Secret Dreams: Oil Painting
image via ktmerry.com
I have a little secret to share. I want to start oil painting.
I picture it feeling something like this photo. Fresh, natural and relaxing.
But I have no idea how to start. What kind of oils do I need? What about supplies?
Not sure if I want to take a class because I have paintings in my mind and don't want to paint someone elses dream. You know?
But maybe I need some basic instruction…or should I just dive in?
I know there are some very talented artsy folks who might be reading my little blog. Do you happen to have any advice for a wanna be artist?
45 Responses to “Secret Dreams: Oil Painting”
Hey Heather! I took a painting class years ago to get out of the house when the babies were born… LOVED it! Half the class used acrylics, half used oils, and while I loved the smell of oil based artist paints, they take FOREVER to dry so if you want to work in layers, it’s challenging, you have to wait a day or two. My best advice is to grab an inexpensive easel, a few medium canvases and some acrylic paints and just go do exactly what you see. Go somewhere that inspires you and start mixing and putting color on the canvas. It’s theraputic and wonderful!
xoxo
Kate
I am living my secret dream now. I LOVE retail and always wanted to open a gift store. I have done that now with http://www.wrenelizabethgifts.com. I listened to Oprah and just made it happen. I am having such a fun time!
Please everyone, follow your secret dream. And, don’t keep it a secret.
Heather, you are so artistic…just do it!
xoxo
I think either way you will love it! My resolution for the last 2 years has been to paint again… I need some color in this NY winter and I think the itch to paint is upon me too. Good luck!
That is a secret dream of mine too. I always imagine it would be so peaceful and theraputic. I hope to just dive in this new year. I have tons of secret dreams ut another 2 I hope to accomplish this year are writing/photographing a book and learning to play my guitar. Not so secret but still dreams of mine;)
I think you would be wonderful at it Heather!!!!
For me, oil painting doesn’t look anything like this. It usually involves me dumping over my turpentine all over me, the floors and the walls. ha ha! But that’s just clumsy me. I do suggest taking a little class, just because there are so many techniques to learn. And yes, you will probably have to paint stupid mustard bottles over and over, but it’s just for learning; you still get to paint your dream too. I painted on and off for over 40 years before I finally took a class and I was blown away by all I learned. As far as paints, you could go to your local art store and pick up a set of student grade oils. They are still good paints, but cheaper. Have fun!
I was a painting minor in college on a whim. i focused on oil paints. my best advice is to go to a craft store (bring a coupon this stuff is not cheap) and just get the basics. don’t feel foolish buying a “starter kit,” they truly do help with giving you the basics. buy 2 or 3 canvas and prop them up some where comfy. spread your paints out on a old cloth and mix on an old paper plate…. They do take forever to dry, but thats my FAVORITE PART, you can add and change things later when you are inspired.
start with this and then when you want to invest more time branch out on the supplies and colors and brushes.
oh and get the special paint brush cleaner (its like a hard old fashioned soap) TOTALLY worth it.
don’t really need a class….
good luck!
If you haven’t any notion at all of how to paint, I’d also recommend starting with acrylics. They are much easier to use and dry quickly. Moreover, you can wash all of your supplies with water, which surely is a bonus. Before starting to use oil painting, be sure to check about allergies- I happen to be allergic to turpentine and had a very unpleasant accident once… so stopped immediately to use any solvent- based color. It’s up to you… you can always change medium when you are a little more expert. A good book could help you start, if you don’t feel in the mood of taking a class.
Good luck! And have fun fun fun!
Monica x
I used to play with oil paints! They are quiet amazing really. Go to a craft store and pick the colors you love and start playing. Or start with lessons somewhere and ask them what they recommend. Or do a search online of some oil painting tutorials. Oh you make it sound tempting to dig my box of old paints out! Maybe I should just send it all to you and see what you can do with it!
I saw two ladies painting at the lavender fields in San Diego County. It looked like such a lovely day. How could you go wrong? I saw go for it.
I have this dream, too!
dive in!!
you’ll love it! the sound of the brush against the canvas, the smell of the turpentine…so peaceful
dive in! & enjoy!
Jump in if you are set in using oil paints I would recommend using water based oils so you dont use turpentine instead you use water, I also use walnut oil. All these are safe to use,
Have fun
Annie v.
Sounds fun! I’m sure you’ll nail it too.
I’m curious about why people say “en plein aire”…rather
than just saying “outside”. It seems like a new trend or
maybe a new name for an old trend.
Congrats on living your dream Melin! Wishing you much success! ~H
This is what I’m going to do Colleen! I too like the idea of the paint taking time to dry. I’d like to take my time working on it and not knock one out in a day or so.
I’m very excited to buy some supplies. I found a cute French easel on Dick Blick today.
Not sure what the soap is? Or what the name of it is?
Thanks for the tips! ~H
Hi Monica!
I plan on using natural solvents. I’ve seen some at art supply stores. Hopefully they won’t be as harsh.
