowledge your time and advice, above all keep on “dab dab dab’n” cheers till we all see you next lesson time :-)

  19. Bob on said:

    Hi Len, I am going on 70 and have the bug to give it a go . I have scanned many sites to learn about Oils. I have not been able to find out the simplest info, like what brushes I need to start etc. Yesterday I found you, the knowledge passed on from your free sites have been an inspiration to me I have now an idea were to start, thankyou.
    Your DVD’s for sale, appear to be a bit to exy for me but.

  20. Len on said:

    Thank you all for your kind remarks.
    I am presently working on my small farm in Australia and mentally gathering information for my new series of free art lessons which I will start filming and editing next August (2012) when I return to my studio in Chiang Mai Thailand.
    P.S. Don’t forget to wipe your brush clean before loading it with paint and dab dab dab.
    Cheers
    Len

  21. sonja on said:

    Hi, just wanted to say how wonderful it is to see an artist like yourself sharing tips and techniques for free. Our world has changed so much in the recent years, and there are so many people just out to make a “buck”. Your openness and genuine passion for painting shines through, and I feel very blessed to have come across your site. I have been drawing and painting for 38 years now, and still always find there is a new perspective to learn and grow from, and I truly appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge. Painting has always been a passion of mine, and it never gets old to me :) I hope you will continue to share and inspire others beginner to advanced. I do not believe we ever really arrive, we just continue to journey. May your journey be a long and successful one. :)

  22. anne vanderpol on said:

    Hey Len, what a great set of tips, thanks heaps. I have down loaded them for I see great sence and value in them.I am sending for your set i&2 of speed painting, and know they shall go well with the tips in the beginning of my journey of painting at 64 years old.Cheers mate from Anne.

  23. ciccio on said:

    sponsorizzami e vengo in australia con la mia famiglia.

  24. aziz on said:

    What a wonderful paint….You are the best Len

  25. Dan Boseley on said:

    Fantastic site it has been a real inspiration to me thanks very much, I have ordered some DVDs

  26. Len on said:

    Tina – I had a look at your work, you have done very well, thank you.

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