[biochip]

Hello
I just started oil painting.
Yeah�.
I�m very frustrated and feel lost..
I know how to draw but paint�
Any info at all, new tips that you can think of I could use that would really help get me started...
So far I have trashed 2 paintings, and my brush just looks ah not good.
I�m getting very tired of not knowing what I�m doing.
I end up with a totally purple or some I don�t know what color crap thing of a painting.
Got any really good links that have helped you with this?
Books you suggest?
*sigh* I thought oil painting would be relaxing�
I feel like throwing something�
http://www.sijun.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=007489
http://www.sijun.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=001822
http://www.sijun.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=002660
http://www.sijun.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=002956
http://www.sijun.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=003156

I get 3 17matches, I will dig more to see if any more info helps me.
I�m ready to go out just to get something to keep the oil paint from my hands, I never thought I could/would get this.. Sloppy with anything, no other medium has given me anything near the problems I find myself in. Should I give up now? Or see If I can somewhat get a painting done for class in time? I feel so retarded its really really not funny.

[ September 17, 2002: Message edited by: biochip ]

[Tinusch]

Don't give up. One of the most important rules in art is that if you start to become frustrated, MOVE ON TO SOMETHING ELSE. Otherwise, you'll just keep working yourself into corners, or end up giving up the project altogether. Don't be too ambitious on your first attempts. You have to understand the medium before you can expect to be able to successfully manipulate it. Do quick sketches and experiments. Get a feel for what works, what doesn't. When you feel comfortable, take on larger projects, and begin working with a focus on the subject matter rather than technique. It kills me to see you frustrated like this, because I know exactly what that's like. The best way to overcome this is to slow down and start small. And if a painting becomes frustrating, move on to something else and come back to it later.

[c]

well i'm in the same boat you are in, trying to make sense of oil painting and being frustrated every time .

i've also read all the threads you pasted, you've been doing your homework!

have you worked with a limited palette? like really limited, like black and white. it might help you gain some confidence. (up to you if you want to mix your own black, with a dark brown/blue or red/green)

hang in there!

[MadSamoan]

Best thing I can recommend is invest in Richard Schmid's book called Alla Prima. It'll run you about $110 after shipping and handling and you can order it from http://www.richardschmid.com/book.html.
and do the color charts that are in his book. After that, read the book again from front to back again.

Other that, be more specific, what's got you frustrated? Your shapes, values, edges, colors, etc..?


(correction: The period from the end of the sentence was being included in the link, which is why it didn't work. Should work now)

[ September 19, 2002: Message edited by: MadSamoan ]

[Adamant]

Richard Schmid

Your link didn't work here's the working one

[ September 18, 2002: Message edited by: Adamant ]

[c]

hah! i just ordered it. it better be good!

[ChiaNi]

Here is a link talking about oil painting.
http://www.artrenewal.org/articles/2002/Parkhurst/parkhurst1.asp

[Pro]

Hi-

Sounds like everyone is a bit discouraged when it comes to oils. I know I am too. I have been doing some Plein Aire painting and then coming back to the studio to do the larger finished work. By trade I am an Illustrator, but my disappointment with the field has brought me to fine art. I�m developing some paintings to sell in a gallery.

Usually I work in a water-based medium called Cel-Vinyl. The paintings I do now are in oil. Although I have been trained in oil it has been a few years since I used them. I, like you, have had to go back and think about what the basics are and how do I want my finished product to look.

I agree that Richard Schmid is the all time best reference to look at. I have a ton of information here that I have gathered about his teachings. The strongest point he makes is this:

1. Drawing
2. Edges
3. Values
4. Color
5. Brush Dexterity (I added this one)

This is the framework to successful paintings. Oils are tough to work with because of the slow drying time. If you paint like Mr. Schmid (Alla Prima) then you finish as you go. This means every stroke is correct in shape, size, value, and color. Do not go back and disturb the strokes. Put it down and leave it be. If you measured correctly and mixed the right color/ value, and the placement is accurate then there will be no need to touch it again. Try to develop a small area. Get it as accurate as you possibly can and then compare everything else to that. After all painting is all about comparisons. Each element affects the other. If you would like I can break down the five points for you and give you my understanding as to what they mean. Good luck!

Here are two Plein Aire paintings 8x10:

[Malachi Maloney]

Maybe this will help?


~M~

[BooMSticK]

todd, the man!

What's funny is that Todd has been moving more and more onto the digital scene... When I talked to him first a couple of years back he could never dream of doing paintings digitally... and behold. look at this: Todd Lockwood - Song
All digital and all awesome.
And the faq is indeed very useful. Good posting Malachi!
,boom

[Lunatique]

Richard Schmid is a painting God. I have that Alla Prima book and I love it. It's one of the best books I have.

Greg! Good to see you posting! So you've decided to go fine arts eh? Can't wait to see what you are working on!

Definitely elaborate the 5 points. It'll really help out everyone. The beginners will have a great guideline to learn by, and the pros will have a great review of the basics.