Research time.

I don’t know if you do this, but there are times when I feel like I should be working on a project, but I am distracted. I am not entirely sure in which direction to go, so I stall by researching. I also have been interested in making some videos to add as part of my teaching packets. I found a few painting videos that I like. There are videos on how to paint everything now! There are a lot of really terrible graphics and awkward audio moments. These are videos that pass my test. I enjoy the paintings, the audio works and they are inspiring me to get my oils out for this new work.

Even though I feel as if I should be painting (it is incredibly cold out right now 37 degrees and lightly snowing) and my trailer just doesn’t get warm enough. I still have not got my gas hooked up.
What I have been doing with my new work is starting with a colored ground. I like how paint looks once it is built up upon other layers. I have noticed that most of the artists doing these videos do the same thing. It is a way to instantly make your whites stand out.

I even learned some new painting techniques. I love working with layers and usually start with a transparent earth tone underpainting. I thought this meant grisaille, but I learned that it is a more monochrome layer. Watching these videos reminded me of how much I love to paint in oil. It is a much different experience than acrylic.

This one takes a little longer to get into it, but it is amazing to see the face come to life in oil.