Easy Oil Painting Techniques EVERYONE Should Know! (Step by Step Oil Painting Tutorial)

For most beginners, oil painting is something difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it’s pretty simple to paint a portrait study like this one. Don’t believe me ? Today I will be showing you how to practice, we’ll start with a simple form, an egg, using the three most basic pigments we can find and then I’ll show you how this simple process can evolve gradually to achieve this. From simple to complex, progressively. That’s the name of the game. I want to show you that oil painting doesn’t have to be intimidating, you can start today and follow along. Make sure you stay until the end because I will share with you my most important recommandation if you’re teaching yourself to paint
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:50 First exercise
08:40 Second exercise, portrait study
20:46 The mindset of a self-taught artist
Model picture for the portrait study:
www.florentfarges.com/wp-cont...
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About me (bio) :
Website :
www.florentfarges.com
I am an artist living and working in France. I learned the techniques of the Atelier of the Nineteenth century and now I try to share some of my knowledge with the rest of the world, because I think that beauty still has an important role to play in artistic creation. I do mostly drawing and oil painting, and my goal is always to provide techniques, thoughts and explanations that can be useful to anyone, from beginners to more advanced artists.
The material I use most of the time (not necessarily in this video) :
Drawing
✓ Kneaded eraser
✓ Plumb line (DIY)
✓ Small mirror
✓ An old synthetic brush
✓ Masking tape
✓ Cutter
✓ Sandpaper or sanding block
✓ Mahlstick or Hand rest (DIY)
✓ Level ruler
Graphite
✓ Pencils 2H, HB and 2B
Charcoal
✓ If available: Nitram charcoals (H, HB and B)
✓ Square charcoals
Black and white chalk
✓ Sketch pencil Conté white
✓ Square Conté noir : HB and 2B
✓ Chalk or pencil holder
✓ Pencil sketch Conté Pierre noire : H and HB
Sanguine
✓ Sketch pencil Conté : Blood and blood Medici
✓ Crayon Polychromos Faber-Castel : sanguine
✓ Sketch pencil Conté white
Oil painting
Palette
(Extra-fine paint, recommended brands depending on availability: Sennelier, Lefranc Bourgeois, Winsor and Newton, Royal Talens Rembrandt, Blockx, Michael Harding, Gamblin)
✓ Titanium White PW6
✓ Flake White (or substitute) PW1
✓ Cadmium Yellow light (or "lemon") PY35
✓ Yellow Ochre PY42
✓ Raw Umber PBr7
✓ Transparent Red Oxyde PR101
✓ Burnt Umber PBr7
✓ Venetian Red PR101
✓ Pyrrole Red PR255
✓ Quinacridone Rose PV19
✓ Quinacridone Magenta PV19
✓ Ultramarine Blue PB29
✓ Mars Black PBk11
✓ Cobalt Teal Blue (turquoise light) PG50
✓ Phthalo green warm PG36
Brushes
✓ Filbert hog bristle and Synthetic sizes n° 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12
✓ Flat Synthetic brushes (same size)
✓ Round sable brush or round Kolinsky sable n° 4, 8, 10, 12 (from the size of the nail (about one inch) or synthetic imitation
Medium
✓ Linseed stand oil
✓ Odorless mineral spirits
✓ Or Alkyd medium (Liquin, Galkyd, Flow'n'Dry etc.)
✓ Safflower oil
Surface
✓ Linen canvas, fine grain universal coating
✓ For studies : Canson oil-acrylic oil paper Figueras
Others
✓ Palette
✓ Sponge and spalter brushes
✓ Palette knife in the shape of a water drop, no souldering
✓ A few small pots, containers, jars...
✓ Paper towels
***
#art #painting #inspiration
***
Thanks for watching !

[@lexdemonica]

If you ever have a down day Florent, remember we love you and appreciate your for the gift you give us and the magical human that you are.

[@lopezelba1]

The humbleness and the kindness used to share your knowledge and utmost talent is an inspiration all on its own. I’ve always been amazed and in awe of oil painter’s, you are correct in saying it is intimidating and seems to be one of the most complicated mediums. Yet it’s rich and beautiful and I simply love to see it manipulated into beautiful expression. So thank you for the inspiration.

