#Help my oil paint tech

28 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

tired pine
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Hey yall working on this piece from a few references ( attached )
Wanted some insight on how when I’m in the beginning stages of my oil paintings. It always seems like my edges aren’t totally flush with the surrounding area like you can see here around his legs. There’s some clear canvas coming through and I don’t know what I’m doing wrong compared to more experience artist who are able to lay in a more thick base coat of paint without losing shapes and edges. I feel like I have to ease into it more with more like lighter layers and then overtime blend those edges together, but I know that’s a more beginner approach. Thanks for any insight. You can share here.

IMG_6532.png
raw token
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Before u started painting, did u apply a layer of gesso or primer (like latex paint or white paint) onto the canvas?

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And as u started painting, how are you applying your paints? What brand are you using?

tired pine
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Using gamblin 1980 so not full pro level. Pre gessoed canvas sheet ( practice sheet)

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Applying using 1/3 liquin 2/3 paint

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Just black and white so far

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Using flats, rounds

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@raw token

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I’m thinking maybe I’m not loading enough paint on the brush each time or I’m not confident enough with my strokes

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But I dunno

raw token
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Yeah you got all the prep work down p good. But it seems like youre aware of what youre doing wrong lol. It does look like your scared to commit to applying paint and letting them touch and do what paint does

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If you work in really thin layers it will take more layers to erase the canvas

tired pine
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You right I think it’s mainly a confidence thing. Like I’m worried about losing the integrity of the drawing too much or something

raw token
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But what you have is ok. Its an underpainting and u can always go back in and paint over the top of it. Just because your process rn isnt pro level or like other artists, doesnt mean its bad

tired pine
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I guess as I progress I’ll need less total layers cause I’m able to achieve more with each one ?

raw token
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You got this. Practice will get u more confidence.

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Yep

tired pine
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Cool cool. Thank you for the insight !

raw token
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But since its oil. Let the layers dry a bit before going over it again or else itll smear and whatnot

tired pine
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I know less layers will contribute to an improved final product but assuming I keep working this I can get it to a pretty high level even if it takes a long time and lots of layering

tired pine
raw token
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Ik artists that works in few layers and those that work in many. And at the end they accomplish the same thing

tired pine
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That makes sense

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Thanks again !

raw token
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Nice. You seem to have it figured out lol. Good luck with it. If u do finish id love to see the final product 👍

tired pine
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Def! I’ll post and tag ya when it’s done 🙂