OPA - Oil Painters of America

Dedicated to the preservation of representational art

Self Improvement

Dianne Massey Dunbar Interview

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“I paint ordinary objects and scenes from everyday life. While I have the highest respect for artists who paint vistas and exquisite nudes and the like, I believe that there is a great deal of beauty in the world that often goes unnoticed. The amazing color in raindrops, the variety in fallen autumn leaves, the...
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It’s Just Paint and Canvas

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What is the true “market value” of a painting? How does a potential collector know that a fair price is being offered? After all, the price can be negotiated… It’s not like a car, a stereo system, or a suit jacket that contains technical components and can be shopped between stores. It’s only paint and...
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Stylistic Unity

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Two years ago I had my work critiqued through Oil Painters of America.  Todd Williams was the  Signature Member who looked at images of ten of my current paintings.  He gave me some very helpful insight into my work and useful  suggestions.  One particular idea he proposed to me was very surprising and has resulted...
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5 Stages of Painting

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Artists know that, in spite of what people think, creating a good painting is not a day on the playground. Some days are easier that others, but mostly it takes a lot of hard work and perseverance to get what you want to say on the canvas. I was teaching in my studio recently and...
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Challenging Painter's Block

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Here’s a few ideas to think about whenever you get a creative block and find you ‘just can’t paint right now.’ There’s no guarantees, but they just might work, so it could be worth a try… 1. Paint your favorite drink – whether it’s a cup of tea, a pina colada, a steaming latte with lots...
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