What are the basic steps to create an oil painting?

Ok, I got the colours, painting oil, brushes etc, but my first attempt was a bit of a mess! So, how do I start?What are the basic steps to create an oil painting?
Use some mixing agents like linseed oil and paint thinner. Experiment to find the consistecy you like. Minimize your color palette. Try to work with two or three hues plus white for your first few paintings. Make sure you keep your brushes really clean between colors... I like to start with a pencil sketch on the canvas, then I paint in a ';wash'; with a single color diluted with paint thinner. After that dries (doesn't take long when it is diluted), I start in with paint mixed with linseed oil. These are just a few tips from a fellow self-taught oil painter. HAVE FUN!What are the basic steps to create an oil painting?
First you have to prime the canvas or board with Gesso. (Ask your art store about it.) It helps to size the medium and provides a base for the paint you are going to put on it.





Some people like to sketch in pencil on the canvas to help them paint. It gives you a guide to go by, and helps you to visualize what you are going to paint.





Then, mix the colours with the painting oil until you get the consistency you want out of the paint. Some people like toothpaste like thickness, other people prefer a dilute wash. It all boils down to personal prefs.





Then, decide what you want to paint, and stroke away. It helps to start with light colors first, then paint the darker colors.





Hope you have fun, and don't worry about making it look ';right'; A lot of modern art looks like what your first painting will look like, and it sells for big money......
A lesson.
Go to the art store and pick up a book for oil painting for beginners. Its the best way to learn. If you have more $$ to spend, get a video and paint along with the artist. Have fun!