What Happens When You Paint With Oils on Paper? Here is the Result

30/10/2018

How to paint with oils on paper is a popular topic of discussion. I posted an article last year together with a full demonstration on how to prepare your paper. It received plenty of comments and views. I have been meaning to add the follow up lesson on the painting itself. One thing and another has put that off. Until now.

In this article I show a full painting demonstration using oils on paper. I hope it helps you. Please share it with anyone you know who will find if helpful too.

Why Oils on Paper - Recap
A quick reminder on the benefits of painting on paper.

Cost Effective: Why start an unplanned painting on your nice new canvas? Odds of success are reduced when you do not plan the painting, in color, before moving onto the main event. Acolor study on paper sets you up for success.
Flexible Formats: Square, landscape, panorama , portrait? Not sure what format is best? Cut paper according to format and try it out in small form and test.
Easy to Store: You can fill one painting panel with five small color studies. Secure them with masking tape and place the panel anywhere you can see it. Use as a reference when painting. When finished the dry paintings on paper can be stored in a file, book or on the shelf out of the way. I refer to mine when teaching. These little paintings are surprisingly hardy.

So include this system as part of your process.

Does it Really Work?
Does the paper buckle? Does the oil paint ruin the paper? Does it last? All these questions! Instead watch the demonstration painting below and see for yourself.

I used ordinary watercolor paper to make the point. Better longevity will come from artist quality acid free paper. I used only two layers of gesso to prime the paper. If a want the painting to last longer I would prime both sides of the paper to keep out moisture longer. But for basic preparatory studies this quick option will be enough.

The Painting
This quick figure study is a great lesson in painting. It trains your observation skills to see the subtle shape changes. It trains you how to simplify shapes. How many shapes are required to paint a convincing or believable figure study? Less is better.

Another tip? Boy, you are keen! Use lots of paint. More than you would be comfortable with. If you look at the clump of paint on your brush and think:

"Darn that looks like a ton."

You are good to go. Put that paint down with a juicy, texture filled brushstroke and leave it alone. In the majority of cases the first stroke is correct. Resist the urge to smooth it away. Look at the image above and you can see the paint strokes.

And finally - learn to see values. If you are not sure what I am talking about do yourself a favour and start this FREE course now. Values are key to convincing paintings.

And now on with the show: