OPA - Oil Painters of America

Dedicated to the preservation of representational art

Oil Painting

Practicing Art

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It has always struck me as odd that physicians “practice” medicine. Aren’t they ever done? Of course not–doctors are required to learn new things–they must keep up with the latest science and treatments. With this in mind, I decided to begin or rather, renew, my own art “practice”. My office is my studio, my tools...
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How deep is your space?

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At one of my always stimulating dinners with my late friend Zyg Jankowski, he said to me that the first decision a painter has to make about his work is a spacial one: how “deep” do you want to make the picture? John Carlson felt that every foot into nature counted; Ed Whiney had no...
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My Method and Attitude Toward Art

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It has been said that art is subjective to the viewer. I certainly agree with that statement. I can look at a work of art and be astounded by the way it speaks to me. Someone else may just glance at the same piece of work and not be affected at all. I have decided...
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Preserving My Dreams

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Ola!  What a great idea, and how much I enjoy and grow and am empowered by reading the thoughts, musings, and experiences of these real and great painters. Reading Alan Wolton’s post (once I drove from Nashville to an obscure barn way outside of Chicago to see this extraordinary collection of his water lilies)what a...
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Self Improvement

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As artists, we need to ask ourselves “What is my goal?” Is art just a pleasant hobby? Or, is the goal is to become the best artists we can be? If so, how? Think of the game of golf. The high handicapper plays round after round… with little improvement; the touring pro practices in order...
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