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For those of you who have always wanted to do an oil painting, this will get you started.

First, start with a canvas. When you purchase your first canvas make sure that it is acid free. Most canvas's will state this on the label. Purchase at least 5 brushes. You will need a small thin one for detail, a medium round, a medium flat, a large flat, and my favorite a medium flat at the end, but it is rounded on the corners.

Second, be sure to buy a Gesso. This is the foundation for your canvas. Oil based paints will break down the fibers of your canvas over time if you do not have a buffer in between the two. Gesso can be purchased at any craft store. Put on one solid coat (do not water down) and wait until it is dry.

Third, purchase a can of turpentine and a can of linseed oil. In craft stores these are pretty expensive and you don't get very much. I have found that any home improvement store has both of these items for a larger amount at 1/3 of the cost.

Next, it's time to start your master piece! Draw out what it is that you will be painting. Don't be concerned with too much detail, you won't be able to see it once the paint starts to go on. Take a small jar and fill it with turpentine. Put a base coat on using your brush, paint and turpentine. I like to use the complement color of what the actual final color will be for each section. Again, at this point you will not be using much detail.

After the first coat has dried now is the time to start into your detail. Mix a jar with half turpentine and half linseed oil. Work on your painting in sections and over time. This layer of paint will take longer to dry and you don't want your colors to become "muddy".

Once your painting is complete hang it somewhere that it will not get bumped. Most oil paintings take 6 months to completely dry all the way through. After your painting is completely dry you will need to spray it with an acrylic coat to protect it. There are many of these readily available at craft stores and home improvement stores.

Enjoy your new craft!

Learn more about this author, Jill Edwards.
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