Few questions regarding oils.

[Emotive]

I've got $250 USD and have nothing to spend it on, and I believe I'd like to get into painting. So before I run over to Dick Blick and order my supplies, I've got a few questions regarding the medium.

1.) I'm absolutely clueless about surfaces. The only surface I really know of are just the canvases you buy. I've heard a lot of mixed feelings about these. Then I hear about different types of paper, illustration boards, etc. Then I read on about "gessoing" and applying "acrylic medium," and I'm just lost. As far as actual surfaces go, I know it's a matter of choice, but could anyone give me a run down of what is looked at as some of the best surfaces, and the differences/advantages/disadvantages between them?

Furthermore, what is all of that stuff about? Priming, applying gesso and acrylic medium, stretching paper, etc.

2.) If you could list a few brands of oil paints you think are quality, I'd appreciate it. Same goes with brushes (I don't know what type of brush I should get as far as hair and shapes are concerned).

3.) What's the purpose of oils (such as linseed). To change the consistency of the paint I'm assuming?

I'd also appreciate it if you could list any books/websites that I would find useful. I've never touched paint despite watercolor in the third grade.

The first question is the main one I'd like to know about. I have no clue what stuff to buy to actually paint on lol

Thanks a lot,
Adam

[Elwell]

Seedling's Big Oil Painting Thread (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=98647) has links to a bunch of info.
And even though she's done a lot of the work for you, the handy dandy search tool is still your friend.

[Emotive]

I knew someone was going to say that, I shoulda made a comment about that, sorry. I actually did try the search function but everything I type in says that there aren't any results.

I've also read through her thread. The topics I've read through that were linked there are actually where my questions come from (at least question number one).

[Elwell]

The answers to your questions are all either in that thread or in ones linked from it.
If you still need further clarification, you're better off asking in an existing thread rather than starting a new one because (a)people won't just direct you to that thread, (b)people don't have to repeat themselves, and can concentrate on clarification, and (c) it keeps things neater for the next time someone asks a similar question.

[timpaatkins]

As Tristan says, there are loads of info in the Fine arts section, especially in the stickies, alot of talented people are sharing their methods ect. William Whitakers threads are also gold. Best of luck!

[Mr-Joe]

I've seen Seedlings Oil painting thread and a lot of other "How to with Oils" Threads like the William Whitaker threads, but actually the only one I see stickied up there that has to do with oils is "The Uses of Underpaintings"
And I don't see the link to the Oil thread in Seedlings Signature in her Concept Art 101 thread either. How would some one find these if the search option isn't working for them?

Emotive - Try searching simple, like just search for "Oil" and select, search for thread titles only, that way you can get all the threads where people have Oil in the Titles, i'm sure they have some info about painting with Oils in those.

[Emotive]

Emotive - Try searching simple, like just search for "Oil" and select, search for thread titles only, that way you can get all the threads where people have Oil in the Titles, i'm sure they have some info about painting with Oils in those.

"Oil" is actually the only word I did type in. I'm not sure what's wrong, but the search function doesn't seem to want to work for me regardless of what I type/conditions I use. Just tells me it didn't find anything.

[timpaatkins]

Im talking about ALL the stickies there, they are choc full or invaluable info and experience being exchanged. Life painting, nude fig from the mind etc ,all of them are filled with pages and pages.

[Gurby]

Check out this link for a list of beginner's supplies:

http://emptyeasel.com/2007/08/17/a-complete-list-of-oil-painting-supplies-that-every-beginning-oil-painter-needs/

[Flake]

"Oil" is actually the only word I did type in. I'm not sure what's wrong, but the search function doesn't seem to want to work for me regardless of what I type/conditions I use. Just tells me it didn't find anything.

The search has been playing up for me too lately, I assume it's down to the site rebuilding that's going on.

I'd also appreciate it if you could list any books/websites that I would find useful.
http://forums.studioproducts.com/index.php
More oil painting related articles and discussion than you'll ever have time to read. Working search feature too. :)

As far as books go, I'd suggest this.
http://www.amazon.com/Painting-Techniques-Materials-Harold-Speed/dp/0486255069/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-9611511-7867932?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1187628976&sr=8-1
It's heavy reading in places and the illustrations are pretty crappy but it's still a great read.
Also, if you haven't already, grab the Loomis books that are floating about here..They're not painting specific books but Creative Illustration at least is a must read.
http://acid.noobgrinder.com/Loomis/

[timpaatkins]

Damn it Flake... not another forum... When the hell will I have time to paint?!