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How to Paint a Poinsettia with Oil Paint

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how to paint a poinsettia with oil paint
how to paint a poinsettia with oil paint

Have you ever tried to paint a poinsettia? This tutorial will show you How to Paint a Poinsettia with Oil Paint using the alla prima method. Alla prima is an Italian phrase that means ‘at first attempt’. It is a wet-on-wet approach where wet paint is applied to layers of still-wet paint that were painted earlier, usually in a single sitting. This technique has been used by artists like Van Gogh and Bob Ross.

how to paint a poinsettia with oil paint

Materials Needed to Paint a Poinsettia with Oil Paint

  • Titanium White
  • Manganese Blue
  • Napthol Red
  • Hansa Yellow Light
  • Raw Umber
  • 1.5″ flat/bright
  • size 6 filbert
  • size 8 bright
  • size 0 round
  • 9″ by 12″ canvas paper
  • oil painting medium

Instructions for Painting a Poinsettia with Oil Paint

Set up your palette and mix the desired colors.
Mix Raw Umber and Green (Hansa yellow Light + Manganese Blue), dilute it with oil painting medium, then paint the background with the 1.5″ bright. I began with the darkest value at the top and allowed it to get lighter and lighter as I swished the brush down toward the bottom of the canvas.
Use the #6 filbert to swish in the leaves with a variety of green values.
Add the red leaves using the #6 filbert, mixing Napthol Red with oil painting medium and bits of Manganese Blue and the mixed Green. Use the edge of the #8 bright and Raw Umber to dab in the flower centers.
Make the buds in the center with Hansa Yellow Light + Raw Umber and the #0 round brush. Highlight the buds and leaves with Hansa Yellow Light and Titanium White.
You’re all finished! Wasn’t that fun and easy?
how to paint a poinsettia with oil paint
how to paint a poinsettia with oil paint

Blessings,

Kristie

Read Hand painted Poinsettia Flower Pot

Hand Painted Poinsettia Flower Pot
Ready to try painting a poinsettia with acrylics? Use the link above to see the complete tutorial.

Comments

  1. jeanie says

    Thank you for including the colors for the mixes. Not my strong suit! Although I do watercolor, not oil, and some of the technique won’t work, the tutorial was helpful and I think I may give it a try! After all, Christmas is coming!

    Reply

    • kristie says

      Thanks, Allyson. I’ve been teaching a few classes at our co op this fall, so it took me a few months to get a handle on that and get back in the blogging saddle again.

      Reply

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