OIL PAINTINGS

The pictures on this page were painted in Artisan Oil Colours - which are water based oil paints. They are manufactured by Winsor and Newton and readily available in good art stores.They are very similar to ordinary oil paints, but are mixed with water. This makes it much easier and cheaper to keep equipment clean. I use a plastic household bucket to hold the water, it saves changing it so often! There are several mediums available for use with Artisan, namely IMPASTO MEDIUM,  FAST DRYING MEDIUM, LINSEED OIL, OIL PAINTING MEDIUM AND STAND OIL. Supports used for waterbased oil painting are the same as for ordinary oils - canves, oil paper or hardboard which has been primed with GESSO. Either side of the hardboard can be used, I prefer the smooth  side. The problem with using the smooth side is that the surface can scratch easily, so its essential that its varnished. I use gloss household varnish as it gives a better finish that art varnish. I apply the varnish with a sponge applicator brush so as to not have brush marks.
These three pictures were painted on hardboard using the smooth side, then given a coat of gloss varnish.