A Simple Beginners Guide To Oil Painting

[@paintcoach]

Don't miss Paint Week coming 9/16 paint-coach.teachable.com/p/paint-week-41

[@Mustlovebooks15]

I’m finding myself really annoyed right now. I have taken a few classes on oil painting and got nothing out of them. Lots of time and money put into them. Then I watch this and in 20 minutes he has explained more, and done it well than all my classes combined. I’m glad I’ve found someone who can actually teach

[@c.s.102]

Happy for you found what teachers you actually in need for.

[@victoriaryan23]

It is difficult to find a good teacher who also is a subject matter expert

[@katemccarthy2463]

Me too. Clear and easy to follow. I have bought courses and I am finally feeling IAM getting somewhere.

[@susanfindell6154]

I can’t wait to get started!

[@Sulamanjansulttaani]

Damn, sounds like im in the right place! Just spent my whole day googling about oil painting and ordered accessories needed.

[@shmems96]

I’ve taken many painting classes in college and Ive learned way more from your videos 😅. It was like they expected me to already know all these basic techniques when I didn’t.

[@LuisIsAsleep]

The same happened to me too. I have learned a lot from youtube than I have learned from my art teachers.

[@011CJ]

Well you don't have friends in class distracting you here jk lol this is the first vid I have seen of his and I'm already hooked on his channel

[@pocahontasseguinart7099]

I do not agree taking classes not even in college. Paint how you want and feel and your heart and teach your self. Don’t let others tell you what you need to do

[@hirafatima3777]

Same 😂

[@vanessavaldez8097]

Saaaaaaaaaame

[@princessamani]

Finally painting makes sense! I've watched so many other tutorials and no one breaks it down like you do. Thank you!

[@jody7399]

I am a real beginner and I find your video excellent. Firstly, you speak right to the point, and you get to the point fast. Secondly, you demonstrated too. I learned a lot from your video. Thank you!

[@IrishChippy]

Okay, at 60 I decided I want to try oil painting. We have acrylics and watercolors, easels, brushes, palettes, canvases etc that my wife and daughter uses. I also have paint thinner (turpentine & white spirit) and linseed in my workshop. I just ordered some Winsor & Newton Oils, brushes & medium. I really enjoyed this video and watched from start to finish. The last two other ones I watched by other youtubers spent too much time trying to promote their foundation course, unlike you who only vaguely mentioned once (I think). Will come back. Thank you

[@zainab713]

i hope it went well!

[@vincemazo341]

You're a really great teacher. I've been painting about a year now and I love your channel. It's been very helpful.

[@paintcoach]

Thank you so much!

[@jessicatiger4860]

Iris

[@poetryjones7946]

Agree 👍🏽

[@doling1933]

I love that you didn't shy away from suggesting the watermixable oils. They can be very very beginner friendly in terms of process and clean up and yet still retain the feel of oil. I'm still using up my first set and I've been loving them for years. Used for many commissions as well.

[@okay7464]

Still using water mixables? What’s the downside to them?

[@snowsjournal]

⁠I’ve been using both water-mixable and regular oils for a year now and don’t see any difference or downsides.

[@okay7464]

@@snowsjournal unfortunately I haven’t found the time to fully learn painting I’m still doing graphite and charcoal for now lol

[@europeanroyalty4778]

You simply cannot beat rosemary for brushes, price and quality, I don't care what anyone says about another brand. Rosemary is the rembrandt of brushes. Love the comedy element of your video's.

[@z0mbiiez1]

This was actually my very first oil painting ever and it looks absolutely fantastic. Although I made it months ago, I thought I'd still thank you. You're a fantastic teacher!

[@GothicMaximalist]

When I was a kid and pre-teen, I painted with acrylics, oil paint, water color, I drew with charcoal, graphite, markers and everything in between, my dad was a fantastic painter (person not so much). Depression took all of that and more away from me throughout my teen years and well into adult life (turning 31 this Spring). I desperately want to find my artistic talents and skills again and this video was by far the best, most clear and easy to understand video on the subject that I have ever seen. Other videos I watched made me feel like I needed to know every painter that ever existed, gone to art school, had endless amounts of money for endless amounts of supplies, they made me feel like this would never happen for me, that it was too late. This video has done the opposite. I appreciate your simple approach to tools and learning, this now feels like an attainable dream.

