Still Life with Fish

Sketch the fish and still-life arrangement onto the canvas using charcoal or thinned paint.

Tip — Keep lines loose to allow for adjustment.

Initial sketching

Apply a thin, lean layer of paint to block in major shapes and values. Use mineral spirits to thin the paint.

Tip — Ensure this layer has less oil than subsequent layers to prevent cracking (Source 1).

Lean layer application

Build up color in subsequent layers, increasing the oil content (fat over lean rule). Use brushes or palette knives to apply paint.

Tip — Each additional layer should contain more oil than the layer below (Source 1).

Fat over lean

Adjust colors and textures. Oil paint remains wet longer than other media, allowing for changes to color, texture, or form (Source 1). Use palette knives to scrape off paint if necessary (Source 1).

Tip — If a layer hardens, it must be scraped off rather than wiped (Source 1).

Wet-on-wet adjustment

Apply glazes or scumbles to adjust translucency and sheen. Glazing adds transparent color, while scumbling adds semi-opaque texture (Source 6).

Tip — Glazing over a darker ground can create coldness or grey blooms (Source 6).

Glazing and scumbling

Allow the painting to dry completely. Oil paint dries by oxidation and is usually dry to the touch within two weeks (Source 1).

Tip — Do not varnish until the paint is fully dry to avoid trapping solvents (Source 1).

Oxidation drying