Mixing oil paint with linseed oil and turpentine allows you to adjust the consistency and drying time of your paint, creating custom mediums tailored to your specific needs. Here's a breakdown of how to do it:
Understanding the Ingredients
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Linseed Oil: This is a drying oil extracted from flax seeds. It increases the transparency and gloss of oil paint, improves its flow, and slows down the drying time. It also makes the paint more flexible and durable.
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Turpentine: A solvent used to thin oil paint and clean brushes. It speeds up the drying time of oil paint and can create matte effects. Use distilled turpentine or odorless mineral spirits (OMS) which are less harsh and safer than artist-grade turpentine.
The Mixing Process
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Choose Your Ratio: The ratio of linseed oil to turpentine depends on the effect you want to achieve. A common starting point is a 2:1 ratio of linseed oil to turpentine. This creates a medium that adds flow and transparency without significantly slowing drying time. Other ratios include 1:1 and 1:2.
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Prepare Your Workspace: Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area, especially when using turpentine. Have a palette knife, a palette (glass, wood, or disposable), and a container for your medium.
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Combine the Linseed Oil and Turpentine: In a clean container (a small jar with a lid works well for storage), carefully measure and pour the desired amount of linseed oil and turpentine.
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Mix Thoroughly: Use a palette knife or brush to gently stir the linseed oil and turpentine together until they are completely combined. The mixture should appear uniform.
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Incorporate with Oil Paint: Place a small amount of oil paint on your palette. Dip your brush into the linseed oil and turpentine mixture, and then mix it into the paint. Start with a small amount of medium and gradually add more until you achieve the desired consistency.
Ratios and Their Effects:
| Ratio (Linseed Oil : Turpentine) | Effect | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| 2 : 1 | Increased gloss, flow, and slight delay in drying time. | Glazing, blending, creating smooth transitions. |
| 1 : 1 | Balanced gloss, flow, and drying time. | General painting, creating depth and luminosity. |
| 1 : 2 | Matte finish, faster drying time, thinned consistency. | Underpainting, sketching, creating textured effects. *Consider using odorless mineral spirits (OMS) |
Important Considerations:
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"Fat Over Lean": This is a crucial principle in oil painting. Each subsequent layer of paint should have a higher oil content than the layer beneath it. This prevents cracking and ensures the painting's longevity. Start with a leaner mixture (more turpentine) for the initial layers and gradually increase the oil content (more linseed oil) in subsequent layers.
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Ventilation: Always work in a well-ventilated area, especially when using turpentine or OMS.
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Storage: Store your mixed medium in an airtight container to prevent evaporation and contamination.
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Alternatives: Consider using mediums specifically formulated for oil painting, which often contain additional ingredients for specific effects and improved handling. Liquin is a popular example.
By understanding the properties of linseed oil and turpentine and experimenting with different ratios, you can create custom mediums that enhance your oil painting techniques and achieve your desired artistic effects.
