Oil painting has been a cherished medium for artists for centuries, and it’s easy to see why—its versatility and the beautiful, luminous results it can create are truly inspiring. At the core of this medium are the drying oils, which play a crucial role as binders for the pigments. These oils not only influence how the paint is handled but also affect the drying times and the lasting quality of the artwork. As an artist, understanding the properties of these oils can help you achieve your desired effects and ensure that your paintings endure over time. Embracing this knowledge can be rewarding, allowing you to express your creativity with confidence and care.
Linseed oil
Linseed oil, which comes from the seeds of the flax plant, is a beloved choice among many artists for oil painting. It beautifully enhances gloss and transparency, creating a strong, flexible paint film as it dries. However, I understand the concern that linseed oil can turn yellow over time, potentially affecting the vibrancy of lighter colours. To help maintain the integrity of your work, many artists find it helpful to use linseed oil for underpainting or to mix it with others that are less prone to yellowing for the upper layers. It’s all about finding the right balance to ensure your artwork remains as beautiful as you envision it.
Poppyseed oil
Poppyseed oil is a lovely, light oil that maintains transparency and is less prone to yellowing than linseed oil. This makes it an excellent choice for your whites, pale colours, and blues, ensuring they remain vibrant and authentic. It offers a beautiful buttery consistency to the paint, which many artists appreciate. Remember that it dries more slowly and may not set as thoroughly. To help prevent issues like cracking, it’s a good idea to use poppyseed oil in the upper layers of your painting. This thoughtful approach enhances your work and protects your creative vision.
Safflower oil
Safflower oil, derived from safflower seeds, can be an excellent choice for artists. It’s similar to poppyseed oil but dries a bit faster, which may be helpful in your creative process. One of its significant advantages is its reduced tendency to yellow over time, making it ideal for achieving those beautiful light hues you might be aiming for. Just keep in mind that, due to its slower drying nature, it’s best to use safflower oil in the final layers of your painting. This way, you’ll ensure your artwork looks its best!
Walnut oil
Walnut oil is a lovely pale yellow-brown oil with less yellowing than linseed oil, making it an excellent choice for artists looking to keep their colours vibrant. It dries relatively quickly, usually within four to five days, allowing you to continue working on your projects without long delays. Many artists appreciate its ability to make oil paint more fluid, especially with lighter shades. However, it’s important to note that walnut oil can be a bit pricier than linseed oil, which may be a consideration for those on a budget.
Stand oil
Stand oil is a thicker, processed version of linseed oil that has a slower drying time. It usually takes about a week to feel dry to the touch. However, it’s important to note that it may still feel tacky afterwards. Many artists find it an excellent choice for glazing, especially when mixed with a diluent or solvent like turpentine. It allows you to achieve a beautifully smooth, enamel-like finish without any visible brush marks, which can enhance your artwork.
Sun-thickened linseed oil
Sun-thickened linseed oil is made by gently exposing it to sunlight, transforming it into a thick, syrupy, and subtly lightened substance. This process closely resembles the characteristics of stand oil, allowing for a smooth brushing experience. One of the benefits you can appreciate is its minimal yellowing, making it an excellent choice for your artistic endeavours.
Choosing the right oil for your painting
Selecting the appropriate oil depends on the desired outcome and working methods:
- For faster drying: Linseed oil is preferable due to its quicker drying time, making it suitable for underpainting and initial layers.
- For pale colours, Poppyseed or safflower oils are ideal for whites and light hues because of their minimal yellowing properties.
- For glazing techniques: Stand oil or sun-thickened linseed oil, when mixed with solvents like turpentine, provides a smooth, enamel-like finish suitable for glazing.
By gaining insight into the unique properties of these oils, artists can skillfully manipulate their mediums to create stunning visual effects. This knowledge not only enhances their artistic expression but also contributes to their artworks’ long-lasting beauty and integrity, ensuring that each piece endures the test of time.