🎁 SCREEN PRINTING : Free for all orders over €500 🎁
Free delivery to gallery - Returns extended from 19.11 to 19.01
Search
Favorites
Cart

Oil paintings

Filter
Filter
(9001 Artworks)
See all the artworks

9001 Artworks

 

Buy an oil painting Carré d'artistes

 

Are you considering purchasing an oil painting?

 

Discover the rich history of this iconic art form, which has its origins in the Middle Ages.
Understand the techniques behind creating an oil painting on canvas, the advantages and challenges of working with oil paints, and how the industrialization of paint transformed this movement.
Learn about the legendary oil painters like the Van Eyck brothers, Claude Monet, and Leonardo da Vinci, and their world-renowned masterpieces.

Let yourself be captivated by our collection of oil paintings for sale, crafted by our emerging artists. From abstract oil paintings to figurative works, from landscape oil paintings to portraits, ou’ll find original oil paintings that resonate with you.

 
Read more

 

What is oil painting?


The technique of oil painting on canvas and its origin is widely attributed to Jan Van Eyck during the Middle Ages.

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.

 

The cross of Provence of Magali Blandin. Oil painting at Carré d'artistes



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?


Creating an oil painting on canvas requires technical skill and patience. One of the unique properties of oil paint is its slow drying time, allowing artists to refine and correct their work over time. However, this means painters often need to wait several weeks between layers.
 
Due to this slow process, some contemporary artists use the "alla prima" technique, completing the entire painting in one session. Although challenging, beginners can start by practicing still life painting on canvas.  

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.


 

Looking to purchase a framed oil painting or have questions about our collection? Reach out to our customer service team at +33 4 86 31 85 33 or email us at bonjour@carredartistes.com.


Rated 4.8/5 by our customers, we are dedicated to providing the best contemporary art experience, from selecting your artwork to delivering it directly to your home. So if you’re wondering where to buy oil paintings, look no further!


 
The neo collector's guide
 
Back to the top
 

Paintings by technique

Unique art for...

We use cookies to give you the best shopping experience. If you continue to use our services, we will assume that you agree to the use of such cookies. Find out more about cookies and how to refuse them.