[@SilkywoodsRL]

I'm 27 and can relate to your story a lot!! just coming out of 4 years of heavy depression (my father was also not the best& it showed it my late teen years) I am now too finding out that I would love to find that artistic side of me. Just got a lot of stuff picked up and starting my first practice tomorrow!! I hope you're doing good!

[@DUDU-mk6le]

Same here, I used to paint since I was 8 years old, and I think I was pretty good. especially charcoal. Life and other stuff kept me far away from art. But recently, mental health has brought me back to paint (new in oils) and has helped me a lot. It is such a way to calm down my mind and focus on small projects. Good luck with your journey !

[@ktoo303]

I went through similar stuff, I want more people to share these things, because they happen, and life gets in the way, all my artist friends still do art, still like doing it, I drew since I was a kid, it was a hobby I shared the love of it with my sisters, I was really good as a teenager and I improved quickly, everyone complimented my art, but my depression took that away from me, I just didn’t feel passionate when I drew, and my perfectionism tainted everything I drew, I would not be satisfied with anything I used to be good at, now I’m 21 and every time I draw what I used to draw, it makes me feel bad and horrible, not good, so I thought to myself maybe I’m trying to pick up were I left off because I was “good at it” but it reminds me of bad times, maybe it’s time to try new things, new material, new styles, new ways to express myself and my art (I started journaling in 2021 and I LOVED IT, I didn’t know I could love something so much again!)

[@rotten2thebit221]

This is almost my exact story, so glad it’s not only me

[@Sulamanjansulttaani]

We are different but the same. I absolutely love that unlike in Muay Thai (which i started few years ago), you are never too old to become "competetively good". Painted the summer with acrylics and feeling the hobby grabbing me hard. Got oil paints week ago and been painting every day!

[@julianaolejkova4210]

I have seen many videos about painting. None of them gave me as much as yours videos. Your gift of speaking and your advice are the best.

[@JulieHightower777]

I love the idea of taking a picture of what I want to paint and changing it to b&w on my phone for the underpainting. And the product suggestions are helpful. You’re right about so many instructors; it is nice to pick the process you prefer the most but it is very confusing. Thank you for being a good paint coach!

[@paintcoach]

You are so welcome!

[@nishantsharma2199]

I just want to show my appreciation here. I have been struggling to find a channel that sums up everything for a beginner and explain the basics in details and not just jump to start painting so that we are left bewildered in the process. And I can comfirm I have found my guide and teacher. You really are a paint coach. Thank you for sharing your insights with us. Love and respect from a fellow artist all the way from India. Namaste :)

[@LNielsenDK]

Clever info 🎉😉 40 years since I used Oil to paint . I made a lot of art in acrylic. But now am I 67 so here I come 😅. I was affraid of open the colors and get started . You gave me the Rigth advice to start . Thank you for sharing . You must be a good Teacher for students.

[@aarmano]

That painting exercise is the first time I've ever seen anyone explain it that way. And it made a TREMENDOUS impact on my understanding of value (and I've been drawing for over 30 years)!!

[@astroid422]

i’ve always wanted to get into oil painting but i didn’t like doing it because of how the paint flowed. I always wanted thick paint because that is how i thought that nice flow would be made but no, it’s actually thinner, wet paint. Soon i’ll be able to do my first actual oil painting because of you, thank you man!

[@sonalisarkar7329]

This video is very special to me as it was uploaded in our 75th independence day. I am a follower from India. I love your videos so much. Like the previous videos, it was very helpful and simple and easy to apply. Thanks a lot . Thank you very much.

[@katyadentremont29]

This was so helpful. I'm transitioning from painting in acrylics to painting in oil and this video gave me a great place to start. Thank you.

