One of my 2010 goals is to learn how to paint with oils. I did 3 paintings toward the end of 2009 with oils, just to get a feel for the way the paint behaves compared to watercolor and acrylic, and now I am going to seriously pursue knowing how to paint with oils. I love the buttery-ness of the paint, and the way it goes on the canvas, but I don't like how messy it can be. I will need to learn how to get more on the canvas and less on me!
This is the undercoat for a painting of an agave plant. My good friend, Donna B., sent me a most beautiful photo of this plant, and I have been itching to paint it ever since. I love the perspective that this picture shows - looking straight down into the center of the plant. I also love how the sunlight bounces around from leaf to leaf (are they called leaves, stalks, ???) and how the color changes because of the reflected light and the shadows. I am looking forward to continuing on this painting.
5 comments:
HoooWeee- what a beautifully seen agave. I recognized it instantly as the page opened. Even if you don't add color to the leaves ( and you're right they are leaves ) the values are so perfect. It says what it is.
And with oils! Very impressive. Really.
Thank you, Bonnie! I am sooooo encouraged by your comment! I wished I could have been at your show and bought a couple of your oils! I would love it if you gave me any tips that would help me on this journey of discovery with oils. :-)
Joanne,
You seem to have a good start here. I'm so glad you're willing to give oils a try. I paint with mostly Gamblin and Windsor & Newton. Sometimes it helps to find a brand that you can be comfortable with. I can't wait to see what you do with this.
Hi Jean! Happy New Year! You are one person I KNOW understands what it's like to pick up a new medium and work at learning how to master it - which you have done beautifully! Thanks for the advice on the paints. Do you wear protective gloves when you use oils? I have seen several people wearing surgical-type latex gloves. I have tried that, but the gloves were too large, and became quite cumbersome... I look forward to working more on this, and receiving more tips from you, my friend!
No, no---part of the fun of oils IS getting dirty! (Do use a barrier cream though, it makes washing one's hands much quicker and easier.) Other than that, wear old clothes and ENJOY the messiness! :)
That's a lovely agave.
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