The sheer variety of oil paint brushes can be daunting at first, especially if you’re new to the medium. With so many shapes, sizes, and bristle types, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices. However, focusing specifically on oil paint brushes—something I am most familiar with—can demystify the selection process and help you find the right tools for your artistic journey. Understanding the unique qualities of each brush type will open up a world of creative possibilities and enhance your painting experience. This guide breaks down the essential brush types—hog, goat, badger, sable, synthetic, and blended—as well as their different shapes, empowering you to express your vision on canvas with confidence.

The palette, an essential tool in the art of oil painting, serves not only as a physical platform for mixing paints but also symbolically represents the painter's personal field of creativity. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various aspects of palettes, including their history, types, materials, setup, and maintenance, offering insights for both novice and experienced artists.

An artist's palette is pivotal in defining their visual expression and style. This article dissects the curated palette of myself, Rhiannon Piper, detailing the historical context of each chosen pigment and their specific utility in my work. While it's true that palettes are ever-evolving, and I must admit a penchant for experimentation, the majority of my color choices have remained consistent over the last three years. The exception to this stability is a recent addition, which I will detail later. This exploration is the first in a potential series where I aim to examine the palettes of various artists and how these selections resonate with their artistic output.

Oil painters have used mediums for centuries to modify the properties of their oil paints. One of the most popular and versatile mediums used today is liquin, an alkyd-based medium. In this post, we’ll explore the history of liquin, its many uses and advantages for oil painting, any potential disadvantages, and important safety considerations when using this medium.

As artists, we are often on the lookout for ways to cut costs without compromising the quality of our materials. One topic that frequently arises in this pursuit is the cost-effectiveness of making our own oil paints. Recently, I stumbled upon a discussion forum that posed the question, "Can I ACTUALLY save money by making my own paints?" The responses varied, piquing my curiosity and prompting me to delve deeper into the matter.