What allows oil paint to stay workable for longer durations on the palette compared to other paints?

Oil paint remains workable for longer durations on the palette primarily due to its slower drying time. Unlike acrylic or tempera paints, which may dry rapidly, oil paints take much longer to dry because the oil binder needs to oxidize to cure the paint. This extended drying time enables artists to manipulate and blend the paint for hours, or even days, without it setting. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for techniques that rely on blending and layering, such as glazing.

Lower oil content would not contribute to prolonged workability, as it would likely lead to quicker drying times. Similarly, a shorter drying time or characteristics regarding blending ability do not directly influence the workability of oil paint on the palette. Therefore, the slower drying time is what distinctly allows oil paint to remain workable for an extended period.