PAINT TALK: My Best Tips on Setting Up a Space to Oil Paint

[@ThomMinnickArt]

man is painting with a clean white shirt. Absolute legend.

[@ArtbyJoeH]

Fake !!!! 😬😆

[@PHeMoX]

@@ArtbyJoeH Yeah, it's light blue actually.

[@DannySabraArt]

I think your best tip is to not wait for the perfect space to start! I can’t have the ideal space but when I get too caught up in that it discourages me from painting. But ultimately if you can do the best you can do grab your brushes and get painting!

[@jasoncullmann157]

With ya on that Dan

[@DannySabraArt]

@@jasoncullmann157 thanks!

[@dreamydaze]

Absolutely! Some of us put too much emphasis on everything being "perfect" before we get into actually getting down to painting.

[@DannySabraArt]

@@dreamydaze agree 100%. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good

[@AD270479]

Wee tip for anyone using natural daylight from a window when painting. Don't have your canvas set up so the window is directly behind you, you will get glare all day long. Set it up so the window is to the opposite side from what your favoured hand is, then you wont get glare from the window, & you wont get your hand obstructing the light & casting a shadow across the area you're trying to work on.

[@21ruevictorhugo]

Here’s a way to get the idea of what your painting looks like from far away. There’s these little things in apartment doors that let you see who the person at your door is. Go to a hardware store and buy one. They don’t cost much. When you look at your painting through it, it makes your painting look like it’s far away. I have one in my studio and one for my pochade boxes.

[@a.cornelia]

I've been binge watching your videos for a few days now. Just finished my first portrait last night and I'll definitely be sticking with you for the year minimum that you suggest!!

[@douglasriddle6447]

Another thing to use a music stand for is to hold your palette, especially if you are using a paper palette. Depending on if you are sitting or standing while painting, you can then raise or lower your palette to be at the right height. And a music stand is easy to mortify to hold your your brushes, medium and brush cleaner. I bought a bedside shelf and clamped that to the lip of my music stand to make a raised shelf for mediums and my brushes; I hang my brush cleaner from the other side and it balances out the shelf.

[@anteeker]

This video comes at the perfect time because I am setting up a new space. Thank you Chris, great information and I`m going to look into one of those easel lights (well, not literally- that might hurt my eyes) but I`ll look into BUYING one of those lights!

[@downtherabbithole9143]

Thanks again Chris. Although I’m an acrylic painter, your advice is always so helpful! You are one of the few channels I have notifications on for.

[@LOVERGEIST777]

new subscriber here! thanks for your content! I recently started painting again in an attempt to stay sober lol I watch your videos while I'm painting to help reinforce some of the basics. Thank You!

[@remistaom]

Great video once again, thanks a lot. If I can give you an advice, I would suggest you signed every demonstration you show us, this way your signature will be recognised and add value to your work, I believe.

[@onehappydawg]

I’m new to oil painting, I did a Bob Ross once back in 2014, which wasn’t too bad, lol, and now I’m starting up again. On the subject of lighting. I’ve shot photography and videography for years and just like with painting you have to know about lighting. I was trying to use a daylight balanced LED light I have to light the canvas, but with the oil I still get some glare with the bear direct light. Being a photographer i know softer defused light is always better, that is one reason why a painter would want a north or southward pointing window. The light coming through is defused and soft. So what I’m using now is a setup that mimics that and would cost someone about $200 - $250 and would last you for many years and you would always Have consistent soft daylight light rain or shine. My light is a Godox SL60W, the tripod is a Promaster systemPRO LS-3 deluxe light stand and to defuse or bounce the light I have a Westcott umbrella. This set up makes excellent soft daylight light with zero glare that looks like window light. Hope this is helpful.

[@claires9100]

I always look forward to these paint talks. Thanks again for your help.

[@paintcoach]

My pleasure!

[@dreamydaze]

Best video I have seen on KZbin for setting up a studio. I am just moving from a North-East facing apartment that is always too dark because of an overhead balcony above my unit, to a southern facing unit with no balcony. I have been able to visit the space throughout the day and where I live in Canada, the movement of the sun in summer till fall is fairly high in the sky. In winter it can be pretty low. The lighting suggestions are great ideas. And yes the hanging of a light bulb source at 30-35° is great by suggestion by some artists is a good ideal but if you don't have a large enough or high enough room, it is impractible.

