When I first learned to paint in oils, I loved it! I painted realistic pieces, apples, vases of flowers, that kind of thing. But then I fell in love with my Mac and graphics took over my soul! Granted, all of my textile designs start out with a pencil or some black gouache and a brush, but they do end up on my Mac being readied as a repeat pattern. But painting, as in painting a picture, is something that I’ve just recently revisted.
I just finished a series of three abstract seascapes for a client in acrylic paints. (Here’s the work in progress.) It was really fun but completely different than painting in oils. For one thing the paint dries much faster which is good and a little scary. Another difference is I felt like I needed more layers to get the look I wanted.
All that is fine, and I’m used to learning curves, but it made me think about oils and how I should try them again.
Well, it was a TOTAL FAIL! I’m too embarrassed to show you how badly I did!
I am SO out of practice! Which is fine too, I don’t give up easily, but gosh kids, were oil paints always this smelly? Or am I just more sensitive these days. I’m rethinking the oil revisit.
Over the years I’ve tried many mediums; watercolor, pastel, pencil, charcoal, marker, acrylic, photography and most recently transfer and collage, curiosity always driving me forward to see where the creative path goes, what will stick and how does it mesh with my creative style. To say the least a creative life is an every evolving life. There are always new things to learn.
For sure I’ll keep at the painting. But as far as oils go? I’m not sure yet if I’ll keep using them. I would need an outdoor studio or at least wait until summer when the windows can be thrown open for some fresh air. Possibly I’ll go back to acrylics. Either way the brush goes on.
Do you paint in oils? What’s your strategy for avoiding the fumes headache?
Meanwhile, I’m looking for a place to hang these beauties for a styled shot before they go to their forever home.
Enjoy the weekend, and the sunshine, and if you haven’t already, sign up for my newsletter below!
All my love,
Kathleen