Oil-Based Pigments

Oil-Based Pigments Introduction Painting with oil-based paints has long been regarded as the provenance of traditional or classical fine arts. Oil paint, once difficult to use, required extensive knowledge of chemicals and minerals. Now oil paint is ready to use from the tube and, with specific additives, is easy to apply. For extended study on classic oil painters, review the work of John Singer Sargent and Rosa Bonheur. Oil-based pigments Oil-based pigments are pigments ground in an oil base. Oil-based pigments are available in tubes, cans, and pressurized cans. Oil-based pigments in tube form are generally what we know as oil paint. This section on oil-based pigment will also briefly cover lacquer and enamel paints. Oil paint Oil paints are pigments ground in linseed oil. The most pure color is attainable straight from the tube. Impressionist painters, obsessed with purity and light, often used paint from the tube without additives. Today, oil painters use additives to extend the pigment, change consistency, and increase or reduce drying time. Oil paint requires a finishing treatment when the painting is complete. Oil paint extenders An extender slightly increases the mass of pigment without changing its hue. An extender thins the viscosity of the paint giving it the consistency of melted butter. Use an extender in oil paint when you want to create a glaze or to apply transparent color over the surface of the painting. This technique is referred to as stumbling. Oil paint impasto An impasto is a paste or putty additive to oil to create a heavier bodied pigment. An impasto increases the mass and viscosity of pigments without changing its hue. Use an impasto when you want to thickly build up pigment on the painting surface and for textural effects. Oil paint Reducers Reducers are chemical additives that reduce the drying time of oil paint. Reducers do not affect hue, but they will thin pigment consistency. The more reducer added to paint, the less time it takes to dry. Continued on next page 1-48