I'm finally getting around to trying my new paints - proper oil paints - for the first time (if you can believe it!?) Since I didn't study painting in school, I just got started on my own with water-mixable oil paints, got comfortable with them, and didn't try anything else until now. The water-mixable oils are nearly the same as the real deal, but I've been told that regular oil paints have richer colour and are just generally nicer to use. I'm in the process of priming some panels to use for some 'serious' paintings (ie. more rocks), but while I wait for the gesso to dry, I'm having a little fun with this tiny painting of some hellebores I photographed last spring. I'm really enjoying the new paints so far! They are so smooth and luscious, and the pigment quality does seem better. And it's definitely refreshing to paint something other than a mineral specimen for a change.
supercool! it looks like you've got the light down perfectly. can't wait to see the finished product...! (on a side note: my grandmother paints in oil, and can't remember how to make black from the colours she's got. any hints? or know of any place to buy it?)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I use black paint straight from the tube. Any oil paint brand should have several black options in their line.
DeleteLooks lovely so far!
ReplyDeleteAlso, if you are worried about ventilation (that is why a lot of people I know use water mixable oils) - you may want to try using walnut oil as a thinner. It slows drying time, but it is a bit thinner than linseed oil. My favorite brand is M. Graham. I also love their oil paints.
Thank you! Yeah, that was one reason why I stuck with the water mixables for so long. I haven't needed to use a thinner yet in my process, but I'll keep walnut oil in mind. Thanks for the tip!
DeleteThis is incredible!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane!
DeleteWow. Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThanks Erica!
DeleteBeautiful! I've been reluctant to use oil paints for fear of the fumes, as well. My dad has always used oil, and I can remember our garage always having that distinct smell. Looking forward to seeing your finished painting.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I haven't had any issues with fumes so far. I don't need thinners with my process at this point, and I've been using a non-toxic no-fume brush cleaner instead of solvents. So far so good!
DeleteYour work is so incredible!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ashley! I'm a big fan of yours!
DeleteI did not know that you had never studied painting. And the hellebore paintings could be just as serious as the gems, just as lively. I am a fan of yours! Thanks for sharing this post.
ReplyDeleteYour work is amazing!! I am saving my pennies so I can one day own a gorgeous piece of yours! Big love, from Australia.
ReplyDeletewww.lasscreative.com.au
I've seen your mineral paintings around the internet as of late (incredible work), then I come over and read that you are self-taught, sigh, you're my new hero. Really like seeing the in-progress painting. Very awesome! Keep up your amazing work.
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