What Goes Into an Oil Painting: Materials and Costs Explained
What Goes Into an Oil Painting: Materials and Costs Explained
It’s easy to admire the beauty of an oil painting without realizing the time, tools, and materials involved. Behind every brushstroke is a list of supplies—some essential, some optional, all part of the process. If you’ve ever been curious about what it really costs to make a painting, this breakdown will give you a peek behind the scenes.
Discover what truly goes into creating a single oil painting—from high-quality materials to the slow, layered process that makes each piece unique.
To most people it doesn’t make sense that my oil paintings cost what they do
As many can go into a retail store and buy”Wall Art” for a much lesser price so what’s the difference?
And many can go to Craft stores and buy oil paints and brushes so again whats the difference?
The uniqueness of an original oil painting begins with how it’s made.
My paintings are made from 4 strips of wood called Stretcher bars .
As I use only double thick for my large scale oil paintings.Costs 50-100 for 4 stretcher bars( or strips)
As double thick stretcher bars offer more support and stability for the canvas.
And I use cotton duck canvas that costs 50-100 dollars.
I then “Stretch” canvas over the wood frame and prime.
Costs for Wood stretchers and canvas has risen exponentially over the past few years
And my recent purchase of Primer cost over 100 dollars for one gallon.
So we are close to 300 dollars in Materials and we haven’t even included the oil paint.
So the most expensive items are my oil colors.
As I use only Professional Oil colors with many being manufactured in Europe where they use high quality pigments to make colors.
There is also a tradition of Paintmaking
Which includes adherence to very high standards and quality.
Because more high quality pigment means more color, more color strength and mixability .
So what are the costs of Professional quality oil colors?
Lets take some common Primary oil colors including Cadmium Red Light, Cad Yellow Deep and Cobalt Blue
Cost per tube ? 40-60 dollars .Yes that’s PER tube.
And as an Artist I have a few dozen different colors from different manufacturers
As I enjoy the process of mixing colors and shades .
2nd most expensive is great artist quality brushes.
Since brushes are your tools it pays to invest in them and buy the best that you can afford.Most of my Artists brushes are made in Italy,Germany and France and many are 30+ years old!
And there is a tradition of brush making using very high standards of materials and quality.
There is a wide range of cost for Artists brushes with many in the 20-100 dollar range but with care will last a lifetime.
And I have several dozen different styles of Artist brushes.
So I've spent a few hundred dollars on just the materials alone
And let me add the cost of Painting Mediums and thinners.
And most importantly,
the time it takes to create and complete the oil painting.
With my oil paintings sometimes taking months to complete.
What Goes Into an Oil Painting: Materials and Costs Explained
- Original Abstract Figurative Oil Painting.
- This one-of-a-kind artwork combines abstract expression with subtle figurative forms, offering a powerful visual narrative.
- Bold Color Palette and and layered texture.
- Rich oil paint layers create movement and depth,making it a great centerpiece for modern interiors.
- Ideal for Collectors seeking unique Abstract Art
- Laurie Rubell Abstract artist in Glen Allen Virginia 23059
- Laurie Rubell, abstract oil painter – Glen Allen, VA 23059
- Available for studio visits by appointment
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