Oil Paintings Essay Example for Free

Oil Paintings EssayThe embrocate video technique traces its roots all the way back to a time between the fifth and ninth coulomb when it was first used in Western Afghanistan, yet it was made famous and the premier kernel of expression by the Renaissance movement in the 15th century by men care Leonardo Da Vinci and Raphael (Davide 46). The reason the anele blushing mushrooming technique gained this newfound popularity was due in bad part to its ability to convey things such(prenominal) as human flesh more accurately piece of music overly giving the painter weeks in drying time to work. However, in order for us to properly recognise the oil painting technique, we must first understand its composition and ability to create. The paint itself is created apply dickens elements pigments and oil. The pigments are dry colorants, such as mineral salts and other earth types, ground-up into a fine powder and separated by color. But since the pigments could not adhere to th e painting al unmatched, oil was used as a binder to do just that. Typically, linseed oil was used because it can polymerize, and at that placefore is a drying oil (Mayer, Ralph, and Sheehan 123).However, other oils such as walnut oil, sunflower oil, and tung oil are also used, in particular if the mechanic would want to alter the drying times of the paint or lessen faint colors. A intimately example of an artist who even used different oils in the same painting was Leonardo Da Vinci, who used a combination of oils while painting Adoration of the Maji, which some speculate was for the benefit of the artist to takeover this unfinished work (www. henryfordgroup. org). supererogatoryly, there are other elements to the composition of the oil painting that back up altar the paint.In order to cook up alterations and correct elements, artists like to paint multiple layers this also gives them the prodigality of stripping off the paint already applied to the gesso (white glue that covers the medium on which the painting allow for be applied) without ruining the portions, which they would like to remain permanent. However, for the artist to do this, they need to apply thin layers of paint initially (under painting), essence they must mix the oil with a solvent such as white spirits or turpentine to dilute the oil.This is especially good for the artist using the fat over lean ethod, where each layer of paint contains more oil than the previous layer. Additional additives would also include varnishes that are usually made from damar gum crystals dissolved in turpentine, therefrom sealing the work and giving the painting a greater glossiness (Davide 47). The advantages of oil paintings include posture and versatility oil paintings completed using proper drying time and properly created are actually durable. Oil itself is non-polar and hydrophobic, meaning it will repel water, a key element in the deterioration of many pieces of art.Furthermore, oil very dr ies through oxidization, in which non-polar covalent bonds are governed by the ionic forces between functional groups and the metal ions expose in the pigment (Mayer, Ralph and Sheehan 125). The consequential result is a stable film thats bit of cinch helps prevent any bleeding or flow from gravitational pull. In terms of versatility, varnishes allow for one to work on and complete independent elements over a vast time frame, while also the stripping of the varnish allow for the proper cleaning of paintings after many years of display.Moreover, the fine pigments ground into the oil allow for greater optical effect and translucency, which makes things such as human skin pop far more life-like. And with the use of a smooth surface greater lightness is reflected in the oil painting, which the varnish will help accentuate color and depth (Mayer, Ralph and Sheehan 125). This is due to the multiple refractions the varnish helps create, indeed creating more perspective in the painting itself. There arent many disadvantages when it comes to oil painting, yet there are issues with drying time, aging, and blending.Drying time is an advantage to quite a few artists, yet those who like to use a sequence of washes in quick succession often find the oil painting technique vexed (Davide 48). Also, most curators would tell you that it takes from 60-80 years for an oil painting to finish drying. Aging cites also are a major disadvantage, especially when artists use linseed oil, which tends to yellow or darken with age. However, this aging can be stifled if the artist has the proper tools.Finally, blending can also be a key concern because the oil tends to blur together causing the painting to become muddy and taking away from istinctive properties. The oil painting technique is typically applied to a canvas that is composed of a linen or cotton cloth and wooden stretcher. The canvas can then be coated with animal glue and primed with a mixture of white paint and chalk. This medium has been very popular since the 16th century however, other mediums for oil paintings such as panels, linoleum, paper, and slate were also used (Davide 48). The canvas, though, was highly regarded for its lightweight, cheaper, and not inclined(predicate) to warping like a panel.In conclusion, the oil painting technique is still a very popular method used by artists today. However, many artists dont make their own paint, quite a they buy tubes from specialty stores, but still many of them stress the importance of knowing the components of the paint in which they are using. And as a result, those artists are able to showcase their works to the best of their abilities, because their understanding of the materials allows them to make adjustments and highlight key elements, thus putting their knowledge on par with the great painters of the Renaissance.