Number One Mistake Artists Make When Painting in Oil

In this video I discuss the number one mistake I see my students make when oil painting.
Get my how to paint in oil book in digital form for free at
drawmixpaint.com
For more about the paint that I use visit:
genevafineart.com

[@anonymousanonymous5327]

This man is literally a gift from the gods to those who want to learn, thankyou

[@stuartarmstrong3846]

This is really refreshing, honest content and I appreciate that you have the foresight to resist the urge to accuse your students of doing something ''wrong'' but rather asking them a question and allowing them to perceive your perception. There's a real compassion in that! I came from an art school that would accuse me of being a certain way or doing a certain thing and it's taken me some time to realise how demotivating and limiting that can be to creativity. Stu (Australia)

[@victoriaclutterbuck6162]

Hello Mark I am awed that you give so much time and thought and all your expertise for nothing. It is so generous!

[@funlightfactory6031]

The private workshops aren't about what you teach or don't teach in your videos, it's the direct feedback and critiquing that is so profoundly valuable. Everyone has blindspots, and a mentor can help you see them.

[@EricTViking]

Skip to 6:00 to get past the pre-amble...

[@yuppietrash]

The real mvp

[@EDKsurly]

[@koningsbruggen]

thank you

[@teletubbiestunetwister9570]

It's as if he doesn't plan what he's going to say in the video... Won't bother with the others I'm afraid. :(

[@kh5000]

Thanks man

[@lisasmouter9868]

Thanks, great video! I am a music teacher as well as an artist, and the same can be said of students learning a new piece of music-the mysterious parts we love we tend to play louder or more intensely, whereas a more mature musician knows how to hold back, maintain subtlety and let the listener in on the real beauty of it.

[@davidsims5796]

Lisa Smouter aww okay, that's nice. What kind of music do you play? Check out my artwork on Instagram and FB under Jason Sims

[@northernhemisphere4906]

@@davidsims5796 are you david or jason though?

[@satchelyork]

People don't realize how good this advice is.

[@davidshimp5116]

That's such helpful advice and a timely reminder! Analyzing my latest portrait now, many of the weaknesses are caused by that exaggeration. Thank you!

[@louielouie4187]

Mark you are really special man. My fiance watched a couple of your videos with me and she ordered a set of Geneva paints for me so im excited to get started thank you for all your teaching what a blessing.

[@Neosapien11]

One of my teachers used to say "paint it how you see it, not how you think it is"

[@MellowJelly]

yep that's a way easier way to say it than this guy did in the whole video haha

[@vcases]

The guy is absolutely right in general. There are painters who paints without using reference photo, which I always do. I found his advise useful for us. Try to paint without reference, you can learn the science of painting realism easily.

[@ATINKERER]

My first teacher said the same thing: "Paint what you see, not what you think you see".

[@LordApocalyptica]

@@ATINKERER ....was his name Scott Rispin? That's the exact phrasing he used. I always figured its probably a common phrase and idea and that he didn't coin it, but its weird to run into the *exact* wording in the wild for the first time.

[@ATINKERER]

@@LordApocalyptica I don't recall the name. He was a teacher in Brooklyn in the late 1970s or early 1980s.

[@pinchopaxtonsgreatestminds9591]

I noticed that I was making my lines more visible today, and I watched your video about an hour later. I also noticed that I liked the exaggerated image just like you said. I must try to match the image more.

[@jtpaar1732]

Truly a great reminder no matter which medium we paint with!

[@jimmiesutton8468]

Sir: This was very well said! You stick to you principles and that makes for good teaching! thank you!

[@shinsha3510]

Absolutely perfect advice. Thank you.

[@JennieFur47]

Yes! So helpful! Thank you for this advice!

[@louiseryley6936]

Thanks Mark, what a difference it makes to my work. I really appreciate your advice.

[@annadimezza4174]

I enjoy watching your videos pretty much every morning. Such a great and generous teacher. Thank you!

[@joseluisderivera465]

Thanks Mark for sharing your master and advices, they really make me resonancy and helps me to keep focus in improve my painting skills as self trained realistic artist. I love all the videos i've seen up to now, it Is like having a teaching at the distance. Hope to take classes with you soon at site. Greetings from Mexico. We appreciate you to share all your knowledge and tips, thank you!!!

