How many paintings at a time?

[Susan Ballinger]

I'm just starting out learning to paint portraits in oil, which I hope to earn money from someday when I feel I'm good enough. Can I get an idea from the professionals as to how many paintings you work on at a time? I'm going to try and learn to paint in layers (underpainting and glazing), and I realize this takes time to dry before starting the next layer. How long do you allow for the painting to dry before starting on the next layer? I live in Iowa where it can get pretty humid, so it probably takes longer than more arid places. I have one more question- about how long does it take you on average to finish a painting? Thanks for any replies!

Susan

[Brian McDaniel]

You must get yourself a bottle of Liquin from Winsor & Newton. This yucky brown goo, when mixed with your oils, helps to make them very transparent and they dry incredibly quick. I have done as many as 3 layers of glazes in 1 day using this wonderful stuff. Do a layer 1st thing in the morning, set it out in the sun, another layer after lunch, back in the sun and another at night.

I like to have 3-5 paintings going at once. It always gives me something to do. Right now I only have 2 going on and Im getting a bit antsy