About 6-1/2 years ago I began oil painting. I knew nothing. I asked lots of questions of anyone who painted, bought some tools and paint, and started. I knew nothing.

I signed up for classes at the crafts chain Michael’s and attended 2 of the 4 classes. I signed up for a class at the local junior college and completed half a semester. I read books. I asked more questions. I read websites and blogs and watched videos.

This is what I learned:

1. Use a limited palette. (defined differently by each person who says this)

2. Only use the best paints.

3. Don’t waste your money on good paint – the cheaper brand of Winton is just fine.

4. Only buy the best brushes.

5. Get the cheapest brushes on sale at Michael’s.

6. Finish your paintings in one pass  – ” alla prima”.

7. Don’t lick the canvas with your brush – be EXACTLY sure of where you want the paint to go before you apply it.

8. Paint in layers, from lean to fat (which no one has yet adequately defined).

9. Use liquin.

10. Never use liquin – use “this” formula (which varies depending on the speaker/writer/teacher).

11. Don’t use any formula – use pure linseed oil.

12. Paint plein air (meaning outside on location)

13. Don’t attempt plein air until you are really comfortable with painting.

14. Paint large, at least 16×20.

15. Paint small so you can get lots of practice on many paintings and sell to people who are low on money and low on wall space.

16. Don’t copy anyone’s style.

17. Copy the old masters.

18. Take all the workshops you can find.

19. Don’t take any workshops – learn your own style.

20. Only use a glass palette, preferably backed by a grey cardboard piece.

21. Use disposable palettes.

22. Use a cheap palette and cover it with wax paper so you never have to scrape it.

23. Wait a year before varnishing.

24. Don’t varnish – it will turn yellow.

25. Use spray varnish as soon as you finish painting.

26. Look at your painting in a mirror – always have a mirror in the studio.

27. Look at your painting upside down.

I’m confused. Are you?