Back to oil painting

So during my portrait painting workshop, we work in oils. I used oils exclusively in my past as an art student. Never really thought about using acrylics because I thought that's what abstract artists use....that's not me. Fast forward to about 10 years ago, I began using acrylics mostly because I saw that it worked with the subject matter I was painting (which wasn't abstract) and it was relatively easy to clean up. I continued with not much thought to changing back to oils. I would go back to oils when painting in plein air (outdoors) because well, it gives you much better flexibility in painting due to the slower drying process. I would feel an affinity with them on these occasions but when painting in the studio, I would stick with acrylics.

So what's the point? I found that I really DO love oil painting. I have been using them more and more lately and I truly love the effect you can achieve with this medium that you just can't with acrylics. I actually tried doing portraits with acrylics and found that the result was so stiff and harsh as compared to the warmth and glow of oils. I guess you can call this a true learning experience. I feel there is still a place for acrylic painting in my life. I do see more experimentation in my future with acrylics.....there is so much more to explore.

I included a couple of recent pieces - one is from the portrait workshop and the other a floral arrangement from life. They are both on 11x14 canvas and I probably have some more touching up to do so don't judge me, lol. I'm posting this blog a little early because I have some personal issues that I am dealing with and my ability to paint and post blogs will be limited. I'm hoping to be back in the swing of things by the end of March. I'll be looking forward to sharing my escapades with you then.