The Foundation of Great Art: Why Learning Oil Painting Basics Matters

Every accomplished oil painter began with a brushstroke. This post explores why mastering oil painting basics is crucial and how to go about it.

Why Foundations Matter

Like building a house, strong foundations in drawing, tone, and composition lead to more powerful artworks.

Exercises to Improve

• Value Studies: Use only black and white to paint tonal contrast.
• Copy Old Masters: Recreate classic oil paintings to understand structure and technique.

Layering in Oils

Oil paint is built in layers. Start with thin layers (“fat over lean”) and gradually build up to thicker applications.

Picasso’s Advice

Pablo Picasso once said, “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” Picasso mastered oil painting basics before creating his iconic Cubist style.