Ölfarben

Ölfarben, also known as oil paints, are a type of pigment suspended in a drying oil, commonly linseed oil. This medium has been used by artists for centuries, valued for its slow drying time, rich colors, and versatility. The slow drying nature of oil paints allows artists to blend colors smoothly on the canvas, create subtle gradations, and rework areas over extended periods. This extended working time is a significant advantage for many painting techniques.

The composition of oil paints typically includes pigment, binder (the drying oil), and sometimes a solvent or thinner, such as turpentine or mineral spirits, used to alter the paint's consistency and drying time. The type of oil used can affect the paint's properties; linseed oil is the most common, but others like walnut oil, safflower oil, or poppy oil are also used, each offering slightly different characteristics regarding drying time and yellowing.

Oil paints are known for their luminous quality and depth of color. When dry, they form a durable and flexible film. The pigments used can be either natural or synthetic, and their quality significantly impacts the final appearance and longevity of the artwork. Artists can manipulate oil paint in numerous ways, from thin, transparent glazes to thick, impasto applications, creating a wide range of textural and visual effects. The cleaning of brushes and tools used with oil paints typically requires solvents.