A book is a good idea too! Thanks, H
Jill, break out your paints and start again! Maybe you’ll surprise yourself! ~H
Dreamy….I really need a field of lavender. ~H
It’s just that fancy schmancy French way of saying exactly that…outside. ;-))
Definately go for it. Try it on your own and decide whether you need a class or not. It depends on what you want from it. I recommend buying your supplies at an art supply store. Good tools are essential – as with any craft or art. A good store will know what you need to start.
I was an art major in college and I took every kind of painting class they offered. Of course I love watercolors ………..but if I was giving you advice I would use acrylics because you get instant gratification and don’t have to wait for it to dry like you do oils. You can still get the same effect and in less time. Then if you think you have that mastered then try the oils. You will have fun and I’m sure you will master whatever you do. Good Luck!
The photo actually reminds me of my Dad… he was an artist and had a portable easel and paintbox he’d take traveling with him, to set up wherever a scene caught his fancy. I think it’s a lovely pastime and you should definitely go for it! Watch out for tubes of Titanium White paint, though, if you travel overseas – apparently they raise red flags in the x-ray machines! ::Jill
I was jus thinking this EXACT same thing and starting “pinning” possible pictures to practice with. It sounds like we are all thinking the same thing. Let’s do it! ~Lisa
Heather, I’m so excited for you! I’ve been painting for 30 years and have done it all from oils, to acrylics to gouache, on to watercolors and back to oils. Each medium has it’s pros and cons. I’ve been teaching for years, and feel if you get a good instructor, you should be able to retain your own unique vision. A few classes can give you a head start so you don’t get discouraged. There are also on line tutorials that can help. I would only buy artist grade oils, instead of student grade, even if you can only buy a few at a time. Brushes are not expensive. I like tht Masters Touch they sell at Hobby Lobby (often on sale). When oils are done well they are fantastic. Sometimes I think waiting for the paint to dry gives you time to figure things out. I often add Grumbacher medium 3 to speed up the drying. Just add a few drops into your whit and any reds and oranges, since they take longer to dry. Most of all have fun and remember each piece is a learning experience, good luck. Mikell
lots of really great ideas, I have one too. Go to youtube &watch a few video how to’s. It is amazing what you can learn.Different views are interesting,too.You can see for yourself some of the points people made. Most importantly, have a blast!
Heather,
I too am a Fine Arts Major and all paint mediums are wonderful in their own right and have many variables to their uses and their outcomes. Taking a class is always to your benefit in that you will learn so much about techniques as well as about the products and tools you will use in order to determine which medium fits into your ideas and will represent your dream to it’s fullest potential.
Dabbling is always a spring board to the expansion of your initial idea. I have found in my years as a student that instructors are very welcoming of spectators who are interested in possibly taking a class and if you call around to schools in your area or even checking into classes being given by the city parks and recreation or independant organizations you will find that it would be quite fine to stop in and observe a class.
You can also find a wealth of information on painting via the world wide web or your local library and book stores. I can’t be more excited for you. But then again I’m very biased when it comes to the idea of painting. Dive in, the picture really does define it for me. Theraputic, peaceful, contented and relaxing.
i started using acrylics a few years ago, but was frustrated by the lack of blending abilities due to the fast drying time…now i use water soluable oils which are easier to blend and have low odor and easy cleanup with water. the important thing is to have fun with it! i recommend a glass of wine and great music to set the tone and keep you loose.
enjoy!
erin
I had a lifelong dream to oil paint and was finally able to begin learning about 2 years ago. It has been a dream come true. My advice – research classes in your area and find a teacher who loves to share what they know. An advantage of classes is that you learn so much from the other students – about solvents, brushes, paints, canvas – the gamut. As you learn technique, you bring you own style. If you have a good teacher that you trust, you will learn bucket-loads!
I have been an artist since childhood(5 yrs old). I took art classes all through middle school, H.S, and college. I learned how to oil paint in H.S. Oil painting is the most difficult medium. I would not recommend beginning with oil. I had an amazing Art teacher in H.S who basically mentored me all 4 yrs. of H.S I was the only student who learned to oil paint. I began college as an Art major at SDSU, but after 2 yrs. became discouraged with the market mentalitly and changed my major. I did learn to watercolor paint in college and that is my favorite medium now. But just last year I began painting with acrylics on canvas and really love it! I LOVED oil painting…but now I like acrylics better. I would recommend trying acrylics first. You do not need as many supplies which keeps the cost down. Winsor & Newton are my favorite paints but I have also been using the BASICS Liquitex acrylics too and really like them…I go through alot of paint! Then all you need are brushes and canvas. The paint washes out of the brush with water and soap. Very easy. I hope this helps. My childhood dream was always to be an Artist and now after 22 yrs. of mothering and home educating, I am finally living my dream…last year I finally got a tiny art studio, began painting, and opened an etsy shop!(www.etsy.com/shop/seawashed) I am also involved in my local Fine Art Center and have had my artwork on display. You may want to visit your local Art center…they usually offer classes for a resonable fee.
