Time to get started

Every year it seems my artwork goes through a little bit more of a growing stage! I tend to focus on a subject or even a color that year! I know that artwork needs to have an identifying style! Hopefully I have that! This year, 2014, has been no different! I focused on the blues and greens of the Central Coast of California coastline where I am a resident. In addition, I chose to paint the shoreline as the hillsides are just in the background. I like to photograph my subjects first. I then go through all of the days photos, several times before I settle on one that intrigues me. I draw that subject onto a canvas (usually poly) and begin to mix oil paint. I like to save precious paint time by utilizing pre primed canvas. Although I have been painting in oil for close to thirty years, I still have so much to learn!! Much of what I know has been learned by trial and error! Those "Happy Accidents" In the beginning I wished I had kept notes for colors that were perfect combinations. If only I had dabbed a tiny bit of color onto a page with notes next to it! I found the most difficult part of mixing paint was that I really needed a palette that worked well with my style of painting! Learning the difference between transparent and opaque colors have also been very important! For those just beginning, along with the rest of us, it's a journey of discovery!

Safety is a very important part of painting with oils! I wear gloves as you can see! In addition, I make sure to work with lot's of ventilation. Never eat or drink while painting as it's easy to ingest chemicals by mistake simply by picking up the wrong cup or from the transfer of paint or chemicals to your food. Instead, I take a break, remove my gloves, wash my hands and eat or drink during a break from painting.

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