This is the "Van Gogh style." You apply the paint thickly—sometimes straight from the tube—using a brush or a palette knife. It creates a 3D texture that catches physical light on the canvas. 3. The Golden Rule: "Fat Over Lean"
Grab a canvas and start experimenting with the "Alla Prima" method today! Oil Painting How Techniques and Materials
Look for "Hog Hair" brushes for heavy application and "Synthetic Sable" for smooth details. Get a variety of shapes: Flats, Filberts, and Rounds. This is the "Van Gogh style
Oil paint stays wet for days, which is its greatest strength. Here are three ways to use that to your advantage: The Golden Rule: "Fat Over Lean" Grab a
This means "at once." You complete the painting in one session while the paint is still wet. This is great for capturing light quickly and achieving a spontaneous, painterly look.
You’ll need Odourless Mineral Spirits (OMS) to clean brushes and Linseed Oil to thin the paint and make it flow. Palette: A wooden board or a glass pane to mix your colors. 2. Core Techniques to Get You Started
Stretched canvas or canvas boards are standard. Ensure they are primed with Gesso so the oil doesn't rot the fabric over time.