Amended Lake District oil by Carol Hitchman

I think that's done the trick, don't you carol? It's made a huge difference in pushing the water and mountains back. What have you got in mind for yor next oil.....I'll look out for it. The more you practise the more you will improve, and there is no better place than this site for picking up help, tips and advise to improve your own work. Well that's what I've found anyway, if I want help with something, I ask, and more often than not you'll get it. Happy painting carol!

Thank you Fiona. I have to admit it looks even better on the original. I have been following your gallery for some time now and can't believe how much you have advanced your work -the truth of practice being the most important thing. I particularly enjoy your "Alan" challenges but wouldn't dare to try one yet.

A gentle feeling to your painting. I don't know how you start on a piece, of course, but if it helps at all - suggest thin paint, with no white at all, in the early layers, and gradually build up: if you need to add oil, do it near the end, when you want the thicker and juicier paint. That way you'll be able to draw into and add over the top of previous layers, and won't lose fresh painting by churning up darker paint beneath it. In oil, you need to do the opposite of what you'd do in watercolour - in the latter, you're working from light to dark, or darker anyway. In oil, the safest way is to work from dark to light - get the darks in first, use the lighter paint, and your white, to pick up the highlights in the late painting process. Looking forward to your next posting.

Thank you Robert for your most instructive comment- exactly what I needed. I don't know if you have seen my original posting of this painting on 24th June but I explained that it was my first ever attempt at painting in oils -very much trial and error. I will follow your guidelines on my next attempt whenever that may -I don't get many opportunities to paint- and hopefully produce something presentable!!

Hi Carol, I hope yor next oil is well on its way to completion??!!! Lol....only kidding! I'm writing to say, you should have a go at Alan's challenges, you'll never know until you have a go! I thought the same as yourself, I wouldn't want to insult Alan by even attempting one of his, but if you don't push yourself you'll never know your limits. In the end if you don't make a success of it, what does it matter as long as you enjoyed doing it. Besides Alan loves us all to join in and he's so pleased to pass on his knowledge, I'm sure. I hope you dont think I'm bullying you too much.......only a little bit! :) Happy painting!!

Love your paintings Carol, You are very good trying different mediums, I am still trying to get to grips with Watercolour and not tried Oil yet. Congratulations