Texture and Light in Oil Painting

As you stroll through our quaint gallery in downtown Arcadia, Florida, you may first notice the diverse range of artists we feature. From whimsical drawings of forest creatures to mosaic birdhouses and reimagined furniture, our collection truly offers a bit of everything in the realm of art. Upon closer inspection, you'll find common themes among some of our artists. Over 30 local artists contribute their unique styles to the gallery, united by their love for art and Florida—some even share the same medium. Several artists skillfully use oil paint to manipulate texture and capture light. The distinctive qualities of oil paint—its rich viscosity and slow drying time—provide artists with an exceptional toolkit for crafting dynamic, multi-dimensional pieces.

These paintings elegantly illustrate how artists create real texture on canvas. Observe how the thick application of paint not only introduces a physical dimension but also reflects light, causing the golden bronze highlights in the upper clouds to appear as if they are shimmering. This three-dimensional effect converts a flat surface into a topographical landscape.

Harmony Vale by Buffy K Joseph

Oil painting is an ideal medium for capturing the elusive nature of light. Its extended drying time permits smooth blending and careful layering, crucial for achieving dramatic contrasts and luminous effects. Notice the almost theatrical lighting in this portrait. This is the result of Chiaroscuro (Italian for light-dark), where strong contrasts between deep shadows and bright lights are used to depict forms as three-dimensional objects. The bright yellow and orange highlights against the cool blues, greys, and purples in the figure's face not only illuminate the subject but also reveal her inner life.

Looking in the Sun by L. Shannon

Oil paint can encapsulate a moment in time. This water scene, featuring windswept palm trees, employs visible, directional brushstrokes. Thin, broken layers of opaque paint applied over darker hues—a technique known as scumbling—create the illusion of atmospheric haze and movement. The paint appears to imitate the blur of the wind and the choppy texture of the water.

Fall Palms by Jane Hilton

These artworks are among those we proudly showcase at Pletcher's on Monroe, serving as a compelling reminder that oil paint is more than mere color. It is a versatile medium that enables the artist to construct, sculpt, and illuminate a scene, transforming a flat canvas into a world that is both seen and felt.