How to Use Raw Linseed Oil Within an Oil Painting
- 1). Wash out an empty baby food jar and pour in a finger width of raw linseed oil.
- 2). Pour turpentine or odorless paint thinner into the jar equal to twice the amount of linseed oil. Both turpentine and odorless mineral spirits perform the same function, but turpentine can be harmful if inhaled or ingested in significant quantities. Avoid using odorless turpentine because its solvency is not as effective as mineral spirits.
- 3). Sketch out the subject of your painting onto a canvas or piece of oil painting paper and mount it on an easel. Arrange your paints on your palette and mix the hues you need using a palette knife.
- 4). Render an underpainting. Dip your brush into the linseed oil and turpentine mixture then dab it in paint and cover the canvas in a thin layer of paint -- you should still be able to see the outlines of your sketch through the paint. Select a light or neutral color from the color palette of your painting. Allow the underpainting to dry completely.
- 5). Paint the next layer of your painting, still dipping the brush first in the linseed oil and turpentine mixture. Fill in the basic shapes of your sketch with the appropriate color but keep the layer of paint relatively thin.
- 6). Add detail to your painting by using different shades and hues to reflect shadow and light. After the first few layers of paint, you no longer need to dip your brush in the linseed oil and turpentine mixture. Allow the painting to dry completely before adding the next layer.
