PAINT TALK: Bad Habits

In this video I go over some of the most common bad habits I've seen with oil painters.

Materials
Titanium White
Cadmium Red Hue
Cadmium Lemon
French Ultramarine

Hi, I am the son of two artists and began painting in my hometown of Richmond, Virginia before I could walk. I was a rare combination of artist and athlete so I moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to play football for USC. I left the team my sophomore year to focus on painting and filmmaking, applying the same focus and discipline from my football career to my art. I primarily work in oils, and spend most free days painting "en plein air" in my new home of Sarasota Florida.

Where to find me:
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[Manalive]

You are an awesome teacher, Chris! In this vid you reconfirmed everything I have learned in the last 12 years. And, these were all important reminders to me. You really have a VERY effective way of communicating and explaining things. I fell that, unlike some others on line, you are the real deal. I recently moved to a new state and haven't painting for some time now. I just finished setting up my studio and you have really inspired me to get painting again. Thanks for your generous teacher's spirit !

[alexwhite]

I dont know why its so pleasant to see your videos

[geo.explorer]

I always enjoy listening to your videos while I paint because I never know what I’ll learn - thanks for reminding me to step back & analyze my painting!

[EyeLean]

Agree on the tracing advice. Yes, it has its place but you won't do it well if you're not experienced at drawing. When looking at a tracing, it's pretty easy to tell whether it's been used as a tool or a crutch. Learn to draw first, trace when it makes sense to later.

[BJones-ywdd]

I've heard this same crucial, wise advice from other, much older professional artists -- you're offering a great service, Chris. :-)
PS you might mention the many kinds of chromatic (i.e. mixed) blacks that we can mix ourselves, e.g. alizarin crimson and sap green, makes a warm, transparent black which can be adjusted according to whether you need a greener or a redder dark

[marykahn]

Thanks! You've inspired me to bring it all down, back up (literally and figuratively) and just practice practice practice these important lessons.

[DiKorpi]

The only things I trace are pieces of art I’ve drawn, or painted myself.

Thank-you so much for all the encouragement. I could write a book on all the ways you have helped me push my art forward. 🎨❤️

[hinakhabalooch]

Our teacher told us take a step back n check your work and that tip was game changer..btw I squeezed my painting tubes becz I always step on them 😂.. Happy painting every one

[drew]

Thank God for you. Someone who talks absolute sense. It's brilliant that you are so real and down to earth. Your teaching is so spot on. 6 ppl need to go over this video again, humble themselves and listen to very solid advice.

[johnfoster]

Great advice. I had some of those bad habits myself. When I switched to oil paint I automatically started looking for brushes. I found oil painting brushes were much longer than ones I used for Acrylic and watercolor. Wasn’t hard to do the math as to why. Wasn’t for poking myself in the eye, lol. I started out cheap as possible. I used just black and white with a few mediums to start. Eventually got a zorn assortment of color then added a little more colors gradually. But habits like trying to go too detailed too quick and trying to get paint to dry faster we’re among my worst. I’ve come to appreciate the longer dry time now, even try to extend it in some cases.

[lindamathews]

This was really a great video, and you hit the mark on so many issues. Especially feeling very committed to a perfectly painted or drawn portion and not wanting to get rid of it, even though you know it is not working cohesively with the total picture. Very hard to do. And we all are tempted to buy all kinds of colors, thanks for the reminder.

[IoniIvy]

I like the step back tip to paint.. never thought of that! Thanks

[judymotley]

So glad to see this. Just took a 2 day oil painting workshop although I have painted with watercolors and acrylics for years. Your advice is helping me understand the fundamentals that were encouraged and why I shouldn't get into more detail at this point. Thank you . PS: I live in Richmond. VA. Nice to know someone so talented has his roots here.

[mogalcat]

I wish I'd seen this video when I started out 2 years ago! Really useful, thank you.

[brendajeannewyche]

So true! When I first started painting, I was intimidated by drawing. & I DID trace some of my stuff. But truth be told, I found tracing & then having to transfer the trace onto my board, difficult, too. So I figured, if I’m still gonna spend so much energy on tracing, I may as well just try to draw it right on my surface. & Thanks to that mindset, I can now draw things that I’m actually proud of. You really helped me introducing the proportional divider. That instrument takes a lot of frustration out of the process. Thanks so much for ALL of your super helpful instructions, Chris❤️😊

[JackRainfield]

Great advice! I always laugh when I paint because my hands are too clumsy to do fine details. I don't like hyper-realism but I don't have to even worry about it.

[jessejzetteart]

Black is amazing color, when u know how to mix it and know how to handle the values.

[sinman]

Probably the most useful of all videos on painting tips I have seen so far!! Great channel, keep up the good work!

[chantelmcskimming]

Hi Chris!! Just found your channel — I am totally enjoying your videos. I only use watercolor (and of course pencil for drawing) but have found your advice and coaching excellent for any art form —Thank you!!!

[janhenderson]

You are so nice to share these things! THANK YOU!