Francesca at 13,Oil 14insx18ins

John, I like your work, I like the colouring you have used in this painting. Are they Acrylic?

Thank you for your kind words. Most of my work is in traditional oils. Lately I have tried water based oils as I am allergic to turpentine fumes and the like.e.g. Headaches and stinging eyes. I started out with the cheapest acrylics and am now trying the newer better forms such as Atelier Interactive, which are said to behave as oli paint. I also use Gennessis synthetic oils when using a pochade box on out of door trips to obviate need to clean brushes promptly. Thank you again!

John< I have just read your reply thank you. It is interesting that you have gone over to Atelier interactive, I use Liquitex I am not sure it is any better than the cheaper variety. I'm trying the watermixable oils, but I am too impatient (they take to long to dry). So when you are out painting how do you get on with a wet painting. Do Gennessis synthetic oils dry quicker are they good? And how is Atelier does it behave like oil? Would be grateful for feed back. Jeannette

Jeannette <Thank you for your comments on my most recent postings of pictures. Gennessis will dry only when it is heated . It is a thixotropic paint. A jar left open will not dry if kept in the shade. You put the painting in a small oven or use a hair dryer. The advantage comes with never needing to worry about dried up brushes etc. Buy it from Jackson's . I am gradually trying all the media. I don't have enough patience with watercolour yet. John

This is a beautiful portrait; full of life and character as is your pastel of a shy young lady.

Great work John, your use of colour and of the available light in your portraits is stunning