Mia Abelson

  Oil painting is one of the most revered, and possibly one of the most difficult mediums to try out for the first time -- but it really doesn't have to be. For those of you who are new to using oil paints, experienced oil painter Mia Abelson has put together a beginner's guide" to help you make those first vital steps. Painting in oil while following these ten simple tips will make your artwork clean and bright. 1.        To paint in oil, use natural bristle hair brushes, as they are perfect for this technique. You can find them of three types: flat, cat's tongue (like the flat ones but with a rounded tip) and round. 2.        For your colors to be clean, NYC artist Mia Abelson recommends that you use two different jars, one in which you will put essence of turpentine or white spirit (it is derived from petroleum and leaves no smell), and another in which you will put in equal parts touch-up varnish and essence turp...