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Oil Painting | ||
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Oil paintings are created using a combination of linseed oil and pigments. The Mona Lisa, one of the most admired oil paintings in the world, was created using pigments mixed with linseed oil. Poppyseed oil, walnut oil and safflower oil are also used to create some of the most popular oil paintings. A lot of hard work goes into the making of an oil painting. Whether the end result appeals to the people depends on the caliber of the oil painter. Two of the popular Indian proponents of this art form include M.F. Hussain and Raja Ravi Verma. If you refer to the ancient Greek chemist books you will find some interesting methods discussed on how to preserve colours. The books suggested the use of walnut oil, poppy oil, hempseed oil, castor oil and linseed oil to preserve paintings. The dried oil when applied on the paintings acted as varnish and protected the work from water. That is one of the earliest discussions on oil paintings that could be found in recorded history. The monks zealously guarded the secret recipe of oil paintings. But towards the 13th century, the method became common knowledge. During the 15th century the Van Eyck brothers brought perfection to the art and they came to be known as the Fathers of Oil Painting. How is it done? The technique of creating an oil painting may vary from one artist to another. But there are some common steps that all artists need to follow. The surface for the painting has to be selected with great care. Usually, the oil paintings are created on canvas. But a noted exception is the Mona Lisa painting that was done on a wooden panel.
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