Medium Characteristics Oil paint is made of color pigments mixed with linseed oil. The paint comes in tubes in rich shades that blend organically and sensually. It can be diluted with more linseed oil and turpentine and used on fabric, wood, and paper surfaces. The paint can be used in transparent or thick, opaque layers, or applied directly from the tube to create a three-dimensional effect. Oil paint has a characteristic odor from its diluents, the classic scent of the pai