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How do I get rid of a line of oil paint, that I don't want anymore.

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Denise Cat

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I've been working a couple of weeks on a painting and I sketched a line in, in paint. It's all been going along alright and I will probably finish tomorrow. Today, I decided, I wanted to change something. What it is, is that, I had sketched a line in, obviously to paint something there, but I don't want to paint the object there anymore and the background and everything is finished, there are a couple more things to do and a bit more detail but I don't know how to get rid of the line I painted in about 10 days ago, without ruining the whole thing. Any suggestions or will I have to paint in the object I now no longer want as I think it will ruin the painting. Thanks.

Edited
by Denise Cat

With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

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To help me understand - you've painted a line in, with oil paint, and it's dried?  If it hadn't dried, you could scrape the paint out with a palette knife, and remove the remainder with mineral spirits or Turpentine.  If it HAS dried, and depending on the thickness and density of the line, you may need to paint over it with opaque paint - plenty of the old masters did that, as we can tell by X-rays of their work.  I realize this may spoil your background, which has probably dried too, but I don't think you've much choice.  Alan Bickley?  What would you do?  

Alan Bickley

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Well if I could see and feel this ‘line’ I’d have more idea, but I can’t… I must confess to never having any issues like this occur in all my decades of oil painting. Assuming this line hasn’t been drawn in with a Sharpie pen or similar, because they will bleed through, unbelievable but fact - I would simply scrape it off with a painting or palette knife as Robert would do  - you could if it’s gone very hard, sand it off I suppose, but you shouldn’t need to go along that route!

Denise Cat

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I painted it with raw umber, it was going to be the rim for some netting but I don't want it there now. I putting netting a different type of netting  and in a different place so the picture flows better. The line is bottom right. Thanks Robert and Alan. What should I do.

Alan Bickley

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I’m assuming that you want to remove it without painting over that area… presumably because it will be almost impossible to mix those same background colours! If that’s correct, you can try solvent (if you haven’t already) but it will almost certainly leave a mark where you’ve rubbed at it.
IMG_3630

Paul (Dixie) Dean

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Or alternatively you could leave it , if you can see past it. It looks a bit like a rope in the distance , as if it part of the rope the are in view . I know you will always see it as a mistake , but thing of the damage that could happen . Only you can decide if you can put up with it ,  I would have too as it would be so upsetting to ruin it . It’s a beautiful painting by the way . I’m trying to have you look at alternative to repaint etc , but you may have already thought of this. 

Denise Cat

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Yes, Alan, that's it, I would never be able to mix the colours again to match it, although, I guess I could try. I really don't want that line there so I think I will have to try and blend some colour and go over it. Thanks Alan, I've probable wrecked it. I'll look again tomorrow.
Moi 17

Linda Wilson

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I would put some kelp in over the brown line.  I think your unwanted line was in a good position, because otherwise the 2 main ropes lead the eye out of the painting.  But that is only one opinion and it is not my painting.

Alan Bickley

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Well it’s a difficult challenge to mix this variable colour and get it looking like it’s not covering an ‘error’, but it’s probably your only option. Alternative is the kelp idea or similar… or as Paul said, leave it! It’s not as noticeable as you think it is… but I know you won’t! Have a Google for marine photos, you might spot something that fits the bill.

Denise Cat

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Thanks so much everyone, I'll have a good think overnight. I really do appreciate your advice and ideas. Thank you.

Sylvia Evans

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I think it’s a brill pic as it is. 

Denise Cat

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Thanks Sylvia. I've just finished a small sculpture to get my mind of it. I'm about to post it. Don't laugh, you can if you want.
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