OIL PAINTING

Basic Steps and Techniques

Step 1: Under-painting

The initial stage in an oil painting of using a monochrome or dead color as a base for the composition. The main purpose is to let the artist work with tonal values before

addressing color and detail.

“Fat over Lean”● The principle of painting 'fat over lean' is one of the fundamental

concepts of oil painting and one to follow to reduce the risk an oil painting cracking. 'Fat over lean' has got to do with the varying drying times of oil pigments (which can vary from a couple of days to a fortnight) and ensuring that upper layers of paint don't dry faster than lower ones.

● 'Fat' oil paint is oil paint straight from the tube and takes a long time to dry

● 'Lean' oil paint is oil paint mixed with more turpentine (white spirit) than oil, or oil paint mixed with a fast-drying oil. 'Lean' oil paint dries faster than 'fat' oil paint.

● Always paint LEAN to FAT

Removing Wet Paint

● TONKING: Using newspaper as a blotter, placing it over wet paint gently rubbing then removing

● RAGGING: Use a rag of paper towel to gently remove or blend paint

● SCRAPPING: Using a palette knife to scrap off thick layers

● SGRAFFITO: Scrapping back paint with a pointed object

Surrealism A 20th-century avant-garde movement in art and literature that

sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind, for example by the irrational juxtaposition of images.

Surrealism Worksheet & Artist Reviews● History of Surrealism Worksheet (fill out and

complete)● Research 3 Surrealist artists

○ Must be typed with correct grammar/and placed in research folder in Google Drive

○ Print of one painting○ Title, Date○ Explain Meaning○ Why you like this piece (use art terms)

● Write down your ideas (should also be in your research folder in Google Drive)○ Surrealist Paintings can be created from…

■ realistic items that have been used out-of place■ unreal scenes■ normal objects acting abnormally■ fantastic creatures■ a strange dream you have had■ an interesting and/or unusual experience that

you’ve had■ Ideas in society that are real but seem strange

to you or you believe are right or wrong■ Write down or draw at least 3 ideas and explain

to me what you might use in each image to make it surreal.