<P> Although the history of tempera (pigment mixed with either egg whites or egg yolks, then painted on a plastered section) and related media in Europe indicates that oil painting was discovered there independently, there is evidence that oil painting was used earlier in Afghanistan . Outdoor surfaces and surfaces like shields--both those used in tournaments and those hung as decorations--were more durable when painted in oil - based media than when painted in the traditional tempera paints . </P> <P> Most Renaissance sources, in particular Vasari, credited northern European painters of the 15th century, and Jan van Eyck in particular, with the "invention" of painting with oil media on wood panel supports ("support" is the technical term for the underlying backing of a painting). However, Theophilus (Roger of Helmarshausen?) clearly gives instructions for oil - based painting in his treatise, On Various Arts, written in 1125 . At this period, it was probably used for painting sculptures, carvings and wood fittings, perhaps especially for outdoor use . However, early Netherlandish painting with artists like Van Eyck and Robert Campin in the 15th century were the first to make oil the usual painting medium, and explore the use of layers and glazes, followed by the rest of Northern Europe, and only then Italy . </P> <P> Early works were still panel paintings on wood, but around the end of the 15th century canvas became more popular as the support, as it was cheaper, easier to transport, allowed larger works, and did not require complicated preliminary layers of gesso (a fine type of plaster). Venice, where sail - canvas was easily available, was a leader in the move to canvas . Small cabinet paintings were also made on metal, especially copper plates . These supports were more expensive but very firm, allowing intricately fine detail . Often printing plates from printmaking were reused for this purpose . The popularity of oil spread through Italy from the North, starting in Venice in the late 15th century . By 1540, the previous method for painting on panel (tempera) had become all but extinct, although Italians continued to use chalk - based fresco for wall paintings, which was less successful and durable in damper northern climates . </P> <P> The linseed oil itself comes from the flax seed, a common fiber crop . Linen, a "support" for oil painting (see relevant section), also comes from the flax plant . Safflower oil or the walnut or poppyseed oil are sometimes used in formulating lighter colors like white because they "yellow" less on drying than linseed oil, but they have the slight drawback of drying more slowly and may not provide the strongest paint film . Linseed oil tends to dry yellow and can change the hue of the color . </P>

Oil painting has been the medium of choice for painter since