After spending most of last year working with water media, it is genuinely weird to be back to working with oils. I just can’t get over just how oily it is. I’ve never been bothered by the oiliness of an oil painting before, but for whatever reason I’m really aware of it.
Transitioning back into oils has been harder than I expected. I’ve been used to letting paint dry between layers all year. Now I can’t layer on previously dry work. I know how to layer wet oil, but the execution is the tricky bit. Plus, flowers are still proving to be exceptionally difficult for me.
Nine days in and I still don’t like painting flowers. I might even go so far as to say I hate painting flowers. Part of the problem is the pink, purples, and pastel bits. Not my favorite colors by far.
I failed to mention in the first week that I’m painting small again this year and my subject matter is flowers and plants if you hadn’t guessed already. I’m painting on 6×6 inch Ampersand Gessoboards using a mixture of paint brands, but mainly Gamblin.
I had the panels on hand and bought the Gamblin paint last year meaning to review it and just haven’t used it. There doesn’t seem to be much of a review forming other than I love Gamblin. They seem consistent and high quality. It really makes sense why people rave about them.
Follow me on instagram @amber.honour to see these paintings as I finish them. If you’re also participating in this challenge, message me below so I can check your art out. See you all next week!
I love your flowers. I am also trying to improve my flower painting skills with acrylics mainly but I hope to try watercolours and maybe some collage as well. Don’t give up. They are wonderful!
Thank you louiseaprimeau! My efforts seem to be paying off and I’m determined to stick to painting flowers this whole month. Good luck with your own flowers! 🙂