Paintings Oil On Canvas – How To Do them

How to paint oil paintings on canvas? Such a question invites the formulation of answers, tips, and recipes. There is no shortage of those willing to give them. Many oil painting courses are offered on the internet. Here is one of them, picked randomly. The artists promise that the participants will learn the technique in the following lessons and that, after completing the entire course, they will be able to paint pictures themselves and feel like artists. Oil on canvas ennobles! This seems pleasant and promising. It reinforces the belief that “anyone can be an artist”. And in this particular case, “everyone can be a painter”. It is difficult to argue with this assertion, and difficult to dispute it. I am convinced that anyone can buy oil paints and a canvas, enroll in a course and then paint. However, this course is not a prerequisite.

Can artists answer the question of How to paint?

And returning to the question “how to paint?” – here I am helpless and have no answer. I have been doing paintings oil on canvas for many, many years. Every time when I stand in front of a blank white canvas with the desire to write down my emotions, my intuitions, and my intentions on it. Each time, the question arises – How? – How do I do it? I never have a certain answer. It is always a journey into the unknown. And when I am currently painting in oils, this question can be extended to ask myself – how do I paint a picture in oils on this canvas that is in front of me on the easel? I don’t know the answer. My many years of artistic practice, my private course does not give me ready-made prescriptions. I still don’t know HOW TO PAINT IN OIL ON CANVAS! But I paint them nonetheless. Art is a search. If I knew exactly what would be created, I wouldn’t start.