oil painting

i am really desperate on hanging a painting in our living room, above our sofa. i've checked out ikea and other stores but i could not find one with the right size and theme. so i decided, i'll just make my own painting!

there is a discount art/book store on high street called 'the works' where you can buy really cheap art materials. they have books on the masters like monet and van gogh, and they also have beginner's guides. i bought one on oil painting, i even bought a combined desk easel and materials box, which my husband thinks is really a good find.

but it's a good thing i held myself from buying the canvass and the oil paints because when i read the book on oil painting, it turned out that oil painting may be hazardous to your health. i've read about varnish, poisonous pigments and other chemicals needed.. it was even advised that the work area should be well ventilated. i may be subjecting myself to some health and safety risks! well, that put me off.

i'm trying out oil pastels now, maybe someday i could get one painting hanged. or maybe, just get lucky and buy one.