Alkyd Oils

I think alkyd oils are closer to traditional ones than wso's so hope I'm posting in the right place. My painting buddy brought over some of these paints the other day and I was intrigued. Thought I'd try a painting to see how I liked them.

This is alkyd oil on a 9 x 12 stone or ceramic floor tile, not sure what it's made of but it has a matte finish to it. I started on this about 8:30 or 9 this morning and finished it about 3:30. I was kind of surprised that I finished it that quickly as I'm a pretty slow painter. Mainly that's because I get interrupted a lot though.

Anyway, C & C appreciated. Painting to follow.

I really like this owl and the colors that you used. Did you have to do any prep to the tile? I've got to agree, it really does look like oils.

Thanks, Crystal, these really are oils just like wmo's are really oils but the paint molecules are changed a small amount to behave a little differently.

I didn't have to prep this particular tile. If the tile had been very smooth and glossy, it was recommended that it be lightly sanded first so the paint would stick better. The tile I used has a matte finish with a slight texture and all I did to it was wipe it off with alcohol to make sure it didn't have any dirt or grease on it.

BTW, it feels totally dry this morning and some of my layers were a little thick! Amazing! Oh, another thing, I used Gamsol as my solvent and absolutely no smell from either the paint (also Gamblin brand) or the solvent!!!!!! I think even Judy could handle these as there's even a walnut oil medium (which I didn't try). Amazing, amazing!

After I posted this, I noticed that I'd forgotten the highlights in the eyes so added them and they made a world of difference.

Also varnished a couple of paintings with Gamvar and they look really good with no smell from it either. It took just the teeniest bit of varnish (a small corner of a 1 inch bristle brush) to do the 12 x 12 inch painting of the two horses.

I don't think I've ever used Gamblin products but I'm impressed with them.

This looks great. I was amazed when you said it was on a tile. I figured acrylics were the only thing you could use on them unless you did some kind of acrylic clear coat ahead of time. That is what I did once when I painted with WSO on wood.

I would be afraid to try them because I used the alkyd walnut oil to speed drying one time , and the alkyd caused all kinds of havoc with my breathing. Glad you are having fun with them and have opened up a whole new opportunity for you.

Thanks for commenting, Judy. Oils have always gone over just about anything - I've even painted on glass with them but the dry time makes them a bit impractical for most things.

If you've had trouble with alkyd medium then you'd probably have trouble with these too as alkyd is evidently as much a problem for you as solvents. It's too bad as they are fun.

Thanks Jan,
I didn't realize you could use oils on anything. Good to know.

Jan,

The owl looks absolutely fantastic. Please do put up the picture with the highlights in the eye. I have seen and read about Alkyd's but because they are fast drying, I have not tried them. But you have done an awesome job with it.

I have not painted in over a month, well actually I attempted to but did not complete. Hopefully soon.

Thanks

Faisal

I wondered what had happened to you and if you were painting. I go thru slumps sometimes and don't paint and sometimes life just gets in the way.

I like the alkyds a lot because they do dry faster. I only put out enough paint for a session as it dries fairly quickly. Not so fast that they're unworkable too soon like acrylics, but they do tack up after about 4 hours (my studio is the warmest room in the house though and that may have something to do with it) and I haven't found a way to save leftover paint. They give me plenty of time to blend if necessary but dry fast enough that I can layer in a timely manner. They just suit my way of working.

Anyway, here's the owl with the highlights.

Those eyes are just staring right out at me. Great job. I love the feather colors. They are much brighter in this photo. I was wondering if you added more red-oranges to the feathers or if it is just the difference in the photo.

I think one photo was taken with my cell phone and one with my camera - the actual color is somewhere in between. Also, we've had so much gloomy weather, the top photo was probably taken during a cloudy phase.

Jan,

This is too awesome. The shine in the eye makes a giant difference. Love it!

I have been very very busy at work and too pooped out to paint. Hopefully in a few weeks will get back into painting once again.

Faisal

Thanks, Faisal,

I hope work slows down a bit for you so you can paint again. I really miss seeing your art and the art of everyone else. Hopefully, the forum will get busier soon!

Hi Jan,

Yes! Another couple of weeks and then I will be painting once again.

Faisal

Wonderful painting, I love the eyes, and how the background colour and texture tie in with the subject!

Thanks, Alan!