[@tatianaantoinette9086]

Chris, this is perfect! After 4 years, I have a dedicated room/studio with northern exposure, and cool temp bulbs for light, but I cannot get the light "right". I'm happy to try this. I usually paint on smaller canvases, so this should work. Thanks

[@lauraday4024]

Love what you do, thanks for sharing. Small things like stepping back make a huge difference. Maybe a video not so close up. One that shows how you hold the brush at arms length in different ways. Most of us started in other mediums like watercolor where we always hold a brush like a writing implement. Like a pen making a list. Maybe redo the avocado or tomato still life from a different angle that shows how to step back, loosen the pencil grip and use the brush more freely. Just a thought. Different grips at arms length and why/how you use them. Love your advice, keep the videos coming.

[@FluxyMiniscus]

Thanks for sharing this, I’m resetting my studio practice…returning to painting after a long hiatus. Your tips are really helpful!

[@theagespot9717]

I'm so all over the place in my studio. I have had to convert household lamps for lighting. I paint next to my Mom's grandfather clock. I have a rolling cart full of supplies on the wrong side of my body because the palette table has to be on the correct side. I have no choice but eastern facing windows, so I compensate by painting after sunset and using only artificial lights. But it works for me. I like the clamp light idea because I hate having the light far behind me and the need to shift myself around to avoid that massive, bright spot on the painting. Thanks for the video, Coach. Good advice as always.

[@fereshmahta6113]

I paint in the morning until evening and use the sunlight! my studio is in my greenhouse!

[@RatusMax]

I like how you give us this type of advice. It's very useful.

[@paintcoach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ljstearns1]

Thanks for the tip on easel light. I have a good space in basement with plenty of elbow room but have struggled with lighting past few years. BTW very much enjoy your weekly videos.

[@paintcoach]

Glad I could help!

[@kermit3194]

Great video! Have you ever done a video on how to paint street/night lights? I am really struggling with it

[@michaelbarton5169]

Super advice sound bites, thanks! I'm just about to set up my studio and get more consistant with my art so, great timing! Cheers!

[@ellesnyder942]

You can buy a 3 light LED track light that doesn't need a junction box for power. It has a cord that runs down the wall to the outlet. Then you buy some cord molding that you cut to fit.. it sticks to the ceiling and wall so the cord is out of the way and not noticeable. I got one for Christmas a few years ago and love it. The LEDs are 5000k daylight and aimable. I mounted it as per instructions from the draw mix paint KZbin channel. The track light itself is under $50 - the power cord and cord molding is extra. We got it at Lowes.

[@alina-lx3ym]

wow thank you this is super helpful. for a really long time i didnt know how to set up a really efficient space but this gave me a lot of great ideas. Thank you!

[@paintcoach]

Glad it helped!

[@yumiely]

This was super helpful. What kind of air purifier did you get? There are so many options. Love to hear what brand and how it’s working for you.

[@chrishayes4195]

I'd like to know more about the picture rails on the wall. What are they called? I'm having trouble finding them.

[@fereshmahta6113]

I set up another studio in my basement with good temperature light. even I use colored light. my reference is your videos. this way I can stop and replay. I work on a desktop computer. Geothermal is my ventilation. I have metal shelves. books, paints in the basket, I clean my studio daily.

[@Ruby2sDay0]

Thank you so much. Great advice!

[@JVPaints]

I learned a lot in painting from your channel.

[@paintcoach]

Glad to hear that!

[@JVPaints]

@@paintcoach Thank you very much for sharing your talent.

[@Surai00]

Always love your videos, man! I've been using canvas pads for a little while now trying to get the practice in. I noticed your setup and was thinking, I would like to see a video where you show how you setup for canvas pad practice. You could even include it with some other stuff. It seems simple, but I'm sure you realize how many views you get on the simple topics. Another topic I'm having issue with, I'm wondering if you have advice on, is that my arm and hand has been bugging me a lot lately. Do you have any exercises we could use, to prevent painting-related repetitive strains injuries? Thanks again, you're a great inspiration for a lot of people to do something that makes them happy.

[@craftywoman6399]

Please show your palette and how it’s constructed. Thank you!!

