Number One Mistake Artists Make When Painting in Oil

In this video I discuss the number one mistake I see my students make when oil painting.

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[anonymousanonymous]

This man is literally a gift from the gods to those who want to learn, thankyou

[stuartarmstrong]

This is really refreshing, honest content and I appreciate that you have the foresight to resist the urge to accuse your students of doing something ''wrong'' but rather asking them a question and allowing them to perceive your perception. There's a real compassion in that! I came from an art school that would accuse me of being a certain way or doing a certain thing and it's taken me some time to realise how demotivating and limiting that can be to creativity.
Stu (Australia)

[victoriaclutterbuck]

Hello Mark I am awed that you give so much time and thought and all your expertise for nothing. It is so generous!

[EricTViking]

Skip to 6:00 to get past the pre-amble...

[louielouie]

Mark you are really special man.
My fiance watched a couple of your videos with me and she ordered a set of Geneva paints for me so im excited to get started thank you for all your teaching what a blessing.

[lisasmouter]

Thanks, great video! I am a music teacher as well as an artist, and the same can be said of students learning a new piece of music—the mysterious parts we love we tend to play louder or more intensely, whereas a more mature musician knows how to hold back, maintain subtlety and let the listener in on the real beauty of it.

[funlightfactory]

The private workshops aren't about what you teach or don't teach in your videos, it's the direct feedback and critiquing that is so profoundly valuable. Everyone has blindspots, and a mentor can help you see them.

[ambrosearts]

So true....I have caught and fought myself doing that for 25 years but your emphasis on the mistake will help me in the future, as I have never heard anyone say that since I have never taken an art class in my life. I will hear your voice in the background.
I always cautioned myself to paint or draw 'precisely what I see and not how I think it should be' for realism. If any friends asked me if I had any tips that is what I always shared with them. Just that. Since I am not very aware of how I do my art...I just do it through drive and determination.

[Neosapien]

One of my teachers used to say "paint it how you see it, not how you think it is"

[ambrosearts]

LOVE your videos so much....always an incredible experience. As a self taught portrait artist of thirty years, I discovered many of the things you mention along the way but some I am still perplexed over and not even sure how it confirm things and enlighten some things I am not even aware of....you are a master indeed but I doubt you would admit that.

[garysimmonds]

Extremely good point regarding which is more subtle. I'll take that on board and put that sign up.

[jimmiesutton]

Sir: This was very well said! You stick to you principles and that makes for good teaching! thank you!

[sujanithtottempudi]

Every word you said here ....is very awakening for me....who is far from you and can't take live classes. But, your website is bibilical in of teaching...thank you for such charity of Art. God bless you

[kristi]

GREAT INSIGHT! Something I haven't heard other teachers articulate this way, but something absolutely imperative to the overall aesthetic of the painting and the emotion or feeling the painting evokes.

[pinchopaxtonsgreatestminds]

I noticed that I was making my lines more visible today, and I watched your video about an hour later. I also noticed that I liked the exaggerated image just like you said. I must try to match the image more.

[davidshimp]

That's such helpful advice and a timely reminder! Analyzing my latest portrait now, many of the weaknesses are caused by that exaggeration. Thank you!

[wiilsanosman]

I'm 20 years of age. I have been painter since 2009 up to now and I agree with this painter. thank you for pointing out!

[jeffhreid]

Excellent advice. I find this to be certainly true in my work, subtle is difficult.

[stanmanmedia]

Outstanding!! I've been painting for years, pretty much self taught. I don't follow your painstaking methods because it is not fun to me, and I'm not worried about such realism. I still watch your videos, subscribe etc because I know you're right. This one helped tremendously. Thanks very much for your wonderful detail to help us all!! You're a good dude.

[jtpaar]

Truly a great reminder no matter which medium we paint with!