Better painting? Really?

I've been using the WSOs for years now, but had previously used traditional oils. I love that there are no toxins with the WSOs, and I use Holbein Duo, but quite honestly, I am looking at paintings from both, and I think that my painting was better with the traditional oils. I see it especially in detail work. I have hated to admit it, but... does anyone else agree?

I felt that once I developed the few changes in handling the WSO's, there was only improvement because my skills in general improved.

What brand of traditional oils did you use?

When I was new and using cheap Georgian oils my painting looked far better in detail work. Those paintings were even in a juried show. I have Rembrandt and the better oil paints, but have put them aside about 6 years ago for Holbein Duo, and at times I use a little Artisan. I hate to go back to traditional oils because I hate having toxic fumes in the air, but as much as I have been in denial over this, when I put one painting up to another I can see a difference.

I used to use Rembrandt in traditional oils. Have you tried any of the Cobras? They are made by Royal Talens and I think more similar to the Rembrandts. The Cobras are also a juicier paint, like the Rembrandts. I don't know if it will make a big difference or not. Once I started with the Cobras and Lukas Berlins I have been a lot happier with WMOs. Some people paint with the M. Graham oils. They are traditional oils that are mixed with Walnut Oil instead of linseed oil. I understand that many people get a large bottle of the walnut oil, so that they can clean their brushes in the walnut oil and then soap and water. That could eliminate the needs for solvents, if that is what you really want. Happy painting, either way.

W&N WSOs are horrible.

I use both the Daniel Smith and the Cobra WSOs. Both are fantastic. I hear good things about the Holbein Duos but I have yet to try them. They are more expensive than the others and I just can not spend that kind of money.

Using a good WSO medium can help a lot too. I use the Daniel Smith WSO linseed oil or the Gumbacher Max Quick Dry Medium. Daniel Smith also recently released 5 new mediums, I am going to be trying out the new WSO safflower Oil and their Fast Drying Panting Medium. I am also planning on trying out Cobra's Painting Paste.