[@BJones-yw4dd]

Very well said, Elba! I so appreciate and admire Florent's generosity and skill...

[@Berta6742]

Expression is not just on the face of the subject but also on the hand of the artist thank you

[@manicangel7796]

Omgosh.. I just saw you on a PBS documentary for da Vinci. I was looking away from the television when I heard your voice. I was shocked and thrilled at same time when I quickly turned around and saw you. Congratulations are most definitely in order. And may I say.. well earned.

[@Kocchiheoide]

What an eggcellent eggcercise!

[@jeromecorsi2126]

Merci Florent! Still on the fence to jump into oil but your videos are so interesting and informative! Looking forward to your next videos!

[@mimizone]

Thank you for all the tips, your nice spirit and especially for your kind words at the end

[@susanmarcoux7005]

Thank you Florent. I appreciate your videos ❤

[@mygally]

Thank you so much. I have been struggling with tones and this is the best tutorial I have watched. The 3 colours burnt sienna, ivory black and titanium white is the best combination. Having them as my best colour combo and add some other colours on top is awesome. Love love love your tutorial, I can finish a portrait in a short time!

[@rebekahaurie6252]

Thank you! You are a great teacher and artist. Very helpful.

[@Ane_artdesigns]

Realism portrait is my target goal. I love your motivational, insightful, and uplifting advice in the end. 🔥🔥🔥

[@mrcrypto.1064]

Iv been painting for over 15 years and iv learned alot of small things I just never thought of. Thanks for all the help.

[@holocoffin]

This was really encouraging. I'm reteaching myself oil painting after focusing on drawing and watercolor for years. What you said about leveling up really applies to my other passion, guitar! Playing accurately slowly will allow one to eventually play accurately and fast! Incredible how this kind of thing applies to so many different fields. Breaking everything down into little bite sizes and then mastering those makes everything achievable. Much love!

[@leonormartinez6378]

I’m such a fan of your instructions. I started painting over covid due to medical reasons and love it. However, I haven’t attempted portraits. I’ll take one of your courses one of these days.

[@a.jacquelynn]

I love all of your videos so much. Thank you so much!

[@catherinecervas3726]

Thank you Florent!

[@jasonchen6608]

The whole video was super helpful but the end was especially encouraging and eye-opening for me. Thanks for this video

[@davidsilverhawk3732]

Wow! Thank you so much! You are a great teacher! I am going to start painting for the first time! I know I will keep refiring back to this tutorial for the rest of my painting life!!!! Your choice of words and the manner of how you express these thoughts is very Zen like ! I learn best from a teacher of your nature! Thank You so much for this wonderful knowledge! Most Greatful!!!

[@nikkiswenson54]

I appreciate you videos, Florent! I love portraiture very much, and it always improves one small step at a time as you said! ❤️

[@FlorentFargesarts]

That's great 👍 glad my work can be helpful 😀

[@drodriguezsr]

You’re an excellent instructor 🎨💫

[@afafyounaki608]

Thank you so much for teaching me the easy way to paint,, it's great 👍 👍 💐

[@giancarlozavattinart9898]

Great video as always !

[@JackDespero]

What an amazing video. Thank you so much for sharing. I always wanted to paint oil, but since I do not have place to paint, I keep postponing it, but I will try hard to find a place to do it and start.

[@denisemitchell2498]

Thank you for the words of encouragement! Your tutorial is very instructive.

[@FlorentFargesarts]

You are so welcome! 🙏✨🎨

[@svahas]

Hi Florent! I love your classical renaissance approach to portraits! It is my style too!

[@FlorentFargesarts]

Glad you like my work 😊 ✨🙏

[@trisht5064]

thank you very enjoyable and informative 👍

[@Reb0rta]

This was super helpful thank you so much!

[@susanperrine8511]

I listen to your lessons while I work. I can't follow along with painting during that time, but I find myself remembering specific phrases and tips you give during these exercises when I'm able to draw and paint later. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos and share with us.

