Portland Headlight, Maine, Oil Painting
Painting in oil can be rewarding, yet somewhat challenging. The paint is smooth to apply, rich in color and slow drying. You can apply the paint until you get the look you want. It can be a little intimidating to start a painting. It helps to completely cover the canvas before getting to the more detailed painting. Coating all that white surface makes the process easier. You are less distracted when there is color on the canvas.
Instructions
1. Sketch an outline of your subject with a pencil or No. 1 paintbrush dipped in a light brown color thinned with turpentine. It is important to keep buildings, still-life articles and scenery in proper perspective.
2. Lightly draw in your horizon line, which is important to the scenic painting. Note the horizon line in the lighthouse painting.
3. Choose your background color. Squeeze a quarter-sized dollop on your palette. Dip the brush tip into the background paint. Stroke the brush on the canvas. Using the painting as a guide, fill the sky with light blue paint, the rock area with light brown or gray.
4. Choose a color for your subject. Squeeze the paint the on palette. Dip the brush in paint, and staying within the outline, stroke paint on the canvas. In the lighthouse area, you would fill the area in with white.
5. Continue adding main colors until the canvas is covered. You are now ready to work in greater detail to finish your painting.
