Cooking Oil as a medium?
by Delmus, in response to a customers email.
(Lynchburg, Virginia)
Customer writes:
I can't believe I received a response much less in the length of time you responded in.
I'm 52 and just purchased my first computer and find that most websites are scams. I really don't prefer one painting technique over any others. I do find the wet on wet technique to be a challenge due to I find it difficult (lack of knowledge) on getting my layers to adhere.
By now I'm sure you've guessed I purchased a beginners kit by Bob Ross. Although it's informative he never mentions using any mediums. Through trail and error I added oil (cooking oil) to my paint mixture which helped the layers to adhere....so I suspect this info was not included in his tutorials.
Don't have a heart attack...I only used cooking oil in hopes of trouble shooting so that I could see if my paint consistency was the issue.
I have now been on your web site approximately 3 hours plus. I can only repeat what a prior contact stated.....its nice to find a artist who shares his knowledge with others without withholding keys facts that inspire us beginners.
I've been recently unemployed due to health issues and feeling lost. Painting helps me feel like I still have something to offer and helps keep me occupied.....so THANK YOU for your website and your response.
God Bless
Tammie.
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Editors Note:
Hi Tammie,
Not sure how to direct you for the wet in wet techniques. I've used the technique and learned a great deal about handling paint, but my concern has always been the paint layer, and how it will work out being so thick.
The method I use is the Flemish with multiple layers. Others call it an indirect method of painting. This technique has proven itself to stand up with time.
I also use Liquin medium, just a touch, when I mix my paints to help dry quicker. I hope this helps.
Now concerning your use of cooking oils. If this was a true "vegetable oil", these are considered
Non-drying oils. This means that your paint film will never dry.
Don't use them in painting. You can use
Safflower oil, (which is also a cooking oil!) and you will find that kind of oil in your white paint. (just check the label). The problem with it however, it too takes forever to dry. (but it will dry). It's the reason too that your Titanium White takes so long to dry unless you add a dryer to it.
A refined linseed oil or walnut oil will work great in giving your paints that buttery texture that I believe you are looking for. Linseed oil has historically been the best oil for using as a mixing oil.
It will also help in getting the paint to "adhere" to the next layer.
If your health issues don't allow for solvents, you can paint solvent free using Safflower oil to clean your brushes. I've tried it with no ill effect to my painting.
It takes a little more agitation in the cleaning jar to get the paint off, but enough comes off that you can safely change colors without ill result. My cleaning jar is a simple mason jar with a bit of wire mesh folded up and placed within it about 1/3 from the top of the jar.
Never use baby oil! It too is a non-drying oil.
I do however use more rags to remove the excess oil from the brush, where as using turps, a good flick at the trash bucket gets most of any solvent out of the brush. (Just like our friend Bob Ross does to clean his brush)
With best regards,
Delmus