Hi friends !
A few weeks ago I started to paint with oil pastels. It helped me to sketch things very quickly, sometimes while watching TV or reading a book, ideas like to catch you unguarded.
Then, as I learned more about the impressionists and the Nabis, especially the work of Bonnard and Vuillard, I decided to give oil painting a go!
Oil painting is an intimidating medium, sort of “grown-up” tool, a serious thing because the old masters used it: whenever you think of a painting, you see classical ones, very academic, museum style! That’s a bit of pressure, ain’t it?
When you start a new technique, my advice is “ don’t buy a whole new set”, select around 4/6 colours of good quality and try. I’m using a mix of Sennelier and Jackson art oil and oil sticks on paper.
My favourite aspect of oil painting, apart from its gorgeous texture, is that I can't do anything but take my time. It dries slowly, there's the rule of fat on lean etc... I can't rush anything and love it. Even though I hate that with watercolour, it's different with oil, I can't explain why but it feels so good. I'd say that it's a form of poetry!
I'm trying not to think about creating a collection, even if I have a story in my head when I'm painting, I just want to see what can happen next. Artists, by nature, like to experiment so let’s the magic happen ! Sennelier’s Oil pastels are a bit big so I don’t have much control ( I’m also trying Neopastel from Caran d’Ache as it’s smaller), was challenging but now I’m happy because it helps me to let go : I can’t control every aspect of my art and that’s a lesson for my life outside the studio !
I'm using my imagination and memories, especially now that spring is here. I remember some aspects of my childhood, especially our garden, flowers, the table set outside, and the fear of insects (ah ! ah ! ) but also trying to distil a bit more of things I like now, like beautiful fabric or vintage porcelain.
Still exploring that idea of « table for one » , started with one drawing ( above) with 3 tables but it’s slowly turning into something different, don’t want to write it because I’m trying not overthinking too much, so I’ll say « Don’t really know where I’m going but I enjoy the journey ! »
That's all for me now, talk soon !
Love, Lyly
Absolutely love oil pastels and I can't agree more about oils - I haven't tried them for years because I was scared haha. But then I remembered that actually my first serious painting was oil - before I even knew the difference and how all things work. Please share more works! The table reminded me of kitties of Stockard!
This was so beautiful to read. I had to smile half way through the text because we have a similar approach to oil painting. My latest collection focused also on still-life table scene, where I explored the topic of loneliness and togetherness , and the comfort of a meal. So I loved seeing your paintings, and noticing that they share the same title :) I am wrapping up a newsletter about it as well, and can't wait to paint some more paintings about that topic. I am so looking forward to seeing where your exploration takes you.