What are linseed and poppy oil used for in oil painting?

Linseed and poppy oil are primarily used as binders in oil painting. Binders are crucial components of paint because they hold the pigment particles together and ensure that they adhere to the painting surface. In the case of oil paints, the oils create a film that dries to a hard finish, allowing the paint to maintain its color and texture over time.

Linseed oil, derived from the seeds of the flax plant, is one of the most commonly used oils in oil painting due to its favorable drying properties and ability to enhance the gloss and transparency of the paint. Poppy oil, on the other hand, is often used as a binder as well, particularly in more delicate colors and whites, since it has a slower drying time and less yellowing than linseed oil.

Using these oils as binders allows artists to create works with a range of textures and finishes while ensuring the longevity of the painting.