When Was Oil Paint Invented? A Brief History of Oil Painting

September 17, 2024

Oil paint was invented in the 7th century CE, when artists in Bamiyan, Afghanistan used it to decorate cave walls. The early form of oil paint was made from natural oils, such as walnut or poppy seed oil, mixed with pigments. This innovative medium gradually spread across cultures and, by the 15th century, became the dominant material used by European painters, revolutionising art with its vibrant colours and versatility.

Oil Paint in Early Europe

Despite its ancient origins, oil paint didn’t reach Europe until much later. By the 11th century, artists in Europe were experimenting with oil paints, but it wasn’t until the 15th century that the medium gained widespread popularity. Up until then, most European painters worked with egg tempera, a fast-drying medium made by mixing pigments with egg yolk. While effective, tempera lacked the depth and flexibility of oil paint.

It was the Flemish painter Jan van Eyck who is widely credited with perfecting the use of oil paint in the early 15th century. His use of multiple layers of glazes, which allowed for unparalleled depth and luminosity, set a new standard for artistic expression. One of his most famous works, The Arnolfini Portrait, is a masterpiece of the oil painting technique, demonstrating its potential for creating detailed and vivid representations.

Why Was Oil Paint So Revolutionary?

The introduction of oil paint to the European art world during the Renaissance changed the way artists worked, as it offered several advantages over tempera:

Longer Working Time: Oil paints dry slowly, giving artists more time to blend colours and add intricate details.
Layering and Glazing: Thin layers, or glazes, could be applied to create depth and a luminous effect, making paintings appear more realistic.
Rich, Saturated Colours: The combination of oil with pigments produced vibrant, highly saturated colours, allowing artists to achieve greater realism and expression in their work.

These qualities made oil paint the preferred medium for many of the Renaissance’s greatest masters, including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. For example, Da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa showcases the subtle blending and rich textures achievable with oil paints, making it one of the most iconic works in the history of art.

The Evolution of Oil Paint in the Renaissance

By the 15th and 16th centuries, oil paints had become the dominant medium for easel painting in Europe. Significant improvements in the refining of linseed oil and the availability of new pigments expanded the artistic possibilities. This period gave birth to some of the world’s most treasured artworks, including Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel (though primarily a fresco, oil paints were used in some details).

Another crucial development was the shift from wooden panels to canvas as the preferred surface for oil painting. Canvas was more flexible and portable, allowing artists to create larger works with greater ease. This revolutionised not only the size and style of paintings but also the commissioning process, as wealthy patrons sought impressive, large-scale pieces for their homes and institutions.

Oil Painting Techniques: From Van Eyck to Velázquez

By the 17th century, painters such as Diego Velázquez, Peter Paul Rubens, and Rembrandt van Rijn had mastered the subtleties of oil painting, using it to create dramatic contrasts between light and shadow, and to add texture and emotion to their works.

Velázquez, for instance, was renowned for his expressive and economical brushstrokes, which created detailed textures with minimal paint. His masterpiece, Las Meninas, is a testament to the depth and detail achievable with oil paints. Similarly, Rembrandt’s use of impasto—thick, textured paint—gave his paintings a rich, almost three-dimensional quality, enhancing the dramatic lighting effects for which he is famous.

Make Oil Paint Like the Old Masters

At P9 Art Boutique, we offer a premium All Natural Oil Paint Kit that provides everything you need to paint like the old masters. Our kit includes 9 carefully sourced, eco-friendly pigments made from natural minerals, and a traditional sun-thickened linseed oil binder. This allows you to experience the richness and versatility of oil paint without compromising on safety or environmental impact.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, our oil paint kit allows you to create artwork with the depth and brilliance that made oil paint the medium of choice for Renaissance and Baroque masters.

Modern Use of Oil Paint

Despite the development of faster-drying media like acrylics, oil paints remain one of the most popular and revered mediums among contemporary artists. Modern oil paints are still made from refined linseed oil or poppy seed oil, and the range of pigments available allows artists to explore both traditional and modern techniques.

