Are you an aspiring oil painter looking to achieve a smooth, professional finish? Do you want more control over the textures and cracks that develop in your paintings? The secret lies in understanding the “fat over lean” rule. With its simple yet impactful application of paint layers, this principle can help make sure your work stands out from the crowd!
In this post, we’ll explain exactly what makes fat over lean so important for oil painting success – from how it creates richer colors and longer-lasting works to how to practice layering correctly – as well as several other tips just for men and women painters starting their journey. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Science Behind the Fat Over Lean Rule
The science behind the fat over lean rule stems from the physics of drying paint. Oil paint is made of pigment particles suspended in a drying oil, usually linseed oil. When oil paint dries, it doesn’t do so by evaporation like watercolors or acrylics.
Instead, it undergoes a chemical reaction called oxidation. In this process, the oils react with oxygen in the air, which triggers the drying process. Now, here’s the crucial part: thicker (fatter) layers of paint take longer to dry than thinner (leaner) layers.
Therefore, if a lean layer is applied on top of a fat layer, the top layer will dry faster. This discrepancy in drying times can cause the top layer to crack, as the slower-drying layer underneath contracts and expands.
How to Properly Apply the Fat Over Lean Rule in Oil Painting
Applying the fat over lean rule in oil painting requires careful thought and process. Start your painting with lean layers, using minimal oil in the paint mix. A lean paint mix may contain solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits, which help thin the paint and speed up drying time.
As you progressively add more layers, gradually increase the amount of oil or medium mixed into the paint. These subsequent layers should be thicker and have a higher oil content, hence ‘fatter.’ This way, each new layer takes slightly longer to dry than the one beneath it, reducing the risk of cracking.
Tips for Mastering the Fat Over Lean Technique
Mastering the fat over lean technique requires patience and understanding. Here are a few tips: Firstly, remember that ‘fat’ and ‘lean’ are relative terms – one layer is only ‘fatter’ if it contains more oil than the layer beneath it.
Secondly, if you’re unsure about the fat content of a paint, add a medium that increases the oil content for safety. Thirdly, if you’re working on a large piece or one with many layers, consider keeping a written record of how much oil or medium you add to each layer.
This way, you can ensure each subsequent layer is indeed ‘fatter.’ Lastly, while the rule primarily refers to oil content, it can also apply to the physical thickness of the paint. Thick layers of paint will take longer to dry than thin ones.
Common Mistakes When Applying the Fat Over Lean Rule
Some common mistakes when applying the fat over lean rule include not using enough medium in later stages, or using too much solvent in the early stages, both of which can result in cracking or flaking. Another common mistake is misunderstanding the rule as ‘thick over thin.’
While it is true that thicker layers of paint will dry more slowly than thinner ones, the fat over lean rule primarily refers to the oil content of the paint, not its physical thickness. Finally, impatience can lead to trouble. If you don’t allow each layer to dry sufficiently before adding the next, it can lead to uneven drying and ultimately, cracking.
How Different Oils Impact the Fat Over Lean Technique
Different oils used in oil painting can impact the fat over lean technique as they have varied drying times. For instance, linseed oil, which is commonly used, has a relatively fast drying time. On the other hand, oils like poppy or walnut oil dry slower and are therefore considered ‘fatter.’
So, if you’re painting a layer with linseed oil-based paint and then decide to use a walnut oil-based paint for the next layer, you’re naturally following the fat over lean rule due to the inherent properties of these oils.
A Historical Perspective: Famous Painters Who Used the Fat Over Lean Rule
Historically, many famous painters have utilized the fat over lean rule to create their masterpieces, whether they articulated it as such or not. The Old Masters, including Rembrandt, Titian, and Rubens, knew the importance of this rule, even before it was scientifically understood.
Their works, which have stood the test of time, bear witness to the efficacy of the fat over lean method. Even more modern painters, such as the Impressionists, also applied this principle. Their ability to create vivid, luminous scenes that still retain their vibrancy today is partly due to their understanding of oil painting techniques like the fat over lean rule.
The Role of Mediums in the Fat Over Lean Rule
Mediums play an important role in the fat over lean rule. Mediums are mixtures that artists add to paint to adjust its properties, such as drying time, texture, and gloss. Mediums that increase the oil content of paint, like linseed oil, make the paint ‘fatter.’ On the other hand, mediums that contain solvents, like turpentine, make the paint ‘leaner.’
Therefore, by skillfully using different mediums, artists can control the ‘fatness’ or ‘leanness’ of their paint. Mediums like Liquin and Galkyd, which are alkyd-based, also prove useful as they dry faster than other oil mediums, allowing for a more manageable approach to layering.
How to Correctly Use Fat and Lean in Your First Oil Painting
For your first oil painting, start with a lean mixture of paint. Use a minimal amount of oil or medium, and consider adding a solvent like turpentine to thin the paint and speed up drying. Your initial layers should primarily focus on establishing the basic shapes and tones of the composition.
As you progress, start adding more oil or medium to your paint, making each layer ‘fatter’ than the one beneath it. These subsequent layers can add detail, texture, and complexity to the painting. Remember, oil painting is a slow process – don’t rush, let each layer dry before adding the next one.
Why Some Paintings Don’t Follow the Fat Over Lean Rule
Some artists choose not to follow the fat over lean rule, often for stylistic reasons or due to the nature of their work. For instance, in alla prima painting, where the artwork is completed in one or two sittings, the fat over lean rule might not be strictly followed.
Similarly, some abstract or contemporary painters may ignore this rule in favor of achieving specific textural effects or when using non-traditional materials. However, it’s essential to understand that straying from the rule can potentially affect the longevity and durability of the painting.