[@gelflingfay]

Alpay Efe is brilliant to do this with also.

[@Bindismom]

You are so easy to listen to and follow. I thank you for your valuable information and excellent instructions and examples.👍💖🙏

[@FlorentFargesarts]

You are so welcome! Glad my work is useful 🙏😊❤️

[@CitrusDragon13]

Thanks! This was so helpful

[@DemagogeMic]

Thank you so much for this video. It was incredibly insightful. I was considering to try to paint with oils (or actually paint at all) for a long time. I might actually start now. What I really found interesting was the part of you talking about brush control being also about choosing the right brush. Could you help with a beginners set of brushes, one would need to start painting in oils? I wish you all the best and from now on I am subbed.

[@angietiu6184]

Thank you for sharing your talent, your exertise…

[@manuelarias6007]

That's the best egg I've ever seen

[@TalboiArts]

Great video,I’m getting to painting soon

[@babettevallee2690]

Thank you for this video. It’s very easy to understand and a perfect way to show us what to do. I usually use acrylic & haven’t been doing that long. Bought some oils & want to try it. Thanks for your help & encouragement.

[@neogerula]

You have to do it and you have to succeed doing this. Beauty and harmony is something that is waiting for us all, that is why.

[@M.O.1981]

Thank you.

[@stephenfularz7573]

Good painting advice.

[@gamingrhyser716]

I will start after I get oil paint

[@thechurchofnewbeginningsro5607]

Thank you for making this simple for us. I would like more detailed information on brush strokes and techniques and which brushes to use. I don’t know why I struggle with that so much. I have watched all of your videos on these topics and they have been helpful. But which brushes blend but don’t cause breaks in the blend work, synthetic or natural for what type of blending and painting, etc. Experience and practice will be necessary but how important are brushes versus skill?

[@hevoskuiskaaja2008]

Thank you very much for this video

[@FlorentFargesarts]

Glad it was helpful! 🙏✨😊

[@MultiProductShowcase]

I loved the eggsercise

[@helmutdanninger1510]

Dear Florent, i have bought your tutorial already and i am really happy with it. Please could you consider to make a tutorial which considers such step by step paintings in an easy way for beginners? I.e. to paint an egg, apple etc. which becomes more and more difficult. In your tutorial you have a portrait lesson which is a little bit to difficult for me. I would love to buy such a separate tutorial.

[@FlorentFargesarts]

Hi Helmut, thanks for your comment. Sure, it's a good idea. So far, I was doing exercises more on KZbin and Patreon but why not make a separate course out of it.

[@helmutdanninger1510]

@@FlorentFargesarts yes, please! The problem with tutorials on youtube and Patreon is that there is often no structured way. I struggle with that a lot because in one video this is described and in another that...in your tutorial i can watch one video after another

[@christianedeschenes7159]

🤩 merci beaucoup

[@ElizabethBattle]

When I studied oil painting in college, I used to do a wash on blank canvas, then make a pencil or charcoal sketch over it after it dried. 🙂 But then, you can't wipe off some of the wash in the lighter areas. So there's that... Thank you for this tutorial. It's extremely insightful -- I had no idea that the basis for all flesh tones comes down to various ratios of ivory black, white, and burnt sienna! Amazing

[@FlorentFargesarts]

Thanks Elizabeth, a lot of pigments can make good flesh tones but you can never go wrong with these three 😊✨✨✨🎨🎨🎨

[@shannenkroon9794]

Absolutely love this video. I was wondering what brand your easel is and where I can get one??? It’s so cool and very convenient!

[@tituswilliams8063]

J’adore ton tuto j’arrête pas de le regarder en boucle 😂 du coup ma cuisine est remplie de pain tire d’œuf 😝

[@rennley_]

hi Florent! curious about how you have your Sienna pochade set up there… do you just have it mounted on a ball head tri-pod tilted up vertically? it looks very comfortable to paint that way.

[@noshiii]

Hi florent! I’m interested in the easel you’re using in the video! I checked the description and I didn’t see it listed(or maybe I missed it?) I wanted to ask what brand it’s from or if you have a link to it on Amazon? Thank you and amazing paintings as always!

