GENERAL QUESTIONS
How are the DVDs different from the YouTube videos?
The DVDs are designed to walk you through each step of the painting in detail. Each DVD shows close-ups of the brush in action, to give you a better idea of how the different effects are made. As well as offering a lot of explanation on how to create each part of the painting.
What size and type of canvas do you recommend using?
An 18x24 inch is what I use most of the time. It works well for landscapes, because of the long horizontal dimension. For practicing, an easier to find, 16x20 inch canvas will do fine. I usually paint on a stretched canvas already primed with acrylic Gesso. A Pre-Gessoed birch panel works great too. These can be very helpful when trying to accomplish a softer painting.
I see you have e-packets on your website. What is an e-packet?
An e-packet is a downloadable painting packet (painting book for one project).
It has many helpful tips and clear instruction on how to create each part of the painting. E-packet Lessons
What is the best way to stay up to date with promotions, new products and live classes?
I offer a free newsletter email, so that you don't miss out on any special offer or live painting class in your area. Also, get the latest news on brand new DVDs and other products.
How long does it take to receive my order?
Arrival times vary by location. Typically you can expect:
USA – 3 to 4 business days
Where is my international order?
We are not offering international shipping at this time. However, you can still order Digital Download Lessons here.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
OIL PAINTING
What brushes do I need to create these paintings?
For oil painting, I find a high-quality natural bristle set of brushes extremely useful. I also find an extra long synthetic liner brush extremely helpful. The "snap" of the synthetic bristle really helps when creating tree limbs. Also a small, soft blender with a rounded edges is very useful for creating soft areas and sunrays.
I have made the brushes I use available. Brushes for sale
Do you apply a medium over the canvas before you begin the painting?
I use a mix of about 50% Clear Gel Medium and 50% Titanium White oil paint, which I apply to the sky area only to help the colors blend easier. I leave the rest of the canvas dry when I add the underpainting, that way it is easier to add highlights over the wet paint. I also find it helpful to absorb excess oil paint with a shop towel so it is easier to add highlights. You can check out several of my YouTube videos that show how to do that. (Just search KevinOilPainting on YouTube)
Here is the Clear Gel Medium that I use: Oil Paint
What are the oil colors you use?
At this time my color palette is: Titanium White, Ivory Black, Sap Green, Prussian Blue, Burnt Umber, Napthol Red, Yellow Ochre and Hansa Yellow Light.
How can I save my leftover paints?
The best way is to remove the usable color from the palette with the knife. Set the paints out on a paper plate. Cover the plate with clear plastic wrap, or slide it into a 1 gallon freezer bag.
Should I use a thicker paint?
I find it useful to use a paint that is dry and thick as opposed to one that is creamy and buttery. By starting with a thick I am able to add layers on top of the wet paint, by thinning each layer, without mixing the layers together.
ACRYLIC PAINTING
Is it possible to paint with acrylics using the same techniques you use?
Yes, many of the same techniques can be used in acrylic. However, because of the difference in drying time, some of the techniques will have to be adjusted. But a nice effect can be achieved in both mediums. We have both full length hard copy and digital download lessons available!
Can I use oil painting brushes with acrylic paint?
You can use the synthetic oil painting brushes for acrylics. That would be the 1/4" Flat, 3/4" Flat, Detail Round, and Liner. Those brushes can be washed with soap and water. All of the other oil painting brushes are made with natural hair and should not be cleaned with water because it will make the bristles flare out and the brush won't work well. Here are the acrylic brushes that I use.
Do you have acrylic brushes available?
Yes, we have a full line of Kevin Hill Collection Acrylic brushes available. Each brush has been specially designed to help you have success creating stunning acrylic paintings. Click here to start shopping.
What are the acrylic colors you use?
At this time my color palette is: Titanium White, Prussian Blue Deep, Ivory Black, Burnt Umber, Vivid Sap Green, Yellow Ochre Light, Cadmium Yellow Light Hue, and Cadmium Red Medium Hue. Click here for more information.
