öljymaaleille

Öljymaaleille are paints that use drying oils as a binder. These oils, typically linseed oil, poppy seed oil, or walnut oil, are mixed with pigments to create a colored paste. When exposed to air, the oil undergoes oxidation and polymerization, hardening into a durable film. This drying process is generally slower than with other paint types, allowing artists more time to blend colors and work on their paintings.

The consistency of oil paints can be varied by the artist using mediums. These mediums, which can include additional oils, solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits, or resinous varnishes, alter the paint's flow, drying time, and finish. Solvents are used to thin the paint and clean brushes, while oils and varnishes can increase gloss and transparency.

Oil paints are known for their rich color saturation and ability to produce subtle gradations and textures. They can be applied in thin glazes, allowing light to reflect off underlying layers, or in thick impasto strokes, creating visible brushwork. The slow drying time also facilitates the technique of "alla prima" or "wet-on-wet," where layers are applied while previous layers are still wet.

Historically, oil paints have been a dominant medium in Western art for centuries, prized for their versatility and longevity. Modern formulations of oil paints are available in a wide range of colors, from traditional earth tones and vibrant hues to metallic and iridescent shades. Proper storage and handling are important, as the oils can become rancid over time if not stored correctly, and the solvents used with them are often flammable.