7 Oil Painting Ideas for Artists

We’ve put together some of our most popular articles with oil painting ideas and techniques for all levels of artists. Bookmark this page so you can come back often, and share it with a friend who could benefit from this!

1. How Joseph McGurl Paints a Landscape in Oil

How to paint landscapes - Joseph McGurl - OutdoorPainter.com
Joseph’ McGurl’s landscape paintings are among the most highly regarded in the world and are sought out by collectors and museums alike because of their beauty and importance.

Preview Joseph McGurl’s newest art video workshop in this exclusive announcement on how to paint better landscapes. [read “How Joseph McGurl Paints a Landscape in Oil”]

2. Step-by-Step: How to Paint Like Van Gogh

How to paint like Van Gogh - OutdoorPainter.com
Van Gogh–inspired painting by Dena Peterson

Dena Peterson had the honor of being one of 125 international artists selected to work on the new movie “Loving Vincent.” Here, she shares what she learned by studying Van Gogh’s work. [read “How to Paint Like Van Gogh”]

3. Four-Step Plein Air Oil Painting Demonstration

plein air oil paintings
Anthony Salvo, “Diver’s Cove,” 2016, oil, 12 x 24 in. Collection Leslie Alsenz Plein air

Anthony Salvo shares a step-by-step plein air oil painting demonstration, explaining the four basic stages for creating a landscape. [read “Four-Step Plein Air Oil Painting Demonstration]

4. Three Supplies For Your Plein Air Oil Toolkit

Plein Air Oil Toolkit
John Crump, “Overlooking the Shotover River,” oil, 90 x 100 cm. Courtesy Wanaka Gallery

Think you’ve got your plein air oil supply list nailed down? Think again. Landscape painter John Crump takes the myth out of some plein air oil painting conventional wisdom. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in plein air painting, you might be surprised by some of his hard-won findings. [read “Three Supplies For Your Plein Air Oil Toolkit]

5. Paint Light, Not a ‘Bunch of Things’

Oil painting techniques - James Richards - OutdoorPainter.com
James Richards, “Basket Weaver,” 2017, oil on linen, 24 x 30 in. Courtesy Meyer Vogl Gallery, Charleston, SC, Studio

See how Georgia artist James Richards strives to paint the essence of his subjects by breaking their appearance down to pleasing shapes revealed by the light, and by painting those essential shapes without overworking unnecessary details. [read “Paint Light, Not a ‘Bunch of Things’]

6. Oil Painting Demo: Irises by Lynn Dunbar

Plein air oil painting how-to - Lynn Dunbar - OutdoorPainter.com
Lynn Dunbar, House That Birds Love 2016, oil, 9 x 12 in. Collection of Ben Nay Plein air

To help market her artwork, Lynn Dunbar summarized her approach to plein air and studio painting and emphasized her response to the spirit, vitality, and beauty of her home state. [read “Oil Painting Demo: Irises by Lynn Dunbar”]

7. The Kitchen Tool That Can Help Your Next Painting

Beach Post painting demo
“Beach Post,” 30-minute painting demonstration

Robin Cheers admits that this might sound strange, but this tool can actually help you make correct marks from the start. [read “The Kitchen Tool That Can Help Your Next Painting”]

For more oil painting ideas and advice for those new to painting en plein air, browse these articles at OutdoorPainter.com.


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