Learning to Oil Paint through trial and error

It may be time to Google this or read a book.   Mixing paints is pretty much similar whether using watercolors, acrylics or oils, but there the commonalities end. Since oils are slower to dry, I am finding it much easier (in a bad way) to muddy up what is on the canvas.  With acrylics you can walk away for 10 minutes and be good to go, but it is more like 48 hours for oils.  As I said,  I have things to learn here.  

Here is my first attempt...  9 x 12" on wood cradle board.  

Girl in a Red Blouse

Not perfect, but comes a time you just have to quit a piece and move on.  

My next one took me a long time,   several sessions.  Unfortunately I worked too long and I liked him better a few stages back.  This was taken from a photo my daughter took of a Thai boy who captured my heart.  In reality, he is younger than the picture I portrayed.  I am working on how to make children look their young age.  It is HARD!

Innocence

Today I started a Van Gogh -inspired painting.  Not sure the name of it but it is a still life.  Here is a sneak peek of my work in progress.  Definitely not done  but enjoying the loose style and getting away from faces for a change.  

Book and Vase, Van Gogh-inspired