[@everythingaboutnothing1559]

I'm a total beginner. Haven't even opened my oil paints yet. Lots of fear of failure. This is the best beginner video I've seen so far. The clear honest communication and great examples and explanations. Thank you

[@__PANDiS_]

The way you teach is the way I learn. Quick and not enough time for my mind to wonder because you’re already saying something equally as important next. I am 34 and just understanding this. Great video! 🙏🏼 😅

[@Sillykitty71]

I'm listening and learning from watching your videos- thank you- I had sketched a picture of my boyfriend with our 2 furbabies sitting on a beach- and that's what I plan on using my new oil paints for- fingers crossed LOL- thank you again-

[@itsjustmylife_x]

Aaaand now I'm addicted to your channel. I have learned SO much from your channel. Best paint channel on KZbin for sure.

[@hotlineoperator]

Perfect episode. School book example of excellent tutorial.

[@frydemwingz]

I havent painted with oil since about 2016, so I watched a random beginner video for the hell of it and im glad I did. I've never even heard of a gel solvent, and there are a handful of things here that I didnt think of. Not even having black is a pretty good idea. I was going through a box of old stuff and found a half used bottle of linseed oil and I started thinking about painting again. Everyone that oil paints is so chill

[@peterthespaceman.p.j.f.3067]

This is one of the most informative beginner videos of ever seen

[@lizzietherese818]

I appreciate your way of explanation, it’s clear, simple and the example is on point. Keep up the good job!

[@paintcoach]

Thank you! 😃

[@NB-ky5ol]

This was informative and most importantly, quick to the point! I love it and you earned a subscriber for that reason.

[@paintcoach]

Awesome, thank you!

[@justinruark6499]

"...you feel obligated to have a successful painting" when using stretched canvas. This is a huge eye opener as to why I'm hesitant to keep painting. Great tip about using canvas paper.

[@williamwinn948]

warms and cools, bought my wife the Windsor and Newton set I think it was like 60 bucks and Da Vinci brushes which I absolutely love. Understanding values Was a game changer for me

[@SuzanPeters-p4e]

You have been a HUGE HELP TO ME. I have always used pen/ink and pencil. But wanted to try oils. Well, here I go. If I succeed I shall get rich after I’m dead. Thank you Sea Serpent

[@queedy1561]

thank you for the video, it was very helpful! i was thinking lately to start oil painting, but was very overwhelmed with which things i need, not need, how to start, which brushes to use and etc.. i'm feeling more at ease now

[@paintcoach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@neu-ter]

I'm so grateful and one of these days if I ever make any money I'm going to send you some you're a good teacher

[@sarahsouthcott1163]

I took a painting class in university that was supposed to teach fundamentals of oil painting and felt so lost the whole semester. This one video explained way more than my prof ever covered. Thanks for breaking down concepts and processes so clearly. This is awesome.

[@paintcoach]

That's what this channel is here for!

[@kathleenhutter4412]

Chris this is a wonderful overview of learning how to get started in oils. I teach oil painting at The Center in C'ville, VA and love to share your videos with my students. You teach the fundamentals in a clear and concise way and these videos are a terrific tool for students to follow along with. Cheers and thanks for putting these together!

[@ericastreet6325]

Thanks you so much Chris. I have actually been painting for years on and off. I have been told I’m very talented. But I know there is something really off with my paintings and I have a lot to improve on. I know that I need to work on some fundamentals. So I’m starting from scratch! Your videos are great. I have learnt so much.

[@sharonlane8061]

i have been looking for a beginner's tutorial exactly like this for a long time. can't thank you enough for your direct, common sense, down and dirty presentation...i'll be watching you!

[@michellecox2791]

This is fantastic! I accidentally purchased oil paint vs acrylic and have fallen in love! This vid has helped me understand what’s really going on. 😊

[@edowings2211]

I'm so glad I found this I want to paint but never tried, I've always drawn with charcoal so a new medium is intimidating

[@susanback9127]

So happy I rediscovered you. Ive watched many tutorial, but you've helped me understand the right way to go about getting ahead of painting.

