How To Do Oil Painting | The Answer To All Your Painting Problems
One significant challenge is time constraints. Numerous artists lamented their lack of time for artistic pursuits. Some found it challenging to achieve a loose and expressive style, while others struggled with the complexities of mixing colors. Finding inspiring subjects to paint was a source of frustration for some, and many felt lost without proper guidance and feedback.
Reflecting on my own early art experiences in high school, I encountered a shortage of oil painting courses. However, I stumbled upon a local Arts Center that offered a short but valuable course. Although it gave me basic skills, it was a fleeting experience. When I entered college, I hoped for more profound artistic enlightenment, but my painting courses left me feeling directionless. My professors rarely demonstrated their painting skills, leaving me without clear guidance.
So, I decided to become a self-taught artist. I scoured the internet for painting resources like DVDs, books, and tutorials. While I improved my skills, I still faced inconsistency in my work. Some paintings turned out brilliantly, while others disappointed me. Often, I struggled to find inspiration and choose subjects.
Then, a breakthrough occurred. I realized that all these resources I had consumed over the years converged on one fundamental point: the basics of painting. This included understanding drawing, color theory, values, light and shadow, and simplification. Surprisingly, both color mixing and brushwork could be improved by understanding the concept of "planes."
Imagine thinking of your subject as flat, solid planes. This mental exercise helps you identify colors and values with clarity. For example, when you view a fruit as a flat, distinct surface, its colors and values become clear. This approach simplifies color mixing, helping artists match colors accurately.
Brushwork, on the other hand, relies on deliberate and purposeful strokes. When I paint, I imagine my brush gliding along the surface of the subject, giving each stroke vitality. Think of it like rainwater flowing on terrain—the direction of your brushwork follows the subject's form.
These challenges, color mixing and brushwork, can be overcome by understanding the concept of "planes." By visualizing your subject this way, you'll experience remarkable growth in your artistic journey. Viewing fruit as flat planes makes colors and values evident, unlike the real fruit's subtlety.
Let's talk about another common challenge: choosing the right subject. Many artists struggle with this. However, mastering the fundamentals will change your perspective and help you identify elements that make a subject suitable for painting.
I often meet students who are puzzled by their paintings. They ask, "What's wrong with my art?" It's then I realize they've chosen subjects that aren't ideal for artistic representation. The quality of your painting depends on the qualities of your subject. For instance, a scene without distinct light and shadow lacks definition, while a well-lit scene with clear shapes draws the eye.
Understanding these fundamentals frees you from subject limitations. It empowers you to identify what makes a subject suitable for painting. For example, I once chose a cove to paint not because of sentimental value, but because of its bold and simple shapes—the backlit trees and buildings with reflections created an engaging scene.
This newfound understanding of fundamentals also helps you critique your work effectively. When a painting doesn't satisfy you, systematically evaluate your craftsmanship, considering values, drawing, color use, and simplification. With this checklist, you can pinpoint areas that need improvement.
My artistic journey has led to a special offering: the Paint Week bundle. It includes my Foundations of Oil Painting course, designed to spare novice painters the hardships I faced. This comprehensive course covers drawing, planes, forms, light and shadow, and blending. You'll learn to paint still life, landscapes, and portraits. The bundle also includes my Basics of Drawing for a Painting course, packed with techniques for precise drawing, along with an engaging still-life tutorial.
Originally priced at $144, I've decided to offer it at just $77. My goal is to make oil painting more accessible, and I believe that mastering the fundamentals can demystify this art form. Once you overcome the initial learning curve, oil painting becomes less intimidating than acrylics or watercolors.
I urge you to seize this opportunity. Sales like this are rare. If this bundle can simplify your painting journey, save you from years of trial and error, or provide the guidance you need, it's a worthwhile investment. I've walked the challenging path of self-education, and I want to make your journey smoother. Act quickly, as this offer ends on March 23rd.
If you have any questions, please ask in the comments. I'm committed to providing thorough responses. Also, if you take this educational journey and create artwork, I encourage you to share them on Instagram and tag me. I look forward to seeing your artistic progress.
In conclusion, embrace the foundational principles of painting as your guiding light on your path to artistic mastery. I'm Chris Horner, and I wholeheartedly offer you this opportunity. Go ahead and paint with purpose.