Oil Painters

[Scorpiоn]

Before I waste a lot of finger strength, are there any oil painters here (I have some questions)?

[HawkerTempest5]

Hi Scorpion. I do a bit. I go to classes every other Tuesday. Before you ask, I'm not very good!

[visitor]

Do you do ceilings?

X

[HawkerTempest5]

Do you do ceilings?

X

I only just do canvas

[Scorpiоn]

Well the thing is, I've been drawing with graphite pencils for about 12 years now (or whenever I started kindergarden) and I think my drawings are quite respectable in quality and in detail.  However, upon getting a feel of how oil on canvas works, I discovered no accuracy/detail is possible.  Look at the detail in this:

I had assumed this was oil on canvas but now I'm quite unsure.  If it was, then that must've been one huge canvas.  I'm not sure how to post my question.  I'm thinking perhaps I'm using the wrong brushes (even though I bought the finest (in diameter, not price) one), or wrong surface, just something!

[HawkerTempest5]

I often look at paintings, just like that JU87, and wounder how they get that much detail and accuracy. I don't even get close to that and I have a huge selection of brushes. I also wounder when looking at box art (I'm guessing that Stuka is from a kit box lid?) how the artist turn out so many paintings. It takes me a very long time to complete a picture.
My teacher paints lots of railway pictures and he gets a lot of fine detail into his work so I guess it's just technique. That or he is a good artist and I'm crap!
I think that Stuka may be in inks, cant see any brush strokes that you get in oils, but I have seen box art that is done in oils.  

[Craig.]

i had a friend who did an oil painting took them 3 months to complete working an hour a day 5 days a week. but the finished product was amazing to say the least, i think the key to it, is patience really. did you ask an arts supply store for advice?

[Scorpiоn]

Umm, I kinda, umm...


I don't have a clue what I'm doing.

[HawkerTempest5]

Scorpion, are you colour washing your canvas before you paint? This will help make your painting easier.

[Scorpiоn]

I think my problem is the paint wont dry.  It's been about 3 days now, and if I touch it with a sock, it still rubs off a bit.  I've that guy with the big afro on TV paint a big mountain picture in dang near half an hour, I'm sure his paints were drying quicker than mine.

[Woodlouse2002]

[quote]I think my problem is the paint wont dry.

[Fozzer]

I always use "Cryilic", (plastic), paints straight from the tube.
Only need the primary colours, including black and white.
Easy to mix and quick-drying.... ...!
Oil paints....too messy and too slow to dry... ...!

Cheers... ...!
Paul.
(England).

[Scorpiоn]

Well, that's why I didn't want to get into the whole painting game.  With good ol' graphite, you had a pencil, an eraser and paper.  I was 65-80% where I wanted to be in graphite drawing, but alas, no true art is ever made with sketches, only paintings.  I guess I'll have to go back to Hobby Lobby and inquire about all the different variables to the whole painting equation.

Are you sure he doesn't let it dry for a week before continuing to paint? The thing with TV is you don't see alot of what goes on...

Not that I recall of, the camera never moved.

[Craig.]

hey 605, i will ask my friend when i next speak to them and see if i can get some tips for you on it if you want.

[Wing Nut]

I think my problem is the paint wont dry.

I'm not an artist, but doesn't oil paint never dry?  I seem to remember being told that even oils from the renessaince (sic) would still rub off if touch by a finger.