[@killianmcclellan285]

i haven’t tried oil painting yet (out of budget when considering how many other mediums i’ve been doing) but i’ve noticed a lot of what you say in your videos works well for my acrylic paintings too. appreciate you my guy

[@badgoy8439]

I've always wanted to try oil painting (in fact I bought some brushes and paint several years ago), but it wasn't until now that I had a real, actionable starting point. I'm going to try it today. Thank you!

[@KarenParkerArtist]

This is a good basic primer. But I would add that paint thinner does not just thin the oil paint. It is a solvent that breaks the polymer bonds of the oil base. Using too much is not ideal. Think of a detergent or degreaser, except stronger. Using too much will make the paint film weaker and more prone to cracking or flaking. Maybe in 10 years, maybe 100. So, perhaps not important to "dabblers" who are doing it for pleasure. But to ensure that your hard work does not fall apart when the grandkids inherit it, there are some things to remember about using thinners and layering. -Underpainting or staining your canvas with a very thinned down wash of turps/oil paint is fine. You can get some great effect from that. And the weave of the canvas helps stabilize the pigment -Every layer after that first thin layer should be thicker than the last. OR alternately, use a stabilizing medium like linseed oil, the gel mentioned or alkyd medium. This process is known as: Fat over lean. -Fat over Lean means start out with less oil paint (paint with thinner) and each layer has more and more fat (oil) until you are using straight oil paint OR a medium that adds "fat" (which used to be literal oil/fat, but which now includes various chemical mediums) Your videos consistently have solid advice. That's why this goes in the studio basics playlist for my beginning painting students.

[@Kristina-rt1ty]

This convinced me to take your online course. I’ve taken many art classes, in person and online and always been disappointed. You’re a great teacher and communicator. That’s a real talent to have, thank you!

[@TigerDragon1001]

I’ve been wanting to try oil painting for ages but been daunted by it. This was so helpful and wonderfully succinct, thank you! I always thought I didn’t know much about painting but even in my digital paintings I follow a similar path to what you did (checking values with black and white mode, base colour, then adding shadows and light). So cool :)

[@tocandofondoconclaudia]

I have a request in case you need content ideas...Can you add to any video a demonstration of the difference between Gamblin thinners and mediums, and how it affects the dry speed of the paint? I was for first time in a painting aisle at Hobby Lobby buying a Gamblin thinner you recommended, and I got lost and crazy about this area of painting lol. Again, I felt grateful to have your videos. You are saving me money and time!!! Most important you are making me believe I can be capable of creating art without having taken paint classes before yours. Thanks for all the hours you are spending in this channel!!!❤

[@tocandofondoconclaudia]

Also, I also will appreciate info about retouch varnish and how much min I should wait to apply it into oil painting without destroying it? If you already have a video about thinners, mediums and varnishes please reply to me with the link. Thanks again ❤

[@Gage_Welch]

I’m a low quality miniature painter finding myself interested in oil painting. I’ve found myself interested in wet blending & as you know, acrylic paint doesn’t have that for a strong suit. Thanks for this, I’m heading to Michael’s soon for some winsor & Newton stuff & I may just pick up some oil stuff for fun!

[@artbytaqwa]

I don't paint with oils but your videos have helped me a lot with painting in gouache and acrylics as well. Now I use only one large bristle brush to paint the whole painting! And painting standing has drastically improved my artwork. And working with primary colors is a total game changer for understanding the color theory and stuff. Thank you so much for such helpful tips. I will be diving into oil soon!

[@c.s.102]

I have searched for ages and quit some cash. I found several teachers. Every teacher has his or hers own touch.

[@SS-mh2ye]

This is the best painting tutorial I have come across. Thank you .

[@barbaratardy9788]

Thank you Chris, ready to start painting tonight with my grandson. I bought him paint supplies two years ago and so far has not used them, your video has inspired me to inspire him. ✨

[@kdmoth]

So super helpful! Everything made perfect sense and I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with the world!

[@Apple98008]

I’m super nervous and scared to even touch oils but watching this video made me just opened the paints. I’m going to try it.

[@gracie30ish]

Thank you so much 😊your videos doesn't only teach but inspire me to paint again after almost giving up.

