Class began again. My second session of "Abstract in Oils & Cold Wax Medium." A year ago was the first watercolor class. When the list of supplies was sent out, I was overwhelmed with it all. An artist friend suggested just getting a few things and seeing how it went. I said, "Have you met me?" And took my Rule Follower Self to the art store and ticked them all off.
This time I didn't even read the list, and just took unfinished works from this summer to continue on. (Although, I did apologize to the teacher, telling her I wasn't trying to be disrespectful, the week just got away from me.)
Oils still feel awkward- the mess, the clean up, the waiting and waiting for each layer to dry. With watercolors it felt like an expression of the moment. Working in oils is more of a physical reaction to the last mark made, usually the week before. Layering, scraping, scratching. Taking off almost as much paint as is put on.
My favorite tools are an old hotel key-card, toothpicks and a chopstick. Yesterday the chopstick snapped mid-scrape, so it has a new sharper texture.