Glazing in layers with
gel medium (for oils), transparent white
& a flesh tone I mixed.

Since it was warmer outside, I was able to open windows yesterday. It inspired me to dig out my oil paints to paint portraits once again. 

This is an older painting I’ve had in my “need to finish” pile. This painting was pretty much done already, but I wanted to touch it up, and add some layers by glazing.  

I love the depth that glazing gives, but I got a killer headache from using the gel medium, even with a fan in the window. I thought I had purchased Gamblin solvent free gel medium, but I didn’t. Ugh. The brand I bought is C.A.S. AlkydPro, which is cheaper, but definitely not worth the sacrifice I had to make to use it. As far as glazing with it goes, it worked great, but I don’t recommend using it if you’re prone to migraines when using oil mediums.

It has a harsh odor, and the headache came on me within 10-15 mins. Even though I stopped painting, the pain got worse as the day progressed, and by the time I went to bed last night, I was pretty miserable. The headache is still there ever so slightly today, making it clear – I’m never using the C.A.S. brand of gel medium again. 

I still want to glaze, tho, so I’ve been searching the internet all day for something better to use. I haven’t made up my mind fully, but I’m probably going to buy Gamblin gel medium because it’s odorless. If anyone knows of a better solution for glazing, please contact me or leave a comment below. 

If you want to get started painting in oils, check out this blog post I wrote titled The Basics You Need For Oil Painting. I discussed my issue with migraines when using oil mediums. 

 

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