I won’t be any help. I have trouble drawing stick figures! But I can make a mean scrapbook layout or card if you’re ever in a pinch! I *wish* I could paint. Good luck in your quest and please share with us what you come up with.
Dear Heather,
I so admire artists who can pick up a brush and create something on canvas. I admired them so much that I majored in art! Although I didn’t become an artist, my admiration for artists grew tremendously.
I’d say just dive in! Sometimes that’s the best way to start as classes or books can make it seem like there’s a right way and a wrong way. And that’s what I love about the arts, there’s no wrong way.
Good luck and enjoy!
xoxoTrina
My mother paints portraits using oils. Unfortunately I did not inherit this talent, although I did get the quilting gene that skipped her. I think everyone needs to try something new on occasion to challenge those brain cells and spark excitement. I’ll look forward to seeing your progress.
Best wishes on your new painting journey! I am following my dreams of being a blogger. 2012 is THE year for it. Thanks for always inspiring!
Jonesy
Just start! Just start! Just start! That, and google.
: )
Go for it – have fun! I wish I could paint! I got my B.A. in Art History because I love art/design. I took several art classes & I remember all the oil paints/turpentine gave me headaches every class…my teacher, an artist, couldn’t use oils anymore due to becoming allergic! Probably a good idea to start with a few purchases & paint outside or in a well-ventilated place to see how it goes. As someone said above there are different mediums to add to the paints to quicken drying or give texture, etc. I bet it is easy to find how-to online now – the Internet didn’t exist when I was in school.
How wonderful to have a dream like this! As all the helpful comments above say, GO FOR IT! Then, do share the lovely results in some future post. 🙂
Hi, maybe I missed it in the comments, but I am surprised no one mentioned the newer water based oils…they cleanup with soap and water, but have the slower drying time to give you that blending benefit, as well as the durability, vividness and richness of oils. http://www.winsornewton.com/products/oil-colours/artisan-water-mixable-oil-colour/
is just one brand you might try. I love them…they are somewhere between the two and give you the best of both! I too am an amateur paint for fun girl, I also wish i cold really learn and it is hard to learn by do it yourself. But it is quite rewarding…have fun!
wow! that is incredible. although i’m not an artist, i say you go for it. painting for me is something that will let you express some of your innermost feelings
Heather, you’ve been painting, but with objects, for years. You are already an artist with your camera. Jump in, you’ll be a natural.
I have been painting in both oils and watercolors for many years. Most oil painters use odorless mineral spirits now and not turpentine so you don’t have the fumes or odor from turpentine. I would find a class at a technical school in your area since it is helpful to have someone available to comment on your work and who will instruct you in the basic terminology and techniques. There are also a lot of good instructional books out there by authors such as Kevin D. MacPherson, B. John Robinson, etc. There are also a lot of demonstration videos on YouTube, also. You have a great eye for detail and perspective and you will be a phenomenal painter!
So many great suggestions! With your vision, I’m sure you’ll do beautiful work. My vote goes towards acrylics. Your canvases are less likely to end with muddy colors from being overworked.
I’m almost 70, and I’ve painted from childhood and minored in fine arts in college. You’ll find it relaxing, but don’t kid yourself, it’s also work. You gotta concentrate! That’s the mentally cleansing part.
We can’t wait to see what you paint. You will share, right?
Hi Heather! I just discovered your blog and I’m loving it. Let me just say that I started taking a painting class once a week about a year ago, and I have loved every minute of it. Even the terrible paintings have taught me something. A class can really help take some frustration out of learning which brushes to use, the qualities of different pigments, etc. Also, it’s time scheduled into your week! For me, “me time” is usually the first thing to go, so having a set time every week helps me make a commitment to doing it. I suggest trying out both oils and acrylics, and then you can see what delights you the most! Watercolors can can also be really fun, and not intimidating. 🙂 I can see you’re someone who enjoys looking at the world, and painting is a natural extension of that. Go for it! Enjoy yourself!
I started painting in oil at about age 10 and I’ve been painting with iol for the past 40 years. I was the favorite niece of an artist and I nagged my way to a brush. I remember feeling the special slip the oil has then the colours are mixed. I used to make some messes on her pallet and she was kind enough to use my “special colours” in her beautiful paintings. I still love that slip, that feel of creamy blend. Feel it, play with it, watch it slip. Oil is special stuff
Just go for it! I took up painting 3 years ago, without lessons and although I think that it would improve my ability to work better with colors and learn new techniques, I am not willing to start copying the teacher’s style, or working with lots of mustard bottle drawings. So i just move along my own road and i like it. I used acrylic paint and oil, scared of waterpaints. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and if you mess up, paint over the whole thing and start anew. My hobbies are endless, creative and full of possibilities and this is one of them. So go and enjoy what you love to do most! LIVE
so excited for you have fun…my daughter is painting a beach scene for me right now !
Comments are closed.