How are the DVDs different from the YouTube videos?
The DVDs are designed to walk you through each step of the painting in detail. Each DVD shows close-ups of the brush in action, to give you a better idea of how the different effects are made. As well as offering a lot of explanation on how to create each part of the painting.
What size and type of canvas do you recommend using?
An 18x24 inch is what I use most of the time. It works well for landscapes, because of the long horizontal dimension. For practicing, an easier to find, 16x20 inch canvas will do fine. I usually paint on a stretched canvas already primed with acrylic Gesso. A Pre-Gessoed birch panel works great too. These can be very helpful when trying to accomplish a softer painting.
I see you have e-packets on your website. What is an e-packet?
An e-packet is a downloadable painting packet (painting book for one project).
It has many helpful tips and clear instruction on how to create each part of the painting. E-packet Lessons
What is the best way to stay up to date with promotions, new products and live classes?
I offer a free newsletter email, so that you don't miss out on any special offer or live painting class in your area. Also, get the latest news on brand new DVDs and other products.
How long does it take to receive my order?
Arrival times vary by location. Typically you can expect:
USA – 3 to 4 business days
Where is my international order?
We are not offering international shipping at this time. However, you can still order Digital Download Lessons here.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
OIL PAINTING
What brushes do I need to create these paintings?
For oil painting, I find a high-quality natural bristle set of brushes extremely useful. I also find an extra long synthetic liner brush extremely helpful. The "snap" of the synthetic bristle really helps when creating tree limbs. Also a small, soft blender with a rounded edges is very useful for creating soft areas and sunrays.
I have made the brushes I use available. Brushes for sale
Do you apply a medium over the canvas before you begin the painting?
I use a mix of about 50% Clear Gel Medium and 50% Titanium White oil paint, which I apply to the sky area only to help the colors blend easier. I leave the rest of the canvas dry when I add the underpainting, that way it is easier to add highlights over the wet paint. I also find it helpful to absorb excess oil paint with a shop towel so it is easier to add highlights. You can check out several of my YouTube videos that show how to do that. (Just search KevinOilPainting on YouTube)
Here is the Clear Gel Medium that I use: Oil Paint
What are the oil colors you use?
At this time my color palette is: Titanium White, Ivory Black, Sap Green, Prussian Blue, Burnt Umber, Napthol Red, Yellow Ochre and Hansa Yellow Light.
How can I save my leftover paints?
The best way is to remove the usable color from the palette with the knife. Set the paints out on a paper plate. Cover the plate with clear plastic wrap, or slide it into a 1 gallon freezer bag.
Should I use a thicker paint?
I find it useful to use a paint that is dry and thick as opposed to one that is creamy and buttery. By starting with a thick I am able to add layers on top of the wet paint, by thinning each layer, without mixing the layers together.
ACRYLIC PAINTING
Is it possible to paint with acrylics using the same techniques you use?
Yes, many of the same techniques can be used in acrylic. However, because of the difference in drying time, some of the techniques will have to be adjusted. But a nice effect can be achieved in both mediums. We have both full length hard copy and digital download lessons available!
Can I use oil painting brushes with acrylic paint?
You can use the synthetic oil painting brushes for acrylics. That would be the 1/4" Flat, 3/4" Flat, Detail Round, and Liner. Those brushes can be washed with soap and water. All of the other oil painting brushes are made with natural hair and should not be cleaned with water because it will make the bristles flare out and the brush won't work well. Here are the acrylic brushes that I use.
Do you have acrylic brushes available?
Yes, we have a full line of Kevin Hill Collection Acrylic brushes available. Each brush has been specially designed to help you have success creating stunning acrylic paintings. Click here to start shopping.
What are the acrylic colors you use?
At this time my color palette is: Titanium White, Prussian Blue Deep, Ivory Black, Burnt Umber, Vivid Sap Green, Yellow Ochre Light, Cadmium Yellow Light Hue, and Cadmium Red Medium Hue. Click here for more information.