[@ruthbosveld449]

A great suggestion to draw an outline with hard coloured pencil!

[@FlorentFargesarts]

Thank you! It's a pretty useful trick !

[@jonaholiver143]

Florent, I have trouble painting the black outline as my paint seems to smudge. I think I may need a smaller brush, but I’m not sure if it’s the canvas or my technique. I use Winsor and newton oil paint on canvas panels. Any suggestions?

[@CarolinaKasey]

Hello, I’m new to your channel and what I recognize is you don’t blend you add transitional values as Chris Fonataro an oil painter he’s also amazing at oil painting as you. The first exercise was simple and flawless the way you paint. I think this could help me because I’m so focused on the details which is why I’m a perfectionist and I’m breaking out of that habit making mistakes and fixing it later.

[@BakerImageGroup]

Great video! What camera are you using?

[@shuvoDhar.5537]

Very nice❤❤❤❤

[@FlorentFargesarts]

Thanks 😊✨✨✨🎨🎨🎨

[@melhanlon1731]

I’m just getting started and I’m struggling with the texture of canvas and/or paper I am using. I prefer a smooth surface. How do I prep the canvas and paper I have so that it is smooth?

[@cleanhouse9512]

This is amazing.. and it’s so funny cause I keep hearing him say eggsercise lol

[@tristanw3626]

When painting do I have to dip the brush in the medium then in the paint or the other way round?

[@iSAYfml]

I'm confused on blending. Are you using another clean brush to blend? And do you clean the brush after every color? I haven't used oil paints in 10 years, and I want to get into portrait painting again. Do you have a tutorial step by step for portrait?

[@danielagialluca315]

Dear Florent, I think I saw one of your videos in which you explain all about oil paints and mediums and where to be more careful regarding them being toxic. However, I do not remember that you explained that you should wear gloves when painting with oils. Now, I noticed you wearing them in this video in part of this video? Thank you for your content. Always very much appreciated. Daniela

[@FlorentFargesarts]

Just using gloves when I needed to wope off paint with paper towel, so only in the first few minutes. Not mandatory if you’re careful not to touch but it's always nice to take precautions.

[@caitcasali3207]

My aunt is an instructor and she told me to wear gloves when using any cadmium colors. Is that true or necessary in your opinion? Thanks

[@LeaWarring]

I would like information on how I can take your classes

[@nataliaborosova9677]

What brand and type of brushes are you using for this piece if I may ask?They leave a beautifully smooth finish ❤️

[@FlorentFargesarts]

Mostly synthetic of various Brands, hard to keep track, the big oval (very smooth) is a Daler Rowney oval wash. Check the description, I have a list of material with suggested brushes.

[@nataliaborosova9677]

Thank you so much 🙏😊

[@user-br6yr8wr2q]

What is the pole you keep hooking on top of your canvas? Is it just a way to keep your balance? Or is it something more technical?

[@andreasmartins3075]

What is the redish color he added later in the middle of the palette?

[@caitcasali3207]

What is the stick-like object that you are holding with your other hand & what is the purpose of it & the advantage of using it to paint? It seems like you use it when painting smaller detailed areas please elaborate & tell us where we can buy one. Thanks for the awesome lesson! I like your style!

[@babettevallee2690]

It helps to steady the hand and use of it keeps him from touching the wet paint on the painting. It’s like when you lay your arm and hand down on the surface when you draw. I know the question wasn’t for me, but I thought I’d help. Please excuse the intervention. Not sure if you buy those. I know some make them, I believe.

[@butters190580]

Is there somewhere I can see the finished painting

[@seano1642]

Please, what's that stick you're using and where to get one! Thanks for this video! Really appreciate as I'm preparing myself to learn oil! I'm a total noob really but I've painted many " Abstracts" in acrylic but have a deep desire to do portraits etc. in oil! I live in an enclosed space and always think/thought about the smell! This one aspect of painting with oils has literally stifled me, but I've been learning more about it so I think I can spend the money for supplies and take the leap!💪🏻😎✌🏻 I'm not worried about how bad I paint, I just call it "abstract"!🤪 I will learn in time so I'll have fun on the journey! I'm excited, and I have done a few "abstracts" (in acrylic) by accident mostly that I was really quite impressed with and more often than not laughed at what I created! The good laugh!😎 Thanks again for your valuable videos that you give for free! Most generous of you!

