One of the trickiest aspects of oil painting is learning how to mix paints with the right amounts and types of mediums

One of the trickiest aspects of Oil Paintings is learning how to mix paints with the right amounts and types of mediums, thinners and solvents to achieve the desired end result. The nature and concentration of these substances will affect the paints color, transparency, gloss, consistency and texture when dry. Some popular mediums such as linseed oil have a yellowing tendency, which limit their use for lighter pigments. If the mediums or thinners used are badly proportioned, the pigment may not bind properly, or the dried-up paint may end up wrinkling, crackling or flaking off. Done right, the end result can be spectacular, but the process itself requires a fair amount of precision. A painter, having mixed all the colors he needs for a project, cannot afford to use the wrong brush as brushes for oil painting tend to be on the expensive side. A painter needs at least two long-handled brushes for general work: one bristle-hair brush for larger areas and a sable brush for detail. That doesnt even begin to cover the different brush shapes for different strokes: rounds, brights, flats and filberts (plus varnish brushes for finishing). All these individual brushes can add up to a hefty sum. Horsehair, mongoose hair, and nylon brushes are cheaper alternatives, but none of them can give as good a result as bristles and sables. The thought of writing a paper can be a daunting task, especially if you don't know much about the subject. When writing a paper on Thomas Kinkade, the best way to start is to do as much research as possible on the artist. Portrait Painting Gather as many facts as you can about his personal and professional life. Study his artwork to gain an understanding of the techniques he uses. The more knowledge you have of Kinkade, the more vivid and compelling your paper will be. ganize your research materials and take notes on the information you find. Identify key points you want to use in your paper. Begin with an introduction that lets the reader know what they can expect to learn about Thomas Kinkade from your paper. Highlight the important points you plan to include. Write a paragraph for each point you listed in your introduction. Use each of these paragraphs to elaborate on the topic, such as Kinkade's personal life, what made him want to become an artist and how he creates his famous light technique. Include quotes from Kinkade to enhance the paper's validity. Cite all references you use. Stillwater Cottage Conclude your paper by summarizing the main points you want the reader to take away from your research. Discuss what Kinkade is working on currently, if that is known. Include examples of Kinkade's artwork to give the reader a visual aid about the artist. Include discussions about his artwork from a critical standpoint, as you would for any artist -- whether visual or musical or literary artists.