Considering the many paint mediums such as tempura, acrylics and watercolors, the one most consider to be the most versatile to use and work with are oils. The pigments in this type of product apply to the canvas in a buttery rich consistency and keep their true hue and vibrancy as they age. There is a full range of useful oil painting techniques that make a virtually endless array of creative possibilities.

There are several reasons why this medium is favored by many artists around the world. This type of paint has the broadest color spectrum and tonal range of all available options. The slower drying time is a huge advantage for most as it allows the painter to blend strokes more smoothly and to make more precise corrections.

Another benefit of using this particular type of paint is that it is suited for all genres and most any style. It works for artists who like to do quick style paintings as well as those who prefer to take their time and do controlled detail. Using this medium, one can achieve certain nuances that are not possible with other options.

Regardless of genre and style, the basic tools of the medium are the same. These include a canvas, easel or tabletop, gesso, paints, palette and knife, thinner, various sized brushes and rags or towels for cleaning up. With these items, and the utilization of one or more application method, the artist can generate incredible works of art.

Building a proper base is the key to creating a wonderful piece of artwork. Color blocking, a method by which the artist uses highly diluted pigment and small, or broad brush strokes to build a guideline for the various aspects of the work to be laid over. This generates an instant background which can be built up with thicker layers and more deliberate details.

Adding dimension to a piece can be achieved through a number of applications, with some of the best results coming from combining multiple styles. These include layering, thickness of paint, contrasting colors, brush stroke size or using methods such as crosshatching or pointillism. All of these, alone or in conjunction, provide a depth to the work that lends an air of movement or space.

This particular type of paint can be very successful in creating a look of transparency that appears like crystal, still waters or glass. The main aspects of accomplishing this are the purity of the pigment and its creamy smooth consistency as it flows across the canvas, along with using contrasting colors and shading. Through long, unbroken brushstrokes, they are blended so smoothly that they appear seamless and it becomes near impossible to tell where the tones actually switch, similar to a reflective surface.

There are a lot of ways in which an artist can use the application methods such as brushstroke size and direction, pigment purity, irregular blending, and dilution to create whatever look they desire. Texturing with thick layers, stippling and deliberate stroking, is another avenue to provide convincing depth to the piece. Learning how to effectively utilize the power of pure blacks and whites can also be extremely effective tools.