The Art of Basic Oil Painting

From the days of the early Masters, oil painting has inspired and intrigued artists of all skill levels. In The Art of Basic Oil Painting, artists interested in learning how to work with this complex and multifaceted medium will find inspiration through clear, step-by-step painting lessons covering a variety of approachable subjects. First, artists will be guided through the tools and materials required for oil painting, including brushes, supports, mediums, palettes, and paint. This inclusive book also has sections on basic drawing techniques and color theory, as well as brief overviews of perspective, composition, lighting, and painting from photographs. Expert oil painters then guide artists along the way by outlining basic painting techniques, demonstrating how to work with various mediums, teaching the intricacies of color mixing, and much more in an easy-to-digest format. Artists will enjoy working their way through step-by-step projects spanning a wide range of appealing subjects, including portraits, landscapes, seascapes, still lifes, and florals. Full of inspiring and beautiful works of art, The Art of Basic Oil Painting also features techniques for rendering light and shadow, creating textures, and achieving lifelike results. With its fresh approach and plethora of tips and techniques, this book provides contemporary instruction for rendering realistic works of art in a long-standing, timeless medium. Whether you are a beginning artist looking to get started in oil painting or an experienced painter looking to improve your breadth of knowledge, The Art of Basic Oil Painting offers a comprehensive guide that no fine oil artist should be without.

Marcia Baldwin is a professional artist in Louisiana who specializes in vibrant oil paintings. After many years working in and around art—making a living as an advertising designer, art teacher, art consultant, photographic artisan and many other niches—Marcia finally opened her own art studio dedicated to fine art. Formerly trained in art, she has earned both a BFA and an MFA.

Lorraine Gray is a pet portrait artist, working in pastels, oil, and acrylic, in Berkshire, England. Lorraine’s love for art and animals started as a young girl, when she spent many hours painting her beloved pet dog and cat. Her pet portraits hang in the USA, Japan, Canada, Switzerland, Malta, France, Holland, and Dubai, as well as the UK. Visit www.pastelpetportraits.co.uk.

James Sulkowski maintains a studio in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and is a member of the National Arts Club, The National Society of Mural Painters, and the American Artists Professional League, among others.
Jim McConlogue lives in Encinitas, California with his wife and three children. He paints with oil, both in plein-air and out of his home studio. Jim has studied life drawing, painting and illustration through the Corcoran School of Art, The Athenaeum School of the Arts, and others. He is a past artist member of the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, and his original oils are shown in galleries throughout the San Diego area. He is also represented by J.G. Editions Fine Art Dealers. Visit www.jimmcconlogue.com.