I get a lot of email from readers, mostly technical questions, which I always answer. A recent correspondent asked my opinion about Blockx oils. Blockx is one of the premium brands and I cover it in my OIl Paint Brands reference. Blockx is really fine paint; Not long ago, I got a terrific price on their large tubes of lead white, which I am using just now. The writer was concerned, given Blockx’ premium price, if his investment was worth the expense.
I explained that I prefer Old Holland and other brands that use cold-pressed linseed oil as a binder because my medium contains cold-pressed oil. I pointed out that Blockx uses walnut oil. Cold-pressed brands play well together and work in predictable ways. I am getting ready to order more lead white from RGH because they offer a cold-pressed variety.
My correspondent corrected me by pointing to my own Oil Paint Brands reference, where Blockx’ binder is given as linseed oil for earth tones and poppyseed oil for everything else. Duh!
The reference is correct. A primary goal for this site is to share studio experiences and discuss art making in all its aspects. I consider this email exchange a sign of the site’s maturity–that’s my spin. I am sure I’ve made other mistakes over the years I’ve maintained this site.
Keep the emails coming just remember that I am a one-man band. Perhaps I’ll start a technical FAQ.