I started painting at an early age and my style was realism.  I painted in a traditional manner, allowing the paint to dry before applying more layers. 

In 1993 when I started painting plein air my style evolved from realism to impressionism. Around 2005, I switched to water soluble oil as I developed an allergic reaction to the solvents. I also didn’t like the smell of the solvents and solvents are harmful to humans and to our precious earth. 

Presently I use Lukas Berlin or Winsor Newton water soluble oil, and a small amount of water when I want to thin the paint and tone my canvas. Since water soluble oil dries faster and I like to work while the paint is wet, I complete most small studio paintings within one to three days. However, there are times when working wet into wet is not always possible. Here is a list of colors I presently use:  Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Red Light, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue,  Pthalo Green and for landscapes I often just use the 3 primaries.  

Since I’m not yet making a substantial “living” from my art business (and retirement is still a few years away), I have to work full time. But I love to paint. So whenever I can squeeze in some time to squeeze out some paint, I paint. 

Because I use water soluble oils which don’t have a strong odor, and because I have such a wonderful supervisor who does not mind that I paint on my lunch hour, I get to squeeze in some time to paint. 

So here’s my lunch hour schedule:

10 minutes to eat
          45 minutes to set up and paint 
          5 minutes to clean up!

Be sure to check my website for my "Lunch Hour Paintings”, or simply sign up for my Email Newsletter, and you’ll receive all the latest information on my website including new Blogs; YouTube Videos; present Exhibits and Awards; and recently uploaded Paintings.

Kind regards,
Ramona

 Paintings Fresh and Alive!"©
PAINTINGS WITH A HEARTBEAT™