What does the artist typically rely on when executing a method like 'fat over lean'?

The 'fat over lean' technique is rooted in the principles of oil painting and refers to the application of paint where each successive layer contains more oil (fat) than the previous one, which has less oil content (lean). This practice is crucial because the flexibility and drying time of the mediums affect how the paint layers interact with each other. Layers with higher oil content dry more slowly and can accommodate the movement and drying of the layers beneath them, preventing cracking and ensuring proper adhesion.

When creating a painting using this method, an artist must consider the properties of the mediums involved, including how quickly they will dry and how flexible they will be once dried. By following this technique, artists can build depth and richness in their work while ensuring durability over time.

Other options, such as the cost of materials, the number of layers applied, and the texture of the canvas, while relevant aspects of painting in general, do not specifically address the primary concern of the 'fat over lean' application technique, which is fundamentally about the balance of oil content and how that influences drying and flexibility.