My work has evolved over time as my search for the perfect medium has led me from pastels to oils in the alla prima method, which never felt like home, to painting in oils using techniques and methods adapted from the Old Masters, which seems to suit me best. I did graduate from art school (many moons ago) but never really understood how to paint until I began to study on my own in 2003, learning whatever I could from artists whose work I admired.
As you might imagine, that is a very hit or miss approach, but as it is entirely self-directed, it can also be very rewarding. I went in search of a technique that would allow me to create images that had the kind of artistic depth that I wanted. Even though I am still learning, I have finally found techniques and methods that I allow me to achieve the effects that I love.
If you want to learn about them yourself, the best place to start is Traditional Oil Painting Techniques by Virgil Elliott. His book covers all the techniques in great detail, as well as materials used by masters, such as Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Debra Thompson 
Thanks for the book lead.