Blend, blend, and blend again. This mini acrylic test on paper, is a preliminary study to asses color choices and tonal shifts in light. But to achieve more intense drama and depth—oil is the logical medium. Oil paint stays wet much longer, allowing for longer blending times. With fast-drying acrylics though, this is a race against tacky blobs of solid color. For the purpose of easy cleanup, and keeping my home void of mineral spirits, I’ve been using Golden Acrylic Paint for about 10 years. But my work is transitioning, and I’m aiming for more realism, so oil is very soon to come.

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