acrylics

Undercover Artist: Attending a Wine and Paint event

I never thought I would attend a wine and paint event. I mean I was pretty adamant about not going since I always saw the activity as generic and like the paint by numbers sets you can buy from Michaels.

Alas I had the brilliant idea to go to one such event as something interesting to write for a blog post. The plan was that I would not mention that I was a painter and I would just follow to the tee whatever the instructor was showing us. I couldn’t help but be a little judgmental at first. We were going to paint a cliché sunset over water using acrylics. If you guys don’t remember from a previous post, I hate acrylics. The room had rows of long tables with individual stations with their respective table easel, canvas, brushes with water and of course the paint. I took a seat close to the platform where the instructor would guide us.

The instructor went through each type of brush giving it a nickname like “Daddy Brush” and “Baby Brush” which makes sense for those unfamiliar with brush types. Each step was clearly walked through and assistance was provided if needed. We first proceeded to paint a straight line for the horizon and then different levels of color to replicate a sunset. Some catchy pop music played in the background while we worked away. My husband and our two friends, Wendy and Nick, seemed to be enjoying themselves and I was too.

In typical anal painter fashion, I tried to hoard paper towels to dry off my wet brushes. It would be a travesty if the colors blend into each other right? Ok I guess that’s only me. Well each station only had one paper towel! An embarrassing moment came when I grabbed a paper towel from the empty station next to me and I ended up flipping over the water cup that was sitting on top of it. I think I may have upset the woman across from there, oops.

What is interesting is that although we were being walked through a template of a painting, each person added their own personality and twist. We started painting clouds. I added some wisps mixing some green in with the blues and whites. Nick drew in the style of cartoon clouds while my husband painted something that looked like the rolling mist we see in the Bay Area.

At one point, the instructor asked to show my painting to the rest of the class of I guess a good example of how to make the waves/reflections of the clouds on the water. I wonder if he realized that I can actually paint… probably.

There was something that Wendy said at the end of the night. She found the whole event very therapeutic. Now that’s what I love about art. There is no pressure if you just let go and have fun. I put so much pressure on myself to produce quality paintings and to promote myself as an artist and I sometimes forget why I do it. I paint and do art because I love it and it makes me feel good.

Overall, I really enjoyed taking the class. I followed the instructions and also added my own custom flair to the painting. It was refreshing to have guidance and different insight on techniques that I may have not thought of. I definitely think it is worth going to a wine and paint night even though you are an artist. It’s an excuse to have fun with your friends, drink some adult beverages and admire the variety of results at the end of the night. 

I hate Acrylics, why I use oils

The aftermath of the Paint off!

The aftermath of the Paint off!

My husband challenged me to a paint off but…using acrylic paints. He chose the subject to paint (anything from the game Halo Reach) and we proceeded to do our best. Some trash talk happened, well more so on my end, and we worked while listening to a horror podcast. Ultimately, Justin gave up and I was proclaimed the winner. I chose to leave my painting unfinished because I hate Acrylics. Now, that is a strong word but it is one of my huge dislikes in mediums.

Justin's finished painting "Halo Rebels"

Justin's finished painting "Halo Rebels"

While painting our Halo Reach subjects, my husband had mentioned that the paint wasn’t drying off fast enough. I said that the paint was drying too quickly! What I love about oils is the drying time. It gives me the flexibility to change my mind about things. I can go back to a previously painted spot and alter and manipulate what was already on the canvas. I can further build up the colors and add texture without feeling that sticky/tacky semi-dried layer through my paintbrush that I get with Acrylics. There is this thing that happens when you put a thicker glob of acrylic paint on a canvas, it just dries like Elmer’s glue. There remains a goopy silhouette of the bristles from the paintbrush. Don’t get me wrong, I am amazed at how other artists use the medium and the amount of skill involved, but oils give me more satisfaction.

I remember when I was in middle school, and I ended up getting an oil painting set for Christmas. I’ve been begging my mom for this starter set of Winsor & Newton oil paints including within a wooden carrying box with a wooden palette and some mediums. I felt like a real Artist. At first, I had no idea how to use them. Back then, there wasn’t YouTube or other easily accessible guides for me to reference, but with time and experimentation, I improved my skill and love for the medium.

I also enjoyed the feeling of exclusivity that came with using oils. They are by no means an affordable material. Considering that an oil painter needs mediums, Turpentine, brushes and other various tools, it’s not for the faint of heart. Using oils also requires some finesse. Most of my peers preferred to use acrylics if they chose to paint at all due to its ready availability and ease of use.

Beside the feel and finish of oils, I liked the tradition behind oils. I imagine the old Masters mixing their own pigments using a limited palette. There is this one scene in the movie "Ever After" where Leonardo da Vinci is painting a portrait of Drew Barrymore's character. For some reason I always think of that scene and how simple yet beautiful it was. 

I value the patience and careful planning involved in order to create a beautiful piece using oils. I love how oils give you the option to manipulate colors and layer over dry or wet layers. I also love the effect of using your fingers to blend the paint. While painting my subject during the paint off, a head-shot of a Spartan soldier, I tried blending the paint with my fingers but it ended up just completely lifting off of the canvas. I’m not sure if it was due to the quality of the tools I was using as we were reluctant to spend too much just on this competition and settled for student level paints.

I keep on looking back at my unfinished painting. Justin had urged me to finish it as he believes that the quality is good. I don’t disagree, I just don’t see the point in using my limited amount of energy before carpal tunnel kicks in. The entire time I painting, I thought to myself, “I wish these were oils”.

My unfinished painting "Untitled"

My unfinished painting "Untitled"

I think what I learned is that it’s good for me to take a break from my good friend and practice using other materials. Besides this competition, I’ve also been sketching a lot lately. I believe that improving my skills with other tools and mediums is only going to make me better as an Artist while giving me different perspectives and ideas for future projects. Today has definitely cemented my appreciation for oils and how much I look forward to using them in the future.  

What is your preferred medium and why? Let me know in the comments!