[Tom Edgerton]

Lisa,

You're right to be concerned with all of this, but also remember that oil is a very tough, resilient, and forgiving medium. It will take a lot of experimentation and abuse before it implodes. As long as you're building in relatively thin layers, and not piling it on a quarter inch at a time with a trowel, it will hold up as well as you need it to.

Enjoy the painting, and don't feel as though you're walking on eggshells--it impedes creative exploration.

Best--TE