[@chukukaogude5894]

I wake up every day and digital paint some thing quick and easy. It's either to test out painting concepts or tweaking my digital software brushes/settings. Then I go exercise and get on with my day. This is to make sure on the weekends,when I go to paint something advanced, I wake up and go straight to it. I take as much time as I want trying things out. Restarting if I need to. I find keeping taking the time to keep things clean and organized helps me jump to it. I was one of those people who dirtied something to finish a product and leave it dirty. Then when it's time to make another product I feel discouraged because I have to clean a mountain of mess first. Now I clean up after myself after completing. Whether it be cooking, exercise, painting, eating. The time spent to tidy up after saves motivation time.

[@BabretManArts]

This guy always helped me

[@elizabethkapas9437]

Thank you for this informative video. I am using this same light on my easel and love it. I paint in a drop ceiling basement, which has proved difficult to light my easel and palette equally. When i mix on my gray tone glass palette that is directly in front of my easel on an adjustible hoital bed table ( i sit to paint), the colors are always mixed too light when i bring them to my canvas. Paron my ignorance, but am i right that means my palette is insufficiently lignted? Im surprised if it is underlit, because it is directly under the light in this video. Ive tried supplementary light on my palette, but i get a terrible glare off the gray glass. Thank you for any ideas on myrovlem.

[@theresadailey5809]

Great ideas great tips. Thank you.

[@VincentConard]

Hi @Paint Coach (or anyone else who may be able to answer) I'm a newbie with what may be a stupid question: When painting a portrait of someone wearing black rimmed eyeglasses, should I paint the glassed first? I understand we should work from dark to light, but should I paint the flesh tones first, and then go back to paint the eyeglasses afterward?

[@joycesumara416]

Great suggestions- thanks!

[@painterpip4531]

Really useful information Chris (as always). Love the T.V. reference idea and am definitely buying that LED light. (Update - Just bought it)

[@Fireboat52]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@Creative_Mystic]

Hey! When you finish the nick cage painting you should do his ghost rider face. The skull with fire. 🔥💀🔥 that would be an epic completion. Especially the blank spit is top middle. Perfect 🤩

[@lb10003]

When painting from a monitor or TV have you found that they can have a color cast that can distort your color perception? Even when I fine tune the color controls on my monitor it still has a reddish cast and the portraits I paint from it make people look a bit sunburned. :-/ Are you satisfied with your brand of TV?

[@chrisgriffith1573]

Dust will be filtered by the air filter, which is important, but fumes from solvents (thinners, and terp, mineral spirits, even odorless) will not be filtered out of the air, moving the air, and diffusion is paramount, as well as fresh air turnover :)

[@paintcoach]

I’m pretty sure this air filter helps take out fumes too

[@chrisgriffith1573]

@@paintcoach Unless this filter contains activated carbon, it will not. Activated carbon filters are best for very small particles, usually below 0.3 micrometers (microns) in size. So, what would those small particles be? A VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) General size: picometers (for comparison, a picometer is 10-6th of a micron) These are molecular level pollutants and can only realistically be removed with an activated carbon filter, at least when it comes to what’s out there in the consumer market. Volatile organic compounds are gases that are so small, they can stay suspended in the air. It’s usually the VOCs inside a home that are responsible for lingering chemical smells and odors. You already know that some of them are found in tobacco smoke. So by extension, VOCs can also be found in other smoke pollutants, such as those that are released from burning a wood or coal in a fireplace, or using a kerosene heater and gas appliances like stoves and laundry dryers. But beyond that, VOCs also include dangerous chemicals, many of which are considered to be carcinogens: Formaldehyde - found in “off-gasing” mattresses, furniture, household cleaners, laminate floors and cabinets. Think new home construction building materials and new flooring when you hear this. Benzene - typically is found in PAINT THINNERS, glues, and cleaning products. It has a sweet odor. Sadly, also found in tobacco smoke. Napthalene - found in moth balls mostly. Chloroform - a solvent found in chlorinated products (like laundry bleach) or water. Acetaldehyde - found where there is smoke; again, tobacco products and wood-burning fireplaces and appliances, to name a few. Also given off in the kitchen while cooking oil is burned. Trichloroethylene - found in paint, varnishes, spot removers, and carpet cleaners. Styrene - found in plastic packaging and, you guessed it, tobacco smoke.

[@rickwanless5738]

luv ya work Chris but I need to know are you going to put another Nick in that hole in the top of the painting.