[@MindlessMeditationMoves]

Chris I so so love your style and technique and inspirational instructions ❤. Been painting and selling on and off for decades and just to come back to square one with you is such joyful beautiful beginning

[@SnkobArts]

Gamblin's solvent free gel is just linseed oil with silica gel, similar to Rublevs oleogel. So it's pure fat, which means it will actually increase drying time. While your straight paint may be physically thicker, technically paint straight from the tube is the leaner than paint plus solvent free gel. Paint straight from the tube is 2nd leanest after paint + solvent (& paint + adding dry pigment or siccative). For the purposes of alla prima for beginners, I'm sure this way of working is fine. I'm also aware that you probably get more in depth with fat over lean, slow dry over fast dry later on. That said, I'd recommend students premix their solvent free gel into their paint color piles at a 4 to 1 or 5 to 1 ratio to avoid getting too crazy with their fatty medium.

[@nunuallen4327]

This is my second time watching this, he explained things with ease and easy to understand. Thanks.

[@rhettacps]

LOVED this lesson!! You answered so many questions I've had. I've been using acrylics and mix media for years, but oil paint just seemed too daunting. Now I feel like it's doable. Thanks!!

[@amylunden8246]

This is an astonishingly good video! I’m a fairly experienced artist using watercolor, acrylics, and gouache, but I’ve never touched oils in my life. I feel like I have a really good starting-off point now. Thank you, sir!

[@AnnMon2306]

So grateful for this video and your education! You have made me feel way less anxious about getting back into it painting. Keep it up!

[@jananee9311]

First comment 🙌🙌 Huge fan from India.i started my portrait painting because of you so far completed 5 portraits ❤️❤️❤️

[@paintcoach]

Love to hear that!

[@Zelda_Thorn]

re: palettes: the best palette is a sheet of perspex or clear acrylic. you can put any color sheet of paper underneath it so you can color check - like if you're working on a black or red background you can use black or red paper. you can clean it with a baby wipe at the end of a painting session, and if you get lazy and let the paint dry, you can just scrape it off with a palette knife or a razor. no need for a new pad of palette paper every few months.

[@MichaelBrooksmsb400]

Years ago, I started out painting thickly with no underpainting, and no thinners, and this was in Independent Study Art in High School (secondary school), and did fairly well on a 30"x40" Canvas that I stretched on frame myself. I am thinking of returning to what I started out doing, including even thicker with brush strokes.

[@orangebetsy]

While watching the part on the three examples of consistencies, with the two layers, you gave me a great idea for a musical composition hahaha thanks!!!❤ (music is my first set of paints and canvas!)

[@antoniogilart]

Thank you very much for the recommendations and suggestions for beginners in the exciting world of oil painting. They are really helpful and encourage for people like me. Now to practice. A follower from Spain.

[@Pvt._Liquor]

Just did this exercise. I’m pretty happy with how it came out. Thanks Paint Coach.

[@saltlifegull4091]

Wow, a LOT of time and effort went into making this video and making the supply list. So generous of you! Thanks so much--awesome info!

[@dkj940]

Thanks, buddy! You have banished my being intimidated by oil painting. A very comprehensive video that has me psyched to give oils an try. Much gratitude, Douglas J.

[@zubairsarang2750]

I came across your v ideo as I will be buying my first oil paint set tomorrow. Incredibly informative video. A penny has dropped in my head. Thanks 👍🏼

[@beanah06]

You are an absolute life saverrr!! I have oil paintings I bought a while back that I never used cause I simply did not understand what things like medium or solvent was for and every time I try to look it up on YT I would get even more confused. This video pretty much sums everything up for me. I took great notes :>> Thank you!!

[@mfaos]

I absolutely loved the exercise at the end of this video Chris! It made everything so clear and broke it down into easy to follow steps. I would definitely love to see more exercises/homework in videos again. Best art channel on KZbin by far!

[@hildahudson2344]

Such a helpful video for a newbie to oils like me 👍🏼 Although I’m taking a class at Art School this has taught me so much! Can’t wait to try out that paint exercise. More like this please Chris 👍🏼. Thanks 🙏🏽

[@bakotademon5543]

Watching this video, really it’s given me the relief to break the wall of fear to use colors and start to try oil paint, you make it so simple and lovely, and I appreciate that thank you so so much, you made my heart happy and excited for oil paint 💜.

