Oil Painting Bunny
I have been trying to resist using my “oil painting for dummies” kit I got on extreme sale at Dick Blick until we get to the oil painting part of my class, however this afternoon while the small boy was sleeping I found myself getting it all out and making a medium size mess. I didn’t use anything beside linseed oil either to thin or to clean the brushes–I have to say the brushes in the kit were very poor quality and left bristles all over the painting. I painted on a canvas board or whatever they’re called–they’re sort of cheap, at least I think that’s the point of them.
The last time I did an oil painting I was fourteen and I remember enjoying the medium. That was around the time I decided I never wanted to do art again–I have no idea why. Mr. Higgins used to beg and plead and nag at me to take Art Minor until it became something that the entire softball team would bother me about, but I was firm in resisting and have never taken another art class until right now. Isn’t that strange? I wanted to take color theory in college but I was afraid. Today I order a book called Interaction of Color by Josef Albers. I got the new edition with all the color prints and exercises, because what is the point otherwise? It was expensive but less expensive than taking a color theory course at an art school. Is this boring for you? It’s one of the few topics I can actually think about. It’s kind of surprising that I am interested in it, actually. I didn’t even realize how boring it all must be. That’s quite satisfying since I am habitually bored by listening to other people talk about their interests which I rarely share. I can talk about Hello Kitty or Adam Lambert. I don’t think there’s much else because either I have too many opinions and don’t want to share them or hear other people’s, or else I don’t care what they’re talking about. Present company excluded, reader, because every morsel that drops from your lips is pure manna.
Anyway the oil has to dry for a day or so. I don’t know if this is underpainting or just background painting, or both. I am just experimenting. I put it in the second bathroom with the fan on to dry.