The very basics in oil painting (call it oil painting 101 if you prefer) is a simple rule~“fat” over “lean”. Basically, what it says is that you should not cover a layer of paint with a less flexible layer.

• Flexible: Oily-“fat”
• Less Flexible: “Lean” (such as paint straight from the tube or diluted.)

You have probably cut into a cream pie where there is a skin formed on the top yet below it is soft pudding. Imagine the same with an oil painting. If the “lean” is layered over the “fat” it will create cracks on the surface over time.

To create “fatter” oil paint add an oil painting medium~(1) linseed oil, or (2) damar medium. To create “leaner” oil paint add (1) turpentine, or (2) mineral spirit.

They haven’t been time tested, but there is water miscible oils available. This is oil paint that mixes with water. Water substitutes for solvents used with oil paint. Working with these paints means you no longer have to deal with toxic solvents and you can clean your hands and brushes with soap and water. This is a plus for those of us who do not have a well ventilated studio.

Here are some other pluses for using water miscible oil paint:

• They work like traditional oil paint
• Has the same drying time
• Bright pigmentation
• Use water mixed with paint in the same quantity as turpentine or other solvents