Oil paintings

What is oil painting?

Although artists had been experimenting with various mixtures of egg white and oil for touch-up varnishes, it was Van Eyck who established the widely recognized technique. He developed a method of blending pigments with a drying oil, such as linseed or walnut oil, on a marble slab to create a smooth, malleable paste suitable for a new medium: the canvas.

This technique quickly gained popularity for its richness and versatility. Renowned Italian painters like Titian played a significant role in spreading the art form beyond its origins. During the 19th century, Impressionist artists embraced oil as their preferred medium. The introduction of paint tubes marked a key milestone, enabling artists to paint outdoors without the hassle of transporting pigments in pigs’ bladders.

Over time, however, oil painting faced competition from the increasing popularity of acrylic paint. With faster drying times and other appealing characteristics, acrylics have become a favorite among contemporary artists, gradually shifting the focus away from traditional handmade oil paintings.

 

How is an oil painting created?

Considering the purchase of an original oil painting on canvas? At Carré d'artistes, take the time to admire our artists' works, which demonstrate the finesse and craftsmanship that this technique demands.
 

Advantages of oil painting

• Offers ample time for corrections and touch-ups without feeling rushed.

• Exceptional durability and preservation, allowing paintings to last for centuries.

• Holds historical and noble significance, evoking the great masters of art history.

• Can depict a wide range of subjects: still lifes, portraits, landscapes, historical scenes, and abstract oil paintings.

• Beautiful finish with glossy, glazed, or varnished effects.

Challenges of oil painting

• Strong odor that diminishes as the paint dries.

The noble qualities of oil painting contribute to its enduring appeal. At Carré d’artistes, our collection includes only the highest-quality oil paintings on premium cotton canvas.

 

FAMOUS OIL PAINTERS AND MASTERPIECES

Among the most notable are the Van Eyck brothers, known for their technical innovations, including The Arnolfini Portrait (1434), one of Europe’s first oil paintings on canvas. Other iconic works include Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa (1503-1506), Rembrandt’s Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, and Claude Monet’s Water Lilies series.

Paul Cézanne’s The House of the Hanged Man in Auvers-sur-Oise (1873), Van Gogh’s Sunflowers (1888), and the modern abstract works of Vassily Kandinsky, like Squares with Concentric Circles, represent key developments in oil painting. Pioneers like Kasimir Malevich with The Football Player (1915) and Mark Rothko with Color-Block No. 61 (Rust and Blue) (1953) also expanded the expressive possibilities of oil paint.