(old content, I forgot to post)

Well today I’m having a slightly off day in my art studio.

Firstly, I attempt to upload a newly purchased ‘office package’ onto my desktop computer, only to find the USB card provided was unable to slot smoothly into the USB port, in fact due to poor design it did not fit at all.  So I decided to search the internet for reviews and or solutions, when I stumbled upon the product I purchased that morning, 30% off the RRP from the same store #annoyed.

Slightly unimpressed to say the least, I contacted the retail store to discuss my findings, of which they were extremely apologetic and said they would give me a refund of the difference, less an extra 5%.

Ok; I can live with that, thank you.  I continue to search the internet for a solution on the other matter and decide to call the company that created the office package, to discuss the design fault.  Unfortunately no one answered my call and of course they would contact me within a 24 hr period.

So onto other things, I decide to add another layer of paint to my current oil painting, patiently waiting  on my easel.  My art trolley is nearby and I choose several paint tubes filled with glorious colour, that will add some depth and intrigue to the canvas.  I select my spatula for this application, as I’m looking for texture, a contrast within the layering of my oils.  I blend several colours of paint to get just the right tone I’m looking for.  Using my spatula, I spread the paint onto the canvas, creating the effects I’m after.  Rather pleased with the outcome, I’ll allow this layer to dry, I think to myself…..when I realise one of my paints was an Acrylic and the others Oil….Oh No!

How did this happen?  I generally keep my oil paints in a tub, separate to my acrylic and water paints. sadly my mind was elsewhere.  Sitting at the easel, I selected the colours of paints without checking the labels on each tube, and merrily worked away.

An easy mistake to make, especially as the oil and acrylic paints are of the same brand, therefore the packaging looks very similar.  Mixing oils and acrylics, is an incorrect practice, unless you are looking for your artwork to crack! over time and have a distressed look.  So, it looks like this canvas will end up as a sample for mixing colours, and trying out new techniques.  Although, I could go with the flow and change direction, creating a stressed piece.  I’ll have to consider my options.

Perhaps having a slight inconvenience with my new purchase this morning, put me in the wrong frame of mind and I wasn’t my usual diligent self.  I was a tad annoyed at things not going to plan.  I’ve now labelled this container with ‘Oil Paints’ and checked all the tubes of paint, are actually oil paints, to avoid a similar mistake in the future.

So even in an art studio, it pays to be a little organised, ensure you place your oils, acrylics, waters and gouache etc. in separate containers, clearly labelled and do not forget to return these items to their correct tub.

Emotions are often the drive for creating great pieces of art, but distractions can also ruin a piece.

Enjoy creating and experimenting, be sure you are using the materials you require, otherwise it can be quite a costly exercise.  As we all know, premium artist quality paints and canvas, cost a considerable amount, unlike many cheap inferior imitations that are labelled ‘artist’ products.

I’d love to hear your stories of your ‘Off Day in the Studio’.

Angela Sparks