Following last week’s effort, I thought a good deal about how I would approach the second class, realising there was a chance of not been offered any specific way in how to apply oil paints. I decided to progress my painting by instinct; it wasn’t as if I haven’t drawn from life, and although my painting history has revolved around fiddling with watercolour, I have used acrylics before. And, I do know a reasonable amount about colour, albeit using pencils rather than paint. During this session we were encouraged to go and view the original painting again. It was difficult to see the actual paint strokes as it was behind glass but we did agree the painting was lighter in tone and showed the colour more effectively than the photocopies we were working from.

I chose to work on the back ground and get it at close as I could to finished, as we all needed to bring our finished painting to the third session, two weeks away, owing to the tutor having to miss a week. Good I thought, that means I shall be able to work on it from home, when I’d have some time to focus on the figure. Meantime, I looked at the perspective, and corrected areas I had a little out of place; for example the bend to the model’s back. I had her too upright initially (see under-painting image above). This time I used oil medium, rather than turpentine to mix with the paint. Turpentine thins the paint and is great if you want a sketchy look and the paint to dry fast, whereas oil medium allows you to apply the paint more thickly, and helps avoid distinct brush lines. It also stops the paint from yellowing.

I was relatively happy with my progress, and the overall colour I’d applied, although I needed to leave the canvas to dry in the studio. Soon, I shall go into the city and bring the painting home. I am looking forward to putting the finishing touches into place and showing you the results (she says bravely).