Hi Brian,

After looking at your pic, and reading your post I understand what you’re your doing wrong. You are over blending the oils. That’s one reason why I personally paint in enamels to avoid over blending. I haven’t mastered the oils yet my self.

Like Chris said, That’s a great first attempt. Let me see if I can point you to some tips to help you improve.

First is to think “small”. By this I mean small areas, small amounts of paint, and small paint brushes.

Second is to use a small round brush to blend only the boarder (where to two colors meet each other) of the two colors of paint. Try a stabbing motion in stead of a swiping motion.

And Third, invest in some good quality fine brushes that will hold there point well. Keep them clean and take good care of them and they will last a very long time. Windsor and Newton series 7 brushes are the best you can buy for figure painting.

This isn’t meant to put you down by any means, just some tips that have helped me. Please don’t give up. Once you figure it out you’ll take off like a bat out of He&*.