Up until last fall, I’ve only painted using water-soluble mediums. Since I began experimenting with oil paint, I’ve been able to explore new avenues of creative expression. Today, I still flip-flop between using acrylic/watercolor and oil paints; as they each have their pros and cons. Acrylic is beneficial under circumstances where you have a limited amount of time, as each layer sets and dries relatively fast. On top of that, there are far fewer health risks associated with the use of acrylic paints. On the other hand, oil paints take much longer to dry and must be handled carefully as to prevent poisoning (through fumes or direct contact). However, I have found that there are nuances achievable through oil paint that acrylic simply cannot replicate.

The piece I’d like to talk about today is one which I consider to be my first successful oil painting. Leading up to this piece, I had mostly been focused on getting a hang of oil painting as a process. The two paintings I created prior were much more valuable as learning experiences rather than portfolio pieces.

Before starting this painting, we were presented a wide arrangement of Henri Matisse’s artworks. The assignment entailed that we should paint our next still life whilst attempting Matisse’s approach. What really struck me about his work was his usage of vibrant colors, movement, texture, and the flattening of planes. Still, this piece remains as a personal favorite of mine from my own body of work.