If you’ve tried oil painting, you might have faced this problem: you come back to a dry painting, start adding more paint, and suddenly there’s wet and dry paint everywhere. It’s hard to see what you’re actually doing!
When I first started, I thought I had to finish the painting all at once to avoid this. But in reality, there’s a simple way to continue a dry oil painting without stress.
The easy fix
All you need is a mix of paint thinner and linseed oil. I use a 50/50 mixture of linseed oil and Gamsol. Find a small jar with a lid and mix them together.
Some artists just use linseed oil, which can work, but it’s easy to add too much when you’re starting out. Too much oil can leave shiny spots on your painting. If you try this, remember to wipe away any excess oil after applying it.
Tips to keep in mind
- Work slowly and layer gradually.
- Keep your brush clean between strokes.
- Check the painting from a bit of distance to see how the layers interact.
Using this method makes it easier to continue a painting over multiple sessions without ruining your previous work.
