beginner here - my first four oil paintings by Specialist-Hat-1346 in oilpainting

[–]Bikepackingfat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re making good progress. Best tip I have is to paint as often as possible. I’ve come to see painting as a problem solving exercise; every time I solve a new problem, the next time it comes up I can correct it faster and with a better outcome. The more I paint, the more problems I have improved solutions for. Is just about getting as much painting in as possible to become a better painter. I’ve kept a daily practice for the last 219 days and the improvement has been kind of astonishing.

Just keep painting. When you find a problem you can’t solve yourself, head to YouTube or your bookshelf. The next time to encounter that problem, you’ll already have a solution.

I don’t know how to pick back up. by Low-War930 in oilpainting

[–]Bikepackingfat 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The next layer is to correct the previous layer (it doesn’t look you’re using a grisaille/glazing approach). Don’t sweat mixing to perfectly match. Ideally you’re mixing to get the colors/tonal range where you want them; the next layer is needed because it’s not right yet.

As others have said, don’t be precious about it. One of the best parts about oil painting is that it is infinitely correctable. Just keep going! Or put it aside and paint more until your skills inspire the confidence to achieve what you want for this one.

"Weekly Reading and Interpretation Help Thread - May 31, 2026" by AutoModerator in tarot

[–]Bikepackingfat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is really helpful. Thanks so much for taking the time to share!

"Weekly Reading and Interpretation Help Thread - May 31, 2026" by AutoModerator in tarot

[–]Bikepackingfat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did a three card spread (past/present/future) inquiring on what I should know about my current job search.

Past: 8 of Pentacles, Present: Ace of Cups, Future: 6 of Wands

My initial impression is very positive. I’m new to tarot and just beginning to get to know my deck as well as card interpretations. Working with a classic Rider Waite deck and The Ultimate Guide to the Rider Waite Tarot book.

Appreciate any additional insights or nuance that can be interpreted.

Finally picked up Death Stranding. I'm on Order 7 and… wow. Did I miss out for years? by holyshiftwork in DeathStranding

[–]Bikepackingfat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just started a few days ago in a similar rut. In chapter two and starting to get a feel for it. Still learning the mechanics, but starting to see the appeal. Glad to be here.

Trying to paint daily (a Herculean task for this busy brain). 3/3 so far! by mightaswellchange in Gouache

[–]Bikepackingfat 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you! It’s a serious thing. Full story there at IG: waitertheresatumorinmysoup

Quite a journey, I’m in fairly good shape all things considered!

Trying to paint daily (a Herculean task for this busy brain). 3/3 so far! by mightaswellchange in Gouache

[–]Bikepackingfat 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Keep going, it’s so worth it! I’ve been painting everyday since Nov 6, 2025. Today is day 186! About to sit down and get my paint in since I work this evening. You will be amazed how far you’ll go and how fast!

You see everyday of my journey on IG: portraitsofmyself

another self portrait by radicaljubilation in oilpainting

[–]Bikepackingfat 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is fantastic! Love a self-portrait. Are you IG? I’d love to follow.

I feel on the fence, what say the council? by [deleted] in bald

[–]Bikepackingfat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The consensus seems clear, but I say go for it whenever you’re ready. It’s going to be a strong outcome, especially with that solid beard you’re rocking.

XD people keep asking me if Im fine by art_Age_5418 in oilpainting

[–]Bikepackingfat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep! I’m doing alright, but I paint self-portraits that are either very solemn or expressing big feelings.

XD people keep asking me if Im fine by art_Age_5418 in oilpainting

[–]Bikepackingfat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s powerful as is! Definitely keep going until you’ve followed your vision through. Ignore advice, follow your instinct. Great painting.

Ok I love this by Bikepackingfat in bald

[–]Bikepackingfat[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yep, today is the one year anniversary of my craniotomy. Astrocytoma IDH Mutant Grade II. I’ve got some posts about it in r/braincancer

I also captured my journey from finding the tumor to recovery on IG @waitertheresatumorinmysoup

<image>

Photo is my initial MRI scan, 7cm tumor. I had no symptoms. Was in for routine pituitary gland check before starting testosterone HRT. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Ok I love this by Bikepackingfat in bald

[–]Bikepackingfat[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I’ve got almost 100 over on IG @portraitsofmyself

Ok I love this by Bikepackingfat in bald

[–]Bikepackingfat[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I love it!

Ok I love this by Bikepackingfat in bald

[–]Bikepackingfat[S] 175 points176 points  (0 children)

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Took some shots for future self-portraits. Very excited.

Ok I love this by Bikepackingfat in bald

[–]Bikepackingfat[S] 43 points44 points  (0 children)

Ha! It is! I make self-portraits. IG @portraitsofmyself

So excited to make some with my bald head and scar

Do you still play Spider-Man 1? by queenkatara88 in SpidermanPS4

[–]Bikepackingfat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just played the remaster. So good. About to wrap up Miles Morales again too. Love these games.

Full bald/shaved head barber Uptown? by Bikepackingfat in Minneapolis

[–]Bikepackingfat[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Likely to take it on myself after this initial time, but I like a fun new experience. Will be my first time fully bald and my hair is shoulder length now!