Do you know One of the earliest - if not the earliest - artworks created by humans are paintings. As early as 15,000 B.C., man was portraying the world around him in cave paintings, such as those in Lascaux.

        Oil paints were used in England as early as the 13th century for simple decoration. In the High Middle Ages, it is also possible that they were developed for decorative and functional purposes:

        Oil painting, as an art form, began to gain steam in the early 15th century. The invention of the art oil painting is often credited to North European painter Jan Van Eyck, who plied his trade during the Renaissance. Van Eyck wanted to mimic nature in his artwork and create highly-detailed paintings that would make his subjects seem alive and life-like. However, the existing painting techniques and oil technologies then weren't suited to his pursuit of realism. Thus, he came to pioneer the art of oil painting, which became popular in his region of North Europe because it worked great in the cold climate there.

        In the 16th century, oil painting began to rise in prominence in Venice, one of the centers of the Renaissance. The oil paint proved to be essential for painters who wanted a water-durable medium. Arguably the greatest oil painting was born in Renaissance Italy ? Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa.

        Presently, the most common use of oil paint is not in art, but rather domestic. The paint's durable properties and attractive, luminous colors make it a prime choice for both interior and exterior domestic use.)

        This how-to is a simple outline you can follow if you are just starting to create an oil painting. Every artist will surely have his or her own ritual, but in oil painting, some steps naturally come after one another.

        It is wise to be prepared regarding the subject or theme you shall paint. Scrutinize every detail of the object or scene you wish to paint and form this picture in your mind. It is said that majority of the process of creating an oil painting lies in this stage, but this may not become applicable to abstract paintings. Nevertheless, remember that Jackson Pollock took years to perfect his splatters, no matter how random they seem to be.

        Fist sketching in the under painting transfers the image in your head onto the canvas and gives you an idea where to do what with your colors. You can sketch on the canvas with another medium, such as acrylic or charcoal, depending on the effect you want to achieve.

        Then the painting stage seems more like a cycle: since oil paint takes a long while to completely dry up?a day or two?and since it is traditionally accomplished in layers (see Oil Painting techniques), it takes a lot of patience and dedication to complete an oil painting. If you're feeling adventurous (or impatient), you can paint Wet-to- Wet though! But in both cases, let your painting dry up in a safe place that's free from unwanted scratching and smudging.

        While you're in the waiting stage of the "painting cycle," it's essential to keep your painting materials in tip-top shape?not only because they're expensive or hazardous! Tightly cover the palette with plastic wrap; keep it airtight. Let the muck in your thinner settle, then use the clean portion. This is also the best time to thoroughly clean up your brushes, to be ready for another round of painting.

        Once you're done with the finishing touches of your painting, such as glazes and varnishes and other protective measures, store your painting once more in a cool, safe place. Avoid rolling up your paintings as this causes them to crack and flake. Framing is a failsafe way to make your paintings more secure and possibly even better-looking.

        An artwork meets your needs, it's worth every penny. however it can cost a considerable sum.

Art Is For Enjoyment
        An artwork should touch your soul, stimulate your thoughts and bring a smile to your lips. It should bring you pleasure, and even joy.
Art Enhances Your Environment
        Art lends life and color to otherwise plain and ordinary walls, nooks and crannies, and mantelpieces. A well thought-out art collection will help create a unique ambience in your home and make it more attractive. For similar reasons, art often graces commercial premises, such as office lobbies and the offices of top executives.
Art Can Be An Investment
        Art is one of those peculiar investments which you can actually admire and enjoy. And researching and hunting down a desired piece of art can be as much fun as owning it! Many art collectors enjoy combing galleries, websites, auctions and even flea markets in pursuit of their passion. Profiting eventually from the sale of a find becomes a bonus.
Art Makes An Impression
        When you need to give a gift which will make a lasting impression, a delectable piece of artwork is hard to beat. Any beneficiary will appreciate receiving such an exclusive gift, and be honored that you valued her enough to give her something so unique and precious.

Happy art collecting!