If you have wanted to work with oil paint, but were leery because of fumes or extra clean-up, you may want to try water-based oils.
These paints give the feeling of working with oils, are very creamy, blend well, and have vibrant color. They remain wet a long time like oils, so you have time to go back and blend, remove color, add layers, or other techniques.
Friends of Art Manchester vice president Anthony Williams taught a class at Hobby Lobby on South Willow and provided a canvas with flowers already sketched as well as the paint. He showed me how to keep the paint wet while working using a spray bottle of water as you would with watercolors, and gave ideas on thickening the paint using oil mediums. I liked the flexibility of both types of paint in one.
As you will see in the photos, just like most paintings, start with the background ( photo 1). This is where you begin the color story and think about how the subject will pop when complete. I knew I wanted the eye to be drawn to a red flower at the end, so I chose a muted background with sage and ochre colors.
More detail and blending was added (photo 2) and an effect to make it look a bit like rice paper.
Background detail and blending
I then began building layers of colors for the secondary yellow flowers (photo 3) and worked on the stems.
Building layers on flowers
Finally, I added layering, highlights, shadows, and details in the petals, stamen, and pollen elements (photo 4).
I liked that I knew I could go back and play with the painting the next day if I didn't like parts of it. Clean-up was easy. All in all, a very enjoyable experience I highly recommend!
Highlights, shadows and details
Notes:
There are many brands of water soluble oils. A good reference book is by Sean Dye, Painting with Water Soluble Oils. This is available at the city library, 2nd floor, Art & Music Room. ART 751.42 DYE. Local stores in Manchester usually carry the Winsor & Newton Artisan brand. Brushes and palette knives can be used with this medium.
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