New to oil painting. Help!

[Acemon]

I signed up for a painting class that's held once per week. The first class
we discussed paint types and qualities, Brush types and care and so on. We
also discussed preparing the canvas for painting. The instructor mentioned
that even though pre stretched canvases and the canvas on boards are usually
primed, he still recommends coating the canvas with a layer of paint. The
part that I missed is what he is mixing the paint with for this coating? Is
he thinning it? I should have been paying bettter attention to that detail.
When I go into the supply store, there is a plethora of chemicals available.
I'm confused on what I need to get for that step. I did get all of my other
supplies. I need to go to the next class with the canvases ready to paint
on!

Thank You, John

[PB]

Hello John,

Here is a website that may help you. I find extremely informative. I have
been painting in oils for about 1 year and still learning a ton.
http://painting.miningco.com/hobbies/painting/library/bloilsbasiccolor.htm

This seems to be a fairly informative website on color theory, in which
case I am studying independently.

As for what is painted on the canvas.....your teacher is probably referring
to gesso. It is all white and is for priming canvas. It is the normal
primer for what you buy in the store already primed, white in color.
Sometimes I put more gesso on but sometimes not. Just go to
www.gamblincolors.com or
http://www.saumag.edu/art/studio/chalkboard/p-grounds.html

Just a couple of links that mayhelp you get started. There is a wealth of
information out there and a lot of wonderful people willing to share with
you.

Gesso normally can be purchased at any art store i.e. MJ Designs, Arron
Brothers, Wal-mart may have some acrylic gesso in the art section.

Happy Painting!
Paula

Acemon wrote in message ...