[@IFRSKIES]

Very good advice Mark. I also remember you mentioning this in the painting of the jar of oil with the subtle lines in the plate. Thanks

[@alibannister]

Thank you, Mark. I really appreciate your advice being so candid. I have huge faith in your method (just written myself a reminder on a piece of cardboard to keep near my easel). Thank you again, Ali

[@brucefrazeur3172]

Thank you Mark, I soon will be studying your method. I've been Watching your vidios for some time and am excited every time I listen.

[@Ebruskaya]

Great advice. Thanks very much for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@missartist123]

Thank you so much for this advice!

[@PeterQuentercrimsonbamboo]

👍👍👍 sounds interesting - Thank you muchly!! Will see how I can incorporate this advice with watercolour and graphite drawings, too !

[@Yatukih_001]

Thanks for the upload! Amazing good advise given here!!!!!

[@wesleyhuffmaster1371]

Very practical advice -gonna bookmark this. Thank you!

[@artriot4758]

Thank you for taking the time to to do these thoughtful videos. It's much appreciated.

[@patrickm1268]

Thanks Mark. As always, this is a very helpful video and your generosity in sharing your skills is appreciated.

[@markhogan77]

I thought you where spot on, your widom and passion for teaching others is great - thanks Mark

[@ambrosearts]

LOVE your videos so much....always an incredible experience. As a self taught portrait artist of thirty years, I discovered many of the things you mention along the way but some I am still perplexed over and not even sure how it transpires.....you confirm things and enlighten some things I am not even aware of....you are a master indeed but I doubt you would admit that.

[@BrandonWorkshop]

OMG, so true!! Always a problem for me, thanks for solidifying this issue

[@anitakhan9182]

You are such a great teacher! Thank you so very much for taking the time to explain stuff in such detail. Your instructions are invaluable!

[@WaSiLLy63]

You made a good point, Mark. Thank you.

[@PrototypeScope]

Thanks for the video and your teachings.

[@subasshrestha5806]

love both your art and lessons.

[@elsef6798]

Thank you so much for this expert advice. I enjoy all your videos - they heighten my ability as well as my joy of painting.

[@feyza6383]

It’s a perfect and inspirational video, im so thankful to you. Thanks!

[@ying2915]

This is a great advice! Thank you!

[@mikep6843]

I really do respect, and enjoy, your depth of knowledge, your comprehension and precise understanding of even the smallest nuances! Thank you so very much

[@mellow5123]

Absolutely so. Thanks, Mark.

[@40bdg]

Great tip, this will definitely go on my wall. Thank you for your generousity!

[@jeffhreid]

Excellent advice. I find this to be certainly true in my work, subtle is difficult.

[@tpakzone]

You talk clearly and seem to be a great teacher. I have subscribed. I only wish could benefit from Your live classes as I have many flaws not many people know how to fix. Love from the UK

[@everettwhite9874]

Mark I really like the way you explain how to create accurate paintings and how to follow a system that works. I wish I could take classes from you. Thanks man for sharing your knowledge and answering questions that I've had even as I'm watching a video for the first time; that is awesome. Best Wishes.

[@stanmanmedia]

Outstanding!! I've been painting for years, pretty much self taught. I don't follow your painstaking methods because it is not fun to me, and I'm not worried about such realism. I still watch your videos, subscribe etc because I know you're right. This one helped tremendously. Thanks very much for your wonderful detail to help us all!! You're a good dude.

[@rodrigomartinsdemedeiros2966]

That was very helpful...Thank you !!

[@tinomendoza7045]

Thank you so much foe these videos. I know for me this is a huge problem especially when i try to paint portraits. I'll get impatient with the process and so I'll take shortcuts with shadows and highlight and paint them to how i think they look good as oppose to what is realistically correct.

[@ambrosearts]

So true....I have caught and fought myself doing that for 25 years but your emphasis on the mistake will help me in the future, as I have never heard anyone say that since I have never taken an art class in my life. I will hear your voice in the background. I always cautioned myself to paint or draw 'precisely what I see and not how I think it should be' for realism. If any friends asked me if I had any tips that is what I always shared with them. Just that. Since I am not very aware of how I do my art...I just do it through drive and determination.

[@janetpoirier6196]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us I've learned a lot from you! I'm so grateful for people like you who don't ask for anything in return. You're becoming a rarity!

