"Oil Painting Tips" From My Instructor Of Old

by Mary
(Kansas, USA)

One of my favorite "Oil Painting Tips" was from my first instructor. He helped my brother and I paint quite a few pictures during the summer that Mom and Dad wanted us to venture into the artistic world. We did some really nice work with hardly a touch from him. We were only 11 and 12 years old.

This artist was so special to us. He had lost an arm in war, yet was so handy with his stump for taking the lids off paints and for cleaning brushes. It was good for us to be with him. He taught us a great deal but we also learned more than simple art.

His oil painting tips made the difference in our work from looking flat to looking 3D and more. My favorite is what he must have told our parents as we moved out into the county, "Have them enter their work at the County Fair." Why was that good advice? Because we had all thought that I had the better artistic flair and the fair proved that my brother did! We both won prizes for several pieces but his version of W. C. Fields eating Fritos won first place! The whole effort was encouraging to all around, but I think it did the most for my good brother!

'Just an idea for art instructors out there wanting a great idea for boosting their students' morale.

Mary
St. Anne's Helper
Christmas Traditions