After having spent many decades painting in transparent watercolor, this summer I was intrigued with the idea of working once again in oils. I had originally learned the rudiments of oil painting from my grandmother who, herself a painter, generously supplied me with materials, opportunity, and encouragement. Off and on I dabbled for several years, until other interests diverted my attention once I hit adolescence. Art school would have given me an even more solid grounding in this medium, and others, if I had remained for the entire three-year program, but I left after one year.
Fast-forward to June 2022, when I responded to a Facebook notice about a plein air workshop in Maine. As I added a collection of oil paints, bristle brushes, and gum spirits of turpentine to my studio supplies, and purchased a French easel, I looked ahead with enthusiasm (and trepidation) to the challenge of jump-starting my lagging creative impulses.
It was great to meet other artists in such a relaxed atmosphere, and to be in a gorgeous, secluded location, Andover, Maine (near Sunday River). The experience turned out to be a HUGE uphill climb for me in terms of being comfortable with oils, which have virtually nothing in common with watercolors (except for sharing the names of some pigments...). However, I hope I persevered...
Below are a few of my early "starts" (not finished works) two on the easel were done on the first day of painting, and the other were done on the following day.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUI5llpRZI8aii5BLupEiU6jxgFfnK9WVvAHSxhKk00mP8cccrWKLcGrxWXut7K835wSOs3RDCrrxuV6vRbk7iY0BoEJFVWulJx4E4cyeoPv4TG5-wSH4NmMolQBKK0DxNvqQE64eUfwE6N-QXz3p8CTo5EjwbKpIBjvtjNedSuXqIt8VtRc5MfTJ/w300-h400/IMG_5617.jpeg) |
Two beginner panels... |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2h3Au7PJuhsSg-WkqsNU7gMsJnlcIHqEparoQAwFGlR3Hz2g6bE9PnNdMey5g92gMXu5jeQHTM_KJ9WZnzSgsHNcC5pAnioXki7PnuKiOgpQyuL_ghQxEYjeToRJm0GZ3eun-OBZ3PrgBvLsqSts4QvN8M9J3QItzGCMXurSasu_HeiUBBjNZLATz/w320-h240/Study%20%233.%20Andover,%20Maine.%20July%2023,%202022%20Oil%20on%20linen%20panel,%2012%E2%80%9D%20x%209%E2%80%9D.jpeg) |
Study #3, Andover, Maine. Oil on linen panel, 12” x 9” |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBIqohLEaCihpKYt6MHjHf346EmAeNVG9OGVtkcrwOw8YnlG9d3hQsjz8CK5kVpXeWlaGh3e0z5k1fnAIZv5bwEl_x9Q1U1XvFXAaXzUr541k6f5alN6uRT7mKxswe4oLqO9WJKtZe9afoijHHxIRFdMq1x7bWKl_bGiRPY18DgkVngiIc5tayqqi/w640-h472/Study%20%234,%20Andover,%20Maine.jpeg) |
Study #4, Andover, Maine. Oil on linen panel, 12” x 9” |