The bear and the horse

Clever idea - bet you'll have people looking for a bear somewhere! I'd be cautious about painting in oil over acrylic generally, but this was a painting you didn't think had worked, so worth a try (it's the differential in drying/curing rates that can present a problem, especially on flexible surfaces). New to oils - how do you like them, by comparison with your acrylics? I use both, depending on the mood I'm in, but not together (one under the other, I mean). I love acrylics, but wouldn't want to be without my oils. Like this one, though drawing 'osses is difficult; I think you've pulled it off, even so.

I did a fair bit of research before using the oils on top of the acrylic, what I found was providing the acrylic was fairly thin there shouldn’t be to much of an issue. I suppose time will tell whether it has worked or not. I’m nursing myself in gently by using water soluble oils (keeps my wife at bay over smells as well), I’m enjoying them because of the slower drying time however there does become a temptation to overwork. I have a feeling that given time it could become my favourite medium. The bear really is there if you catch the Isle of Wight at the right angle, I’ve used a bit of artistic licence as it really appears a little way down the coast.

Wonderful painting Michael and those shadows are amazing.

Thank you Carole

Lovely colourful bright painting Michael, when I am in a hurry I sometimes use thin acrylics for my initial washes and complete the process in oils and have not yet experienced any problems. I have seen it mentioned as a way of working in art magazines so hopefully it’s been tested and is ok. Good luck with your journey in oils.

A worthwhile read on acrylics can be found at https://www.tate.org.uk › file › caring-acrylics. I remember, reading a while ago that the painting by David Hockney, an advocate once of Acrylic, "Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy 1970–1", was beginning to lift. It's a new medium still, and it seems the best advice is not to paint oil over acrylic or, acrylic over oil.