How to make marks in oil with Stefan Smit and Chris Valentine?

Oil colour may feel traditional, but in the hands of South African artists Stefan Smit and Chris Valentine, it becomes delightfully experimental. As part of the creation of the 50th anniversary mural for the Hyde Park Hotel, the first large-scale oil mural in South Africa, they go beyond brushes and palette knives by using squeegees, rollers, hands, and tissue paper to impart fresh, unexpected marks.

What You’ll Need

• Georgian Traditional Oil Paint (225 ml): Smooth, buttery consistency from triple-milled pigments, offering rich colour and even drying times. Apply straight from the tube or thin for glazing.

• Georgian Oil Paper Pad: Acid-free, linen-textured 290 gsm surface that mimics canvas and preserves colour integrity.

• Georgian Purified Linseed Oil Medium: Adds gloss and slows drying; dilute 50/50 with turpentine or low-odour thinner for versatility.

• Georgian Oil Painting Medium: A glazing medium that delivers translucency and luminosity while drying to a durable, flexible finish; ideal for beginners and advanced users alike.

Why This Method Makes an Impact

This technique invites spontaneity over perfection. By using unorthodox tools like squeegees or tissue, Stefan and Chris emphasise the physicality of oil paint – its texture, thickness, and responsiveness. These artists show that oil painting doesn’t have to be controlled or precious, but playful and expressive.

Whether you’re exploring materials for the first time or looking to expand your oil painting toolkit, this approach offers rich texture, surprising marks, and the freedom to experiment.