[@julespisces749]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience so freely! You’re awesome ❤

[@paintcoach]

You are so welcome!

[@leonormartinez6378]

By far, the best painting teachings out there. I should have seen this before I started painting. Going to try this exercise. Thank you.

[@edhusar]

Fantastic. Telling me exactly what I need to get started is so helpful. This will get me painting for the first time.

[@selenaclarke]

value does all the work, colour gets all the credit

[@czechoslovakianwolfdog]

I bought my first oil paint set to get back into art because of this video ❤

[@DB-zo5ng]

Thank you for a great intro - it should make the first steps into oil from watercolour a little easier. Much appreciated.

[@ashismm]

im gonna try this now, i have been using oils for a while but i always felt like i was doing sumn wrong. This looks great for my first right step!!!

[@ashleynarvaiz2761]

Thank you so very much for sharing all of your oil painting knowledge. God bless you as you continue to share and grow.

[@Hash3r]

Thank you for your videos and hard work, loving your tips and your talent…

[@paintcoach]

Glad you like them!

[@chamomilecat8473]

Learned about the importance of value comparison! Thanks !

[@Foxriverstratergy]

This video helped me SO MUCH!! thank-you ❤❤❤ Gosh it's so helpful... especially with the values..

[@sammich6389]

So happy I found this channel. Have learned a lot in this video alone. Thanks!

[@armingivili]

You answered all my questions in this video! Thanks

[@thenomad531]

Wheeeeeeeeeeeew.....thats a plethora of information. Thank you so much for this. Your work and instruction is amazing. Im going to have to watch the several times to glean all the points covered. Cheers. G

[@tylerwalsh6732]

You need a "first 30-50" small portrait list. Broken down into sections of which skill each one works on and high lights, and what you should be looking to improve over the course of these 5-10, then these 5-10 etc. I think that would be a fairly simple series that people would fall inlove with. It could also help people spot what to look for when finding a reference picture.

[@Valerieknitterhands]

This was a great tutorial thank you I’m going to finally get my oil paints out

[@adriennesarti274]

Best “for beginners” video ever!

[@mistermossman6074]

I got a set pf pil paints from my cpusin and wanted to learn how to use it and this video is great! Pne of my issues with acrylic paints is how fast they dry because ill paint for 5 minutes then need a small break to pace around my house, and if I come back later and want to rework an area, it feels super caked on there. I just need to get some linseed oil and I can start

[@soplilta]

Your videos are very useful for me, thank you for the content you share with us

[@paintcoach]

My pleasure!

[@ElaineGaliciaelainewithoutyou]

Wow! Amazing teacher! Will definitely use!

[@mollypaintscows]

I haven’t watch one of your videos for a couple of years. Wow! You’ve come a long way. 😊

[@janewallace3490]

Well I tried the homework, I wish I knew how to post it here because I need a lot of help, but I had so much fun painting! Thank you!

[@ayeshanabeel2095]

thank you,very informative stuff for beginners like me,you are my teacher from now onwards

[@zosiasibila1803]

You explained everything faster and easier than my art school treacher in a year. Thank you :))

[@paintcoach]

Wow! Thanks so much!

[@larrywaybrightfineartstudio]

I'm not an oil painter but still got a lot of useful information from this video. Thanks!

[@hookedbycrafting5348]

I've never used paper towels to remove the turp wash. Your meathod is what I learned in art class...and I'm here because that was 20 yrs ago and I've forgotten so much. Been trying to follow Bob Ross and it is opposite of what we've learned (and not working)

[@causetherat308]

cheap practice canvas. Old blue jeans. Or any non stretch heavy material. Gesso like canvas and hold into place with taps.

[@lostinspace2998]

Great tips here! I started oil painting a few months back. I had to learn some of this the hard way. I’ll definitely recommend this video if anyone asks how to get started. I’m starting to think about varnishing a few pieces I actually like, do have any recommendations or tips for a beginner?