[@kayekaye251]

Look online for Mahl sticks. Or make your own with a dowel rod.

[@seano1642]

@@kayekaye251 Thanks for that reply Kay, I will!😇✌🏻

[@svahas]

He has a video on making a mahl. I made four of them with pieces of bamboo and tree branches and a nail.

[@svahas]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqndnqqsjs-EY8U

[@seano1642]

@@svahas Thank you for the reply!😇✌🏻

[@CarolinaGirlCreationZ]

I have a set of oil paints that I tried to work with and they were still wet after a week of sitting to dry. What could I have done wrong? I believe they are Windsor Newton brand too so not a cheap starter set.

[@randomcole619]

Look up fat over lean, if you dilute the paint with some type of thinner like turpentine, it’ll dry faster, if you used it right out of the tube it’ll take months to dry… that’s why oil painting is easier to work with, if a week later you don’t like it, it’s still wet enough to scrape it off…

[@xjf459]

Could you shed any light on “oiling out” when you aren’t utilizing alla prima? Do you wipe your portrait down with a thin layer of linseed oil or medium before continuing with the second/third session ect…?? If you do, does each session need more oil than the last for oiling out or just the same thin layer each time and just rely on adding more oil to your pigment ( in respect to fat over lean)? Thanks

[@FlorentFargesarts]

Hi, I have a video about oiling out on my channel titled "How a varnishing mistake almost ruined one of my paintings", basically with layers, I oil out with whatver medium was used last on the surface, so it does follow the fat over lean rule and goes fatter every time.

[@nadiajullien1007]

Bonjour, faites-vous des cours en français ? Merci pour votre réponse.

[@Mistshinobi]

I am finding that my brush is pulling up the burnt sienna while painting, in this video it goes on very opaque and creamy. Maybe my paint is just lower quality?

[@randomcole619]

I think that has to do with how soft the brush is mixed with how fluid the paint is, I have the same issue😅

[@caramelbread1531]

Painter linus

[@SIMPLEARTSCRAFTS]

W0W! Hello! Wow! Wow! Wow! How are you? Wow! WOW! Wow, my new friend! Cool videos you have. Interesting to see. Like! Great job! Well done! Keep making videos and meet them on KZbin! I like your video. Outstanding person. I like! Like! Great job!!! Peace to you and your family!! Like ! Like! Nice!👍👍👍👍👍 Nice!

[@pixelia.france]

Même pas de sous titres en Français ? 😙

[@Richardwright-we6rv]

"painting is pretty simple, if you start with simple" that is profound........

[@gamingrhyser716]

I am new and have no money to buy paint 🎨 soo

[@FlorentFargesarts]

Hey, if you start with only those 3 pigments it won’t cost you much. You can check out a list of material in the description of the video.

[@RAMAN98088]

@@FlorentFargesarts 👑🙏🏻🖌️🎨🖌️🎨🙏🏻👑

[@user-ex1ed8my9r]

ganbé

[@viewfromthehighchair9391]

Admit it! You used an egg as an example simply because you wanted to pun "eggs"-ercise and "eggs"-ample. TeeHee Fun tutorial though. kekekeke

[@user-wt5tw8er4z]

🎨🇺🇦🇨🇵

[@FlorentFargesarts]

✨🎨🙏😊

[@dkern-kb6sy]

From my experence, black should never be used. It cheapens the look of a painting..burnt umber and cobalt blue, leaning more towards one or the other or many other combinations work without degrading the color around it. Look at ths classics. And an example like : use black to darken any color and you get mud or a cheap lookin' color....

[@pissqueendanniella4688]

Passion is rarely about pleasure, but it has everything to do with patience. Painting like all disciplines requires passion to get anywhere. So if art is your passion, why would would you want to skip learning how to draw?

[@Hellseeker1]

Bob Ross didn't use drawings, maybe once. Joking