I tried a new product today… a paper made by Arches that is for oil painting. I enjoyed it and look forward to trying more with it. My only slight problem with it is that you can’t wipe paint off completely like you can with gessobords. The paint soaks into the paper.
Anita C. Miller 
Interesting. I’d like to try this paper. And, I like the trunk. I has a lot of upward movement. If I were you, I’d leave it. Really nice.
Thanks for the feedback, Kimber. It helps to get others opinions and since you’re an artist it’s very much appreciated. I really like this paper for oil washes and using the oil paint as watercolor. It really takes the washes extremely well. Then if you want to use thicker paint, it’s good for that, too.
It’s a wonderful painting and thanks for sharing. I didn’t know they were making this!
Well, I think it’s a fairly new product. I had done some oil paintings on heavy printmaking paper and the oil soaked through to the back over time… not good. This was many years ago. I should have primed the paper first with gesso, but was too impatient. So I’m thrilled now that this paper is especially made for oils and the priming is in the paper. I will have fun experimenting! Thanks, L’Adelaide.
I’d love to try oils but MCS gets in my way in the form of breathlessness ! Not fun. So, not to be deterred, I bought some miscerable oils(sure spelling is wrong here ) but I haven’t tried them yet. They still have an odor but it’s less so without the oil based stuff like turps! Your work is always a stand-out, Anita!
I understand your health concerns and I am vigilant about limiting my exposure to solvents. It really helps to have a small fan on a table next to where you are working that is pulling the fumes AWAY from you. I have a good size studio in a large building with no window but very high ceilings (and shared airspace above 8 feet) so the ventilation is good. I NEVER use turpentine… it is very unhealthy and the smell knocks me over. I use Gamsol which is odorless solvent. Best, Anita
Hmmm, I’ll check out gamsol! AND a lesson or three… Maybe! I hate art teachers or rather being taught HOW I should paint although using the medium could perhaps be helped in buying a few DVDs? :)
I suggest Kevin Macpherson books and dvd’s as a possible resource. I’ve read some books by him and used his palette of suggested oil colors all summer 2 years ago and was (and still am) happy with the results. Then just paint, paint, paint and don’t think too much. Have fun!!
I would say leave it alone Anita, love the wild slash and upward motion. Trees grow upwards so it makes sense to me. :)
Hey, thanks Susan. I think I will leave it alone and try another version. Thanks for your input and good wishes for the open studio. Sales are good, but my favorites are always the ones that sell (if any sell). So I dread saying good bye to some… I know I’m a bit crazy : ) I guess I could always say not for sale on those and am seriously considering doing this.
Anita I am happy just to sale something. Perhaps if you think of it going to a good home that will help. Or one gone means free space to fill w0ith another! ;)
Yes, that’s one way of looking at it. But, I still never get to SEE it again. Usually, it’s an animal painting that I sell that I miss terribly. But, occasionally a landscape. I had a professor in art school who told us to never sell our best work. I think she was right and I didn’t understand this for many years. If you have to make a living at art (and God help you in this economy!) then that’s another thing altogether.
I do have favorites that won’t leave the house. Usually because they mean more to me then they would to anyone else. Thankfully I don’t have to make a living at art. I pity the person trying to. Cheers and best wishes.
I think it’s wonderful as it is Anita! Just amazing work!
Thanks very much, Adrian!
I love the oil paper. I’m used to watercolor, which you can’t wipe away anyway! I agree with everyone on this blog: keep the trunk. It’s got a lot of energy and movement. It’s a really nice sketch.
Thank you, maggiebird!