What are oil paints primarily made of?

Oil paints are primarily made of pigment suspended in a drying oil. This combination allows for a rich, versatile medium that has been favored by artists for centuries. The drying oil, often linseed oil, acts as a binder that not only holds the pigment together but also facilitates the paint's application and drying process. The ability of the oil to dry slowly enables artists to blend colors and work on the painting for extended periods without it drying too quickly.

The other options do not accurately represent the composition of oil paints. Water and pigment describe watercolor paints more closely, as they are mixed with water rather than a drying oil. Saying that oil paints consist only of pigment overlooks the crucial role that the oil plays in the formulation. Gum arabic is a binder used primarily in watercolors, not in oil paints, further distinguishing the types of paint and their respective compositions. Thus, identifying the correct composition of oil paints reinforces understanding of this medium's unique properties and application techniques.