Steven Lafler is a cartoonist, writer and entrepreneur. He has published several graphic novels including "Bughouse," "Baja," "Scalawag," "40 Hour Man" and "Tranny." His work has appeared in "Pulse!," "San Francisco Weekly," "Worcester Magazine," "Seattle Weekly," "Guitar Player," and "Buzzard" comics anthology. Lafler's first professional published work appeared in 1979.
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Art SuppliesSUPPLIES
- Palette knife
- Linseed oil
- Clean, flat surface
- Earth pigments
- Mineral pigments
- Glass muller
- Airtight jar or container
Overview
Oil paints can be made with materials readily available online or at art supply retail stores. Various colors of paint pigment are mixed with a binder, such as linseed oil. The binder may vary depending on the pigment. When using the paint, other elements may be added to the mix, such as stabilizers and driers.
How Is Oil Paint Made?
Step 1
Pigments are often sold in half pound quantities, but you will start with a much smaller amount. Pile a small amount of pigment on a clean, flat, nonporous surface. Use a palette knife to create a crater in your mound of pigment. Pour a modest amount of linseed oil into the crater, about a tablespoon of oil for 30 grams of pigment. Use the palette knife to fold the pigment into the oil. Do not allow the oil to flow away from the pigment. Continue blending until the oil and pigment combine to a uniform paste.
Step 2
When the pigment and oil are blended into a smooth paste, the paint can be used immediately. It can be used with other homemade or commercially manufactured oil paints.
Step 3
To store paint for later use, complete the following steps. Place the glass muller on top of the pigment paste. Apply light pressure, moving the muller in a circular motion. This will create an even suspension of pigment. With the palette knife, collect the thin layer of paint back into the center of the work surface. The paint now has a runnier consistency.
Step 4
To thicken the paint, add a small amount of pigment. Fold the new pigment into the paint with the palette knife. Spread the paint again with the same circular motion. Small peaks appear in the paint as it thickens. Repeat the process of adding pigment and mulling two or three times until the paint is a thick paste.
Step 5
The paint can be stored for later use in any airtight container. When used, it may be mixed or thinned with turpentine, linseed oil, Damar varnish, stand oil or other paint mediums.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Try starting with an earth pigment rather than a mineral pigment, as they are easier to mix.
The traditional painters medium is one third linseed oil, one third turpentine, and one third Damar varnish. Painters mix paint with varying degrees of this medium as they work. This is one example of a medium to paint with. Each master painter has his own formula.
- WARNING : Handle pigments with care as they have varying degrees of toxicity.
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