Review: Charvin Fine Oils
I bought some cerulean blue from Charvin. Actually, Charvin doesn't produce a true cerulean blue but something they call 'cerulean blue hue.' Charvin produces two lines of paints: Fine, and Extra Fine. This review is…
Category: materials
In the studio 6/14/15
I had two more painting sessions on Washington Square. I finally got the pigeons in there (can you see all 7 of them*?). Washington Square has a hole in the middle which is supposedly a no-no.…
In the studio 5/3/15
I build paintings slowly. I spend a considerable amount of time on the drawing before touching a brush. Once painting starts, I try to work as efficiently as possible. It doesn't always work out--so much…
In the studio 4/19/15
I showed Sunday Parade once before when I probably should not have--it was too raw. It's overcast today and the studio lights (even my 'natural light' lamps) wash-out the colors, but I think you can get a…
What is mineral spirits
What is mineral spirits and how is it used in oil painting? Mineral spirits, or white spirits, is a petroleum-derived solvent. It is distilled from crude oil, and is related to kerosene. Mineral spirits and paint thinner are…
Oil of spike lavender
Someone recently asked about "oil of lavender." Oil of spike is an essential oil distilled from lavender flowers. It has been used in oil painting for hundreds of years. Of the three most commonly used solvents, oil…
In the studio 4/12/15
I had another painting session with Graduation Day this morning, primarily on the pig-tailed girl. I spent a lot of time on her hands and the key chain she's holding. I'm starting to like the…
Applying an oil ground
I am preparing a bunch of canvases just now--six size 40" x 50", and six size 36" x 48." Typically, I apply 2-3 coats of acrylic gesso over 2 coats of GAC 100. