Studio journal 4/8/17
I worked on these four paintings today; finishing the two smaller ones. The finished paintings are part of a series about Colorado, which I started some time ago. The large painting is also part of a series started some time ago. It’s the last painting in that series. I wanted to make it look from
Studio journal 4/2/17
As usual, here is a shot of recent stuff. I really like the surface on the new painting, Grand Army of the Republic Highway. The gray tone of the ground, which can be seen throughout the painting, is just right: not too dark or too light. The surface is nice and smooth, which a big
Studio journal 3/26/17
The Candidate, on the easel, is 36″ x 48,” which a format I’ve used a lot recently. The design is based on photos I took during the RNC in Cleveland last summer. I use the stick, or pole, leaning against the painting as a maulstick. Even with my fast-drying medium I have to be
Can’t wait to start painting
After preparing my palette and getting a cup of tea, I was met by cheery sunlight when I reentered the studio. The morning had been gray and gloomy, so the unexpected light was uplifting. I couldn’t wait to get started. I am restretching the large painting in the background–The Offensive. I replaced the two
Studio journal 3/19/17
I recently bought some of Rublev’s Lead Oil Ground. I’ve had mixed results with Rublev products. Their oil paint is excellent. Their burnt sienna is top shelf. However, much of their stuff is less than wonderful. They purport to be experts but I don’t see any evidence for that claim. They sell a lot of thick,
Review: Utrecht oils
It’s hard for me to understand this but until this week I never used Utrecht brand oils. I’m not sure why this is. I’ve visited their shops in NYC and Cleveland and ordered plenty of other things from them. True, I was disappointed with the easel I bought from them, but that was recent and doesn’t explain
Grumpy review: RGH website
I placed a paint order on RGH’s website, and the agile boys at RGH promptly shipped two 250 ml jars of Paynes gray to me. Unfortunately, I’d ordered two 250 ml jars of flake white. I probably haven’t used more than 40ml of Payne’s gray in the past five years. I checked the RGH website. Sure
Studio journal 2/12/17
I spent the day working on Picnic. I’ve written before about how I stalled out on Picnic. The issue was predominately the background figures. I put them in; I took them out; I put them back in again. I use ultramarine violet a lot, it’s especially useful for cool grays. I used ultramarine violet on the shirt of the guy at the