I had a box of oil paints given to me by my husband. I have tried to paint with them, but the smell sticks in my throat and also my brushes get all clagged up with the paint which is hard to paint with. Am I supposed to water them down or mix with something else or what? As you can see I haven't a clue how to use them. Can you help please with simple instructions? Marie Francis

Hi Marie,I must say I dont get any smell from my oil paints, what sort do you have? I teach a wet on wet technique and the paint blends lovely on the canvas, the brushes stay quite clean because you need very little paint to start with. I mix up some refined linseed oil and some titanium white oil paint until it is like cream, and cover the canvas with a very thin coat of this mixture, then proceed as normal. Take a look at my website for some examples, then you can link to Minigallery where there are 70 more pics. www.paintingmyway.co.uk. please let me know how you get on!!!

I myself have never had a problem with oil paints, but, I do know a few people who have had a similar reaction when they used turpentine to mix the paint. They overcame this by using Sansodor paint thinner instead.

Hi Marie, so sorry to hear of your problems with your thoughtful gift. i have been using the wet on wet technique and oils for over 4 years now, both at home and in my painting classes and luckily i am not sensitive to the very feint smell. are you painting in a confined space? - your problem might be simple and you may just need ventilation in your painting room. i'd be interested to know the brand of paint you are using. if you'd like some instructions on how to use your paints i'd be happy to send you a free DVD. you can pick up my contact details from my website: www.ayoubart.com PS: the free DVD offer is open to anyone who contacts me....

The oil paints I use are artists quality and give off a very slight oil odour but nothing drastic. If it's the turps thats catching you then i'd recommend water soluble oil paint. I use Artisan and they've served me well. No turps needed, you just wash your brushes in water, for thinning the paint down I use Athe rtisan Linseed Oil. Good luck! Ronnie www.RonnieTucker.co.uk www.TheArtistsNetwork.org