Depending on the type of oil painting, which is being made, it is possible to use a variety of different mediums. However, one might be trying to product impressionist art. The truth of the matter is that the old masters of Impressionism weren’t too worried about mediums. They venture outdoors and created their art, without mediums. Of course, modern artists do not need to follow their rules, techniques and guidelines to a T. Instead, modern painters should definitely take advantage of the mediums they have at their disposal.
Drying Mediums
On one hand, the old masters painted a single painting for many months and sometimes years, because their oil paints too ages to dry. In the modern art world, this is not much of an issue, thanks to the development of alkyd mediums, such as Walnut and Alkyd, G-Gel and Winsor & Newton’s famous Liquin. Even the impressionist painters of the past would love to their hands on these mediums.
Thinning Mediums
Depending on what you’re trying to paint, you may feel the need to product small, accurate details. In order to do this, you should attempt to use thinning mediums, as a way to make the paint thinner and easier to manipulate. Walnut oil and linseed oil are the most common, but it is possible to use fine Liquin, as well.
Impasto Mediums
Painters like Vincent Van Gogh would’ve loved to get their hands on some Impasto medium. With these, it is possible to create a much more buttery oil paint, while also speeding up the drying time! This is the best of both worlds for painters, who enjoy implementing the impasto technique, within their works. Winsor & Newton creates a wonderful Impasto Liquin, which works extremely well. On the other hand, you have Gamblin G-Gel. It works in a similar manner, but I love the appearance of the paint, once it has dried, with G-Gel. Of course, there are a few non-solvent alternatives, which will help protect your health, if you work indoors.
Overall
The truth of the matter is that the old impressionist masters didn’t use much in the way of mediums. Still, modern artists should consider adapting their techniques for the modern world, by taking advantage of the products that are available to them. If you’re going to paint in this manner, just be sure to avoid the black paint and always strive to paint the light!
Drying Mediums
On one hand, the old masters painted a single painting for many months and sometimes years, because their oil paints too ages to dry. In the modern art world, this is not much of an issue, thanks to the development of alkyd mediums, such as Walnut and Alkyd, G-Gel and Winsor & Newton’s famous Liquin. Even the impressionist painters of the past would love to their hands on these mediums.
Thinning Mediums
Depending on what you’re trying to paint, you may feel the need to product small, accurate details. In order to do this, you should attempt to use thinning mediums, as a way to make the paint thinner and easier to manipulate. Walnut oil and linseed oil are the most common, but it is possible to use fine Liquin, as well.
Impasto Mediums
Painters like Vincent Van Gogh would’ve loved to get their hands on some Impasto medium. With these, it is possible to create a much more buttery oil paint, while also speeding up the drying time! This is the best of both worlds for painters, who enjoy implementing the impasto technique, within their works. Winsor & Newton creates a wonderful Impasto Liquin, which works extremely well. On the other hand, you have Gamblin G-Gel. It works in a similar manner, but I love the appearance of the paint, once it has dried, with G-Gel. Of course, there are a few non-solvent alternatives, which will help protect your health, if you work indoors.
Overall
The truth of the matter is that the old impressionist masters didn’t use much in the way of mediums. Still, modern artists should consider adapting their techniques for the modern world, by taking advantage of the products that are available to them. If you’re going to paint in this manner, just be sure to avoid the black paint and always strive to paint the light!