At P9 Art Boutique, we offer a Non-Toxic Oil Paint Set that includes a natural calcium drier to help speed up the drying process without sacrificing the vibrancy or texture of your work. Our eco-friendly oil paints are suitable for artists of all levels, allowing you to experience the rich history and creative possibilities of this timeless medium.

Who invented oil paint?

While Jan van Eyck is often credited with popularising oil painting in the 15th century, the earliest known use of oil paint dates back to the 7th century CE in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, where it was used to decorate cave walls.

Why is oil paint so popular?

Oil paint is loved for its versatility, slow drying time, and the ability to layer and blend colours. It also produces rich, vibrant tones that last for centuries, making it a favoured medium for both classical and modern artists.

What was oil paint used for before the Renaissance?

Before the Renaissance, oil paint was primarily used for decorative purposes, such as in Buddhist cave paintings in Afghanistan. Its use in fine art didn’t become widespread until the 15th century in Europe.

What oils are used in oil paint?

The most commonly used oils in oil paint are linseed oil, poppy seed oil, safflower oil, and walnut oil. These oils dry through oxidation, which helps to harden the paint over time and create a durable finish.

Final Thoughts

The invention of oil paint marked a major turning point in the history of art. From its beginnings in 7th century Afghanistan to its dominance during the European Renaissance, oil paint has allowed artists to achieve unprecedented levels of depth, realism, and expression. At P9 Art Boutique, we celebrate this rich tradition with our Non-Toxic Oil Paint Kits, offering you the perfect tools to explore this incredible medium.

Discover our collection today and start your journey with oil painting.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are handmade oil paints suitable for beginners?

Yes, handmade oil paints are suitable for beginner artists, especially those interested in learning more about the paint-making process and controlling the quality of their materials. Making oil paint from scratch can help you better understand pigments, textures, and the chemistry of paint. For beginners, our P9 Artisan Oil Paint Kit is a perfect introduction, providing high-quality, non-toxic pigments and materials for a safe and rewarding experience.

What materials do I need to make my own oil paints?

To make your own oil paints, you'll need the following materials:

Pigments: Dry, finely ground powders in the colours of your choice.
Drying Oil: Linseed oil, walnut oil, or other natural oils to bind the pigments.
Palette Knife: For mixing the pigments with the oil.
Glass Muller and Grinding Plate: These tools help ensure the pigment is evenly dispersed into the oil for a smooth, professional-quality paint.
Paint Tubes: For storing your handmade paints.

Our P9 Artisan Oil Paint Kit comes with nine high-quality natural, Earth and synthetic mineral pigments, along with a natural oil binder, perfect for those looking to make their own non-toxic oil paints.

Please note:The mixing tools are not included in the kit.

How do I store homemade oil paints?

To keep your mixed oil paints fresh and maintain their quality, here are some effective storage methods:

Airtight Aluminium Tubes: Transfer your mixed oil paints into airtight aluminium tubes to minimize air exposure. Fill the tube about three-quarters full, then flatten and fold the end using a putty knife. Pinch the end with pliers to seal it airtight. Properly sealed, your paint can last for weeks or even months.
Refrigeration: Store your palette in the refrigerator to slow down drying. This method can keep your paint usable for several days to a week. Make sure to cover the palette with cling film or place it in an airtight container before refrigerating.
Freezing: For longer storage, place your palette in the freezer. This can keep your paint fresh for several weeks. Before using the paint, let it warm up slightly to avoid condensation. This method is especially handy if you paint regularly.
Cling Film: Cover your palette with cling film to reduce air exposure. This is a quick and easy way to keep your paint usable for a few days.
Glass Jars: For longer storage, transfer your paint into small glass jars. Adding a few drops of clove oil can help prevent the paint from drying out too quickly. Ensure the jars are tightly sealed.
Aluminium Foil: Scrape any leftover paint onto small squares of aluminium foil and fold it to create an airtight seal. This can preserve your paint for a few weeks. Label the foil with a smudge of the paint colour for easy identification.