Alternative Techniques to Fat Over Lean in Oil Painting
While the fat over lean rule is fundamental in traditional oil painting, alternative techniques can also be used. For instance, the ‘wet on wet’ or ‘alla prima’ technique, where layers of paint are applied before the previous one has dried, allows for a different kind of spontaneity and blending of colors.
Another alternative approach is the ‘impasto’ technique, which involves applying paint thickly to create texture; this method is more concerned with the physical thickness of the paint rather than the oil content. These techniques can offer varied results but remember, they each come with their own set of rules and considerations to ensure the painting’s longevity.
How Climate and Environment Affect Fat Over Lean Technique
The climate and environment can greatly affect the fat over lean technique. Higher temperatures and low humidity can speed up the drying time of oil paint, which might necessitate adjustments in the fat over lean process.
In a hot, dry environment, for instance, even a thin layer of paint might dry faster than desired, potentially complicating the layering process. Conversely, in cold or highly humid conditions, the drying time might be considerably extended.
An artist should be aware of these factors and be prepared to adjust their painting technique and the application of the fat over lean rule to accommodate these conditions. This might involve using different mediums, modifying the thickness of paint layers, or adjusting the drying times between layers.
Comparing Fat Over Lean Technique in Oil Painting Vs. Other Painting Mediums
The fat over lean technique is specific to oil painting due to the unique characteristics of oil paint and its drying process. However, similar concepts exist in other mediums, although they might not be as crucial. For instance, in acrylic painting, artists might use a ‘thick over thin’ approach where heavier applications of paint are reserved for later layers, primarily to build texture and depth.
This approach is not about preventing cracking but about controlling the visual effects and depth of the painting. In watercolor painting, the concept of ‘soft over hard’ is used, where softer (wetter) layers of paint are applied over harder (drier) ones to prevent disturbing the underlayers. Each painting medium has its own set of rules and principles that cater to its unique characteristics.
What is the fat over-lean painting rule?
The fat over lean painting rule is a key principle to keep in mind when creating artwork with oil paints. It encourages painters to ensure that each layer of pigment is progressively fatter, or richer in oils and/or mediums than the one underneath. This will result in a smoother coat of paint, and it prevents future flaking or peeling from developing on the canvas down the road.
For example, starting your painting with lots of linseed oil would be against this rule since it’s too “fat” for your first layer—start with a thinner layer and gradually build up to the more saturated coats at the end. This ensures you have a robust painting that won’t succumb to damage from age or climate conditions.
What is lean over fat oil painting technique?
Lean over fat oil painting technique has been used for centuries by painters to create beautiful artwork. It is a layering technique not unlike oil-on-canvas but with a distinct approach that can create truly breathtaking effects. The trick lies in using a thinner, “leaner” paint first before introducing progressively thicker, more viscous “fatter” paint to the image.
This method allows for interesting contrasts in texture, light, and shade to create an astonishingly lifelike effect. Not only does it provide depth, but also allows the artist to add brilliance and vibrancy to their work. In short, the lean-over-fat oil painting technique is one of the oldest and most beloved painting methods there is, bringing together simplicity with sophisticated artistry results that stay true through time.
What are the rules of oil painting?
Painting with oils is one of the most dynamic forms of art and offers immense creative freedom. Of course, the quality and results are greatly affected by following some basic rules. Firstly, always prep your canvas properly- this involves priming it and ensuring that it has an even texture that won’t warp with changing temperatures or humidity.
Secondly, use a palette knife to mix your paints as it will provide more flexibility than traditional brushes. And lastly, be sure to take your time layering the paint- this will not only help you create interesting textures but also let the true colors shine through. Keep these simple rules in mind, and you’ll have a visually stunning painting in no time!
Does fat over lean apply to acrylic painting?
The question of if ‘Fat over lean’ applies to acrylic painting has been widely debated among artists. This is because one of the fundamentals of oil painting, ‘Fat over Lean’, suggests that when multiple layers are applied they should become progressively thicker, to prevent cracking. While this would seem to suggest the same practice for acrylics, the consensus amongst professionals is that it isn’t necessary when dealing with paint on a flexible surface like canvas or board.
It is important not to ignore adding texture when layering with acrylics, however, as it does add interest to a piece and can provide contrast. Ultimately, whether fat over lean applies to your particular situation will depend on what style of painting you’re trying to achieve – so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Does fat over lean apply to Alla Prima?
Alla Prima is a kind of painting technique where you paint in one or two sittings without going back and layering. So does fat over lean apply to Alla Prima? Fat over lean is the principle that when oil painting you should use layers of oil paint with more and more oil so that each layer is progressively fatter than the one beneath it.
The fat layers are less likely to crack due to the oil’s flexibility but if too much oil was used it could cause adhesion problems. As this shouldn’t be an issue in Alla Prima, enjoying the process of painting quickly whilst still producing beautiful, finished artwork can be done regardless of whether fat over lean is applied or not.
Conclusion: The Fat Over Lean Rule in Oil Painting (Explained)
In conclusion, the fat over the lean rule of oil painting is a critical concept to know. This importance derives from the fact that neglecting it can result in an oil painting cracking due to incompatible layers of paint. Stressors such as climate and humidity can also cause peeling, blistering, and delamination during extreme weather conditions if the fat-over-lean rule is not correctly observed.
As you can tell, this practice is key for maintaining a work’s longevity as well as securing its aesthetic quality. Ignorance of this idea could lead to artworks unnecessarily deteriorating in terms of physicality and perceptual value, so getting familiar with the fat over the lean rule is invaluable knowledge for any artist practicing oil painting. Armed with an understanding of how to properly use these paints, your artwork has the potential to stand the test of time!