[@geoffhalstead1811]

I paint 75-120mm (3” to 4.5”) figurines using oils to get mine to look as realistic as possible, all due to the subtle ability to blend colours. Many many times I cringe/shudder seeing the results of so called experts, also using oils, exaggerate shadows and highlights to such a degree that their figurines look more like puppets and so unrealistic that I laugh and shake my head in amazement. When I first started I did try other mediums, BUT the minute I switched to oils the difference was like chalk and cheese and blending colours became easy to the point of being rediculous🤗 I’m now going to try your colour wheel, thanks for posting, as I have far too many colours and get totally lost on occasion.

[@DantheArtMan]

Thanks, Mark! you described MY most common mistake PERFECTLY! (Actually, I've made quite a bit of progress in this respect in the past year or two, so I HOPE it's my EX-most common mistake!)

[@pingnixon-hermansen5046]

That's a LOT of capitals for EMPHASIS.

[@MKLGRMFineArt]

I just wanted to say thank you for your videos!! They are juSt amazing and I especially love that you take the time to teach in detail and telling your process in a natural way. Just you and your knowledge. Your paint mixing videos are awesome and helped me improving a lot!! So...thank you for everything :)))

[@drawwithtaldrian5164]

Thanks again for this great video!

[@mariejacobs9721]

Excellent advice, thank you 🌷

[@1974gladiateur]

Thanks Mark. I will do it for sure.

[@Raeburnsart]

Mark Carder you are one of the best art teachers I know of who make in-depth discussion about all things painting/art. I notice some people make mention of "rambling" down below but to me, you are covering your subject so well that it instills in my head. I still repeat things you have said in your videos to others and to myself in description of what it is a painter is trying to achieve and the process and value of effective painting (and not just "painting" and hoping for the best)

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Every word you said here ....is very awakening for me....who is far from you and can't take live classes. But, your website is bibilical in painting.....loads of teaching...thank you for such charity of Art. God bless you

[@gopicamanethe3600]

Thank you for your great tips...

[@JamesChristopherHill]

Thank you for all of what you do for us out here trying to become better artists. I went to RCAD and studied 20 years ago, but now, I find myself really wanting to become a hell of a lot better than I am, hence I need the answers like the proper procedure to layer glazing and varnishing that seems to be a mystery whenever I ask various masters on how to varnish. So thank you!

[@pavoniaarts2179]

Thanks for this video, I am sure this will help me improve!

[@starforged]

Thank you for all your help.

[@davidgeister]

Once again, great advice.

[@danfe9064]

So thankful for your videos! 😊

[@lisalynch629]

Thankyou for your generosity

[@wiilsanosman3118]

I'm 20 years of age. I have been painter since 2009 up to now and I agree with this painter. thank you for pointing out!

[@bryanmartin9420]

Thanks again for all your help

[@marthasierra7801]

Love your classes and comments.....thanks.....👏🙏🏻

[@stevenallan6515]

You Rock. Thanks again Mark.

[@gekkekensa]

Recently started painting and drawing again( after about 15 years) love your vids so im a new subbie !

[@johnjunji8443]

Love your channel very much indeed you taught me really valuable things about painting....THANK YOU!

[@JB007SEXY]

I would really like to see some finished student work say at the end of the year GALLERY SET UP.;-)

[@robertl6440]

Its important what he says. That touches a level of consciousness on the subject talked about. He expresses it to help people understand the differences about a particular point. Well said thank you.

[@sholley7]

Appreciate it. Y You are correct. Will now keep it in mind.

[@averymaples8472]

Thank you so much for pointing this out. We ALL tend to do this. Bert Lindstrom said years ago that portraiture was the art of subtle seeing. I think all art is the art of subtle seeing and you just pointed it out.

[@claudinevega5980]

Yes I am guilty of over defining certain points I did make a color checker and it turned out great because I followed you instructions to the letter I am still having trouble with color and getting the right shade I am working on it Thanks so much for all you great information

[@MarsK84]

Great video, thank you.

[@accorsistudios]

Interesting advice... didn't see that coming.

[@jacksutherland8749]

Thanks for your leadership. I'm stumbling along in my art and trying to improve my understanding but its been a long off and on effort. Its easy to get discouraged with so many excellent artist in the market. I have made some encouraging improvements but have a way to go. I'll be more diligent to view your videos help continue to improve. Hope all is well for you and your family.

