From Acrylics To Oil Painting in 5 Easy Steps

I look at the reference we will be using and discuss the composition elements. Composition is VERY important to the success of a painting. Usually less is more so try to crop to a tight composition rather than an expansive one. But it all depends on what you want to say. Then again brevity is a virtue. Focus on one powerful part of a scene and you will likely have a good composition.

A brief outline about what I am looking for in this reference photo as far as composition, shapes and values are concerned.

Step 1 of the acrylic stage is to tone the painting surface.

In Step 2 you can draw in the basic shapes for the composition. Download the reference photo below and try this for yourself. No details, but rather placement of the main elements of the composition. A copy of the photo has been added for you to print out if you wish.

Step 3 is the start of the blocking in of main shapes, light and dark values and mid value colors.

I finish the blocking in with acrylic paints. The basic shapes, lights and darks as well as color relationships are now in place.

In Step 4 we need to decide on a few things: Do we paint a glaze over the dried acrylic, or a transparent layer of oil painting medium or simply paint directly onto the dry acrylic surface? This depends on the type of painting and the concept behind the painting too. I find that a thin coat of glaze or medium makes the oil paint more pliable as far as edges are concerned. A glaze, either warm or cool, can also add another dimension the the oil painting. In this example I am going to use a glaze made up of burnt sienna, with a medium consisting of equal parts linseed oil and white spirits. The warm glaze will add a earthy harmony to this sunny landscape scene.

After a few minutes I remove some of the glaze leaving a film of glaze behind. The glaze adds harmony to the painting, influences the upcoming oil layer and helps oil paint to bond to the surface.

In the final stage of Step 4 we complete the light and dark blocking in with oil paints.

In Step 5 we refine the shapes and work on the mid-value colors. The painting is nearing completion only after one layer of oils being applied yet the painting has a deep, rich appearance thanks to the acrylic base layer.

Step 5 Finishing touches is all about those few details that add interest and spark to your painting.

In the end it is all about the painting and the process. Try the method and decide it it works for you. I hope you have enjoyed this demonstration and can take something of value out of it.

Thank you

PS: I have started a closed Facebook group for artists enrolled in my courses or workshops. The groups are for more community sharing of tips, painting progress, Q&A sessions. If you are interested check out https://www.facebook.com/groups/paintwithimpact/ and join the group