Article #39 The Percentage of Change
By The Art Lady – Arrachme
Each New Year brings with it a fresh wave of possibilities, especially for artists who often set resolutions to explore new creative avenues. But instead of simply resolving to be more productive or learning new techniques, why not challenge yourself to experiment with a different painting medium? It’s an exciting journey, filled with opportunities to unlock new ideas and styles.
Yet, making such a transition isn’t always easy. Artists can feel a sense of hesitation when it comes to switching mediums—after all, the choice of materials is often deeply personal. In my experience, there are several key challenges that might make an artist pause before diving into a new medium.
The good news? Change is entirely possible. However, understanding the subtle differences between mediums is crucial for a smooth and successful transition.
Techniques Come First
Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Paint
The percentage technique, used by the Old Masters to create some of the world’s most stunning artworks, doesn’t require the artist to be a chemist — just a basic understanding will do.
When using oil paints, the key is how much oil paint is mixed with the medium. The Old Masters’ method can be simplified: imagine painting a face. You start by adding very thin layers of paint and gradually build up to the final layer, known as the highlight. The process works like this:
- Mix paint with a thinning medium, starting with a higher percentage of medium and slowly using less as you go.
- Apply the layers of paint to the canvas.
- For the final layer, use mostly pure paint directly from the tube, as it contains the most oil.
Water-Based Painting: The Oil and Water Dilemma
Let’s look at acrylic water-based paints. If you were to drop oil into a beaker of water, the oil would simply float to the top, never blending. Similarly, acrylic paint, which is water-based, cannot be applied over an oil-painted surface. It just won’t stick.
However, there is a workaround that many artists have used to their advantage: starting a painting with acrylics and finishing it with layers of oil. This technique is not only accepted but is standard with many artists.
Techniques using acrylics can vary. They are water-based, so they can be used straight out of the tube or thinned with water. If you were to paint the same portrait as we spoke about earlier, you would not use the same oil paint method. Mainly because the paint dries quicker so methods will be different. If the student takes the time to master handling each medium by experimenting with its textures, drying times, and layering techniques, this process will not only improve their technical skills but will also deepen their artistic vision and open exciting new possibilities.
Understanding Function
Now that we have explained techniques, the next step is to explore the application or function of the paints. Once the interactions of paints are clear, the next step is to delve deeper into the “how” and “why.”
Sometimes the word technique is confused with function. I find this is one of the biggest confusions when students are learning to paint. Compare the functions of making art on canvas, to building a house. First, one learns basic skills, such as how to wield a hammer and saw wood, which is akin to learning the techniques of painting. Then, the next phase involves learning how to design the layout: deciding how many bedrooms, bathrooms, and what belongs in each room is like deciding the placement of the sections of the painting. Abstract painting is much harder than realism. The reason for this is that the artist automatically knows where the different parts of a tree are placed so they need to learn to draw the tree then use technique to paint it. Abstract is knowing all the rules then breaking them systematically to develop a personal visual voice. Picasso is the perfect example of this. He knew all the rules thoroughly then altered them to further develop a style that he saw a friend use. He called it Cubism.
The goal is to continue practicing until both functions and techniques become second nature, allowing individuals to switch between paint mediums and functions without thinking. Another way to achieve this is by learning from a teacher whose personal artistry demonstrates the ability to flow between mediums and between function and technique. Such an instructor can guide a student to reach their goals.
Who Cares?
Why should an artist care about switching mediums or mastering new techniques? The answer lies in a critical moment that every artist experiences while creating a painting. It’s that point when, after pouring effort into a painting, the artist steps back and says, “This is awful. Thank goodness the garbage truck is coming on Friday.”
Congratulations! The painting has yet to reach its full potential. This “ugly” point is halfway. There’s still fifty percent of the process left to go. The key question is whether the artist can naturally move into the next phase of their work, or if they get stuck, thinking, “This is good enough.”
Are you settling or quitting prematurely? It may be time for a change. Perhaps it’s time to make a new resolution: to push beyond your comfort zone and finish the masterpiece you know is within you.
The included painting, Far Away2, demonstrates the use of acrylic, oil, and cold wax, as well as many layers of combined function and technique. The large original, “Far Away” now belongs to The University of Medicine in Syracuse, NY.