[@thomascleveland]

Great thoughts. You can probably skip to 6:00 where he arrives at his point.

[@lluhu]

Yes, many thanks!

[@patlewis2067]

Thank you so much for your videos and advice, I have learned alot. This video is spot on, And I warch alot of the ones on process and theory over and over. Please keep them coming!

[@MKLGRMFineArt]

Pat Lewis agreed :) I also love watching and hearing his videos while I paint and draw...he is a great instructor :)

[@daphnekent6171]

Pat Lewis f

[@michaelellsworth5645]

I see that you have understanding beyond belief with painting n that's when you become a Master with Painting and you paint from the heart with knowledge and understanding.. For example being able to turn the poodles head is clear example of your wisdom ..I hope I get to meet you someday Mr.Master of Art Mark

[@eokaila]

Thanks. Very essential for me.

[@gary7466]

Brilliant videos; really good instructional web site. Inspiring. Only this morning I painted a building and exaggerated its dimensions. I didn't mind. Yes, you like it. But yes, it's kind of wrong when you think about it critically. Thank you, Mark. I'd buy your paints. Checking them out now.

[@tlynn4239]

Beautifully explained

[@38lildee]

I Love your video s. Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@i2iFX_Colleen]

Thank you so much, You are such a learned man and so generous with your time and expertise... I will do as you suggest here :)

[@ayodeeray]

Thanks for your videos they are amazing

[@toddprince9899]

Thank you for these videos

[@migusportratt8237]

I might be one of those loving the lines 😊I most definitely wont do that anymore or try to think about it at least thank you 🤗

[@nadakhalilchannel3955]

Thank you for sharing this video

[@PastaDNA]

Thank you Mark.... You work is, well, for me jaw dropping. I'm a self teaching hobbyist. I started doing some portraits a year or two ago with some success. I'm working in colored pencil right now but this video made me stop in my tracks. I have noticed during the past two portraits that my satisfaction level decreased the more I reached the end. In other words, I was more satisfied when they were more "subtle" and "less done" - I need to think about this now. And I might have to start this most recent portrait over.... I want to paint in oil. I believe that oil portraits is the epitome for artists, art followers and admirers. I plan to take your course when I retire in the near future. Nevertheless, thank you.

[@moirawarden8906]

Thank you Mark.

[@framerw47]

Thank you Mark, for these fabulous videos! Even though I'll never be a good artist due to colorblindness, I love to paint and I do paint as much as I can. Your videos have helped me more than I can tell you and I really enjoy watching. 👍👍

[@yticivam]

Michael Worthington it would be interesting I think. We get to see how you see the world, which is exactly why ppl follow artists anyway. Tonal value is more important, if you have depth perception, you're good. The world needs your art :)

[@richardthemagician8991]

This is so true and something I'm currently working on with my own paintings. Thank you for articulating it. I realized after watching the video my tendency to add more contrast in my paintings than necessary I think it's because of my theatrical background. I'm an actor. I'm used to performing on stage. And on stage, I have to literally draw lines on my face otherwise it will look flat underneath all the lights. And I feel like I still have that habit of creating lines where they don't belong because I'm thinking of it in terms of where the viewer is standing. If they're standing farther away, a line might need to be stronger. But that's assuming the audience is fixed they are in the theater. If I make it more subtle as you are suggesting, the viewer of a painting can position themselves to where they see it correctly. Unless you're looking at something in a museum and you're forced to stand 20 feet back. But let's face it, that's not going to happen with my opinion for another three hundred years!

[@JonPendergraft]

Fantastic observation. I dig your videos, Ill grab some paint from you soon. Keep it up

[@TheTomciesielski]

I laughed a little because you are so right... I do enjoy to over define and it is a mistake. Makes things not natural.. Thank you so much sir for everything you do for us. I been drawing all my life but i am very new to painting got only couple of years so i am still on bob ross style level. Thank you kindly i soak all the knowledge you share with us

[@faithmarielake592]

I really enjoy your videos

[@billysalazar9629]

Thank you so much!

[@alessandrahaha]

thank you so much for all the knowledge you provide! u da man

[@lovelycorinne]

I've done many pieces with different paint. People always love the ones I do with Geneva more. If I could use one word for you, your brand, the videos it would be FLOW. :)