The artist's palette may be limited, as is her medium preference.
The modern artist has many choices for mediums in which to paint. Acrylics and alkyds are recent additions to the art world. Watercolor, tempura and oil paints have been available for centuries. Originally, and even today, artists mix their own hues using the medium of choice. Oil paints have advantages the other paints do not.
Oil Paints on the Palette
Most artists will tell the novice that the slower drying time of oils makes working with the palette less frustrating. Oil paints last longer when the tubes are open and are usable for several days when squeezed out onto the palette if covered with plastic wrap when not in use. If the artist is mixing specific colors, there is no need to rush to cover the selected areas. She will be able to go back to the canvas the next day and the day after to make changes and adjustments to the painting.
Oil Paints on the Canvas
The slow drying time of oil paints makes blending of hues on the canvas easier than other paint media. If, for some reason, the artist is unhappy with a section, he may use a cloth soaked with turpentine to wash away the wet paint and start again. The canvas won't be pristine, but there will be no paint buildup interfering with the new paints as they are laid down.
Painting Surfaces
Canvas and canvas board are the most common surfaces used in any painting medium, but oils can be used on metals, wood, cardboard and glass. The surfaces should be cleaned and free of oils to keep the paint from peeling away over time.
Glazing
A technique unique to oils is painting fat over lean and applying glazes. This method begins with applying a wash of oil paints and thinner first. Colors are built up as less and less thinner is added and finally, the full strength of the paint is used. The paint is allowed to dry before applying another layer. Artists who use this method frequently have two or three paintings in process. Glazing requires a great deal of patience, but the results are unlike any other method.