[@neu-ter]

Dang it. I feel so seen. 😂 I will not put off painting because my painting space is chaos.... I will not put off painting because my painting space is chaos.... Thank you for the helpful tips sir! 🙏❤️⭐👍

[@wcwindom56]

I have a north facing window in the room I paint however there is a good size maple tree about 2 ft in fron of it... do you think that would be enough light or just stay with my 5000k bulbs for my setups?

[@GalleryBry]

North light certainly is nice. And unobstructed is best. But it can be inconsistent at times. I often tell my students a 5000k set up is a good back up so you always have consistent light. Is that helpful at all?

[@AlonzoTheArmless]

Where do you fit that person playing the soft piano background music? LOL Seriously, another excellent video with great tips. I need to buy that easel light.

[@paintcoach]

Thanks 👍

[@fatehbindra1880]

Hi sir,If a kid(11 year old) wants to use oil paints can they?And if they can,what type?Water mixable oils, or somthing else? Thank you.😃

[@allenvoss7977]

I bought one of the easels you recommended and I just love it , now I’m gonna buy that easel light that you recommend . thanks for all your great videos !

[@paintcoach]

Wonderful!

[@vincemazo341]

So helpful! Thank you 👍

[@paintcoach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rockyh9630]

Yo Coach, how about a Big Daddy portrait, from Kick Ass, in that last spot of Cage's faces pic!! CLASSIC

[@colinire15]

Never mind the painting - I can just stare at Chris for a couple of hours :-)

[@williammcmanus7448]

Can you link the shelving?

[@paintcoach]

It's actually just cornered strips I bought at Home Depot

[@satyakibiswas930]

It takes almost 3days to dry, meanwhile dust is settling on still slightly wet paint. It's a annoying problem. Any ideas?

[@GalleryBry]

Perhaps I can help. Have you ever tried a horizontal drying rack? You can put a blank panel at the top to block dust.

[@satyakibiswas930]

@@GalleryBry no I don't know about it. Can you send me a Amazon link?

[@SlowPursuit]

Wow - that light is 56 dollars, or £120 in the UK! The direct exchange rate gives £40. Works out a touch expensive over here!

[@puurfectlysplendid]

I'm pretty sure this daylight company is from UK. You might be able to get it cheaper actually.

[@beckyontiveros8473]

I wished I had space to paint. Everytime I want to paint, I have to set it up everytime and by the time I'm done, my motivation is gone. Anyone got any tips.

[@dygmzf]

I knew a great painter who during a bad time managed to paint in their dining room! Oils at that. He managed somehow.

[@KapellaArt]

I think it is enough to choose a corner in the room. I'm painting on the heater, I don't even have an easel. Trying to create a perfect environment should not get in the way of constant practice. 💞

[@ArtistInNewHampshire]

During 2020, for a “studio”, I only had two foot by 5 foot corner of my 10’ x 11’ bedroom, which is dominated by the queen sized bed and a dresser. I placed my 30” wide old wooden drafting table in the corner, and a small rolling cart next to it. A small stool stayed under the table when not in use. With about 14” of clearance, I was obliged to slide along the edge of my bedside to keep from bumping into the setup, when I accessed the bed. I wanted to work small, and to do oils, so I used my water mix oils, which do not smell like much of anything, and the brushes get swished in water instead of paint thinner. After a while, I also wanted to use watercolors and gouache, so I brought a narrow adjustable table alongside the wall near the bed. We have a dry basement, but it’s rough and there’s an attic’s worth of junk all around, so I couldn’t go with that idea. Eventually, my previous studio became available, just another small bedroom, but well ventilated. I have my writing bureau, and two drafting tables, and some storage furniture. It’s modest, but having two art tables and materials handling surfaces seems workable. Now, to figure out where to place my pastels easel! (Happy problems!)

[@craftywoman6399]

Me - painting wedged in a corner 😂

[@KapellaArt]

Cages, nice👻

[@artwithramdina4916]

3rd comment 🖌

[@johnbrown3711]

Always enjoy your videos. But would you mind removing your shirt completely for the next one?? Ha just kidding. Always encouraged by your vids in spite of the distraction of those massive arms. :)

First comment!!

[@hijodelaisla275]

You should ask your friend to stop playing piano while you're making your videos.

[@mjn55128]

You talk a lot, you talk fast, and you edit out all your pauses so it is one continuous stream of words. Brain needs break…can’t watch

[@davemalt2451]

Very helpful Chris. My little space is limited, but your advice is good, might have to buy one of those easel lights.All in all a top tutorial. 😎🇦🇺🦘