RGH vs Utrecht
A reader asks wether I prefer Utrecht flake white or RGH's. To answer the question directly: I prefer Utrecht (barely). Utrecht covers better and has more body. To demonstrate this, I share a simple side-by-side…
Category: Grumpy review
Grove’s heat-polymerized oil
It's true that I've used the same medium for several years. That doesn't stop me from trying new materials--far from it! My invariable practice provides a baseline to which I can compare the new materials…
RGH Atelier Series oil
I bought a small 4 oz-bottle of RGH's Atelier Series of refined linseed to oil to test. According to RGH's website, the Atelier Series is "...clarified, hand-washed, cold pressed linseed and walnut oils. No heat,…
Alchemist’s alchemy
WHAT WAS THE SECRET OF THE OLD MASTERS? THE ALCHEMISTS KNEW...AND SO SHALL YOU! That bold claim was printed on the (hilarious) instruction sheet tied to the products sold by the Alchemist. The Alchemist no…
Trekell fails
Lately, I've been spammed a lot by the independent brush manufacturer, Trekell. Oil paint is murder on sable brushes so Trekell's decent quality sables coupled with modest prices led me to past purchases. I have…
A look at Rublev oils – video review
Link to the review on Turpentine diaries YouTube page. Last week I finally got off my behind and started podcasting, and this week I've produced my first video. In this video I look at two…
Come on, RGH
I support the paint maker RGH by regularly buying their paint. RGH prices are drifting higher off their initial lows, but their paint is still among the best value on the market--decent stuff at affordable…