The Painting Process

Please follow along as we detail each step of the painting process

OilPaintings.com offers only the finest museum quality oil paintings that are guaranteed to be 100% hand-painted on canvas by master artists. Please be assured that we will NEVER sell any artwork that is computer or machine generated. Each and every oil painting is created solely by hand, utilizing only high quality oil paints on artist grade cotton canvas. The process of painting an oil painting is a complex one that requires the artist to be highly skilled in a wide range of artistic techniques. Our professional artists have years of training, which is absolutely essential to master the expertise necessary to paint magnificent masterpieces.

From blank canvas, to charcoal sketch, to background, shaping, detail and finishing touches; each step of the painting process is meticulously carried out and performed with great attention to detail. Every brushstroke is a testament to the artwork, and is reflected in the stunning final result. We urge you to see the quality for yourself, and select your hand-painted work of art today. Like so many of our customers, you will not be disappointed.

STEP 1 – OIL PAINTS AND ARTIST BRUSHES

Utilizing the proper oil paints is vital in creating the perfect oil painting that will last for generations to come. Our artists start with only the highest quality oil paints that are finely balanced with the proper color pigment and oil content to ensure each finished masterpiece has the most vibrant colors, while providing lasting durability and beauty.

The importance of using precise artist brushes for each individual oil painting cannot be understated. Our artists have at their disposal a wide selection of brushes with varying sizes and shapes to achieve the desired brushstroke detail. The brushes are carefully balanced with the highest level of stroke control, so our artists can accomplish their goal of painting the finest museum quality oil paintings.

STEP 2 – ARTIST GRADE COTTON CANVAS

The basis for creating museum quality oil paintings starts with the quality of the canvas. Our artists utilize only artist grade cotton canvas that is specially coated with an acid-free titanium gesso. This type of canvas is uniquely woven to ensure it will have the maximum fiber strength and durability when stretched during the framing process. Each canvas is cut to size per order, with the artist adding approximately 1.5 inches of blank canvas all around the finished painting to allow for canvas stretching.

STEP 3 – SKETCHING THE COMPOSITION OF THE OIL PAINTING

Here is where the artist starts defining the basic elements contained in the oil painting. The artist sketches an outline on the canvas, either utilizing a specially designed pencil or charcoal, to achieve the proper scale and aspect ratio of the oil painting. It is very important at this time for the artist to pay close attention to the various shapes and figures that are evident in the composition of the oil painting.

STEP 4 – APPLYING THE INITIAL COAT OF PAINT

The artist is now concentrating on filling large areas of the oil painting with the first coat of paint, utilizing a wide artist brush. The paint is applied carefully so it follows the outline sketch on the canvas, with a focus on covering most of the basic elements comprised in the oil painting.

STEP 5 – PAINTING THE SHAPES, FORMS, AND OBJECTS

At this point in the painting process, the artist is focused on applying the brushstrokes to fill in the various shapes, forms, and objects that are integral parts of the oil painting. This step requires the artist to start paying close attention to mixing the paint colors to achieve the necessary color and hue intensities. The artist will now let the painting dry before continuing to the next step of the painting process.

STEP 6 – ADDING MORE TEXTURES & COLORS

Here is where the artist will call upon their many years of experience to add various artistic techniques to the oil painting. These techniques include adding texture and depth to the canvas by applying small or large amounts of paints to the brush, resulting in varying levels of thickness to the oil paints.

STEP 7 - PAINT THE FINE DETAILS & REFINE THE COLOR PALETTE

All the fine artistic details in the oil painting are addressed at this time, including shading, highlights, color intensities, and shadows. These elements are very important aspects of the oil painting that add to the beauty and overall museum quality characteristics of our masterpieces. This is the most time consuming step in the painting process. Now is the time for the artist to carefully check the oil painting to be certain that all the finishing details are incorporated in the overall composition of the masterpiece. Any fine details will be added at this time before the stamp of approval is given by our master artist.