Using these methods will help you extend the life of your mixed oil paints, ensuring you get the most out of your materials.

When were oil paints invented?

Oil paints are believed to have been invented around the early 15th century, with Jan van Eyck, a Flemish painter, often credited for refining the medium. While oil paints may have existed before this, it was during the Northern Renaissance that their use became widespread. Van Eyck's use of linseed oil as a binder allowed for richer colours, smoother blending, and slower drying times, which changed the art world and led to the eventual dominance of oil paints in Europe.

What did artists use before oil paint was invented?

Before the invention of oil paint, artists primarily used egg tempera and encaustic (a wax-based paint) as their main painting mediums. Egg tempera, made from pigment mixed with egg yolk, was widely used in the Byzantine and Renaissance periods due to its fast drying properties and ability to produce fine detail. Encaustic paints, created with pigments suspended in hot beeswax, were commonly used in ancient Egypt for portraiture. These mediums offered longevity but lacked the flexibility and blendability of oil paints.

Can oil paints be used for Alla Prima painting?

Yes, oil paints are perfect for the Alla Prima or "wet-on-wet" technique. This method allows artists to apply layers of oil paint without waiting for the previous layers to dry, creating a more spontaneous and immediate painting style. Natural oil paints, like those found in our P9 Artisan Oil Paint Kit, are excellent for Alla Prima as they offer vibrant colours and smooth blending without toxic solvents, making them ideal for both beginners and professional artists.

What are non-toxic oil paints?

Non-toxic oil paints are made without harmful chemicals, heavy metals, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are commonly found in traditional oil paints. Instead, they use natural pigments and binders like linseed or walnut oil, offering a safer alternative for artists and the environment. These paints are free from toxic additives like cadmium, lead, and cobalt, which can cause health issues over time. Non-toxic oil paints, such as those found in our P9 Artist Oil Paint Set, are perfect for art lovers, students, and professionals who prioritise safety while maintaining vibrant, high-quality results.

Are natural oil paints better for the environment?

Yes, natural oil paints are far better for the environment compared to synthetic oil paints. Traditional oil paints often contain toxic additives, stabilisers, and heavy metals that pose risks to both the artist and the environment. In contrast, natural oil paints use eco-friendly, non-toxic pigments and natural binders, reducing their environmental impact. Our P9 Artist Oil Paint Set is an excellent option for artists looking for vegan, non-toxic oil paints that are safe and sustainable.

How to fix hardened oil paint?

If your oil paint has hardened or become too thick to use, here are a few methods to fix it and restore its workability:

Add Linseed Oil or Other Paint Mediums: If the oil paint is just starting to dry out or has become thick, adding a few drops of linseed oil or a specialised oil painting medium can help rehydrate the paint and restore its creamy texture. Mix thoroughly using a palette knife until the paint is smooth again.
Use a Paint Thinner: For more stubbornly hardened paint, you can add a small amount of odourless mineral spirits, turpentine, or another non-toxic paint thinner to dissolve the dried portions. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the paint too thin and affect its consistency.
Warm the Paint Gently: Slightly warming the hardened paint (by placing the tube in warm water or near a mild heat source) can soften it enough to mix more easily with a medium. Be careful not to overheat the paint, as this could damage the pigments.
Use a Palette Knife: If only the surface of the paint has hardened, you can scrape off the dried layer with a palette knife and use the softer paint underneath.

If your oil paint has fully dried and hardened, it may not be salvageable. Oil paints naturally dry through oxidation, and if too much air has been exposed to the paint over time, it may have cured beyond repair. To avoid this, ensure your paint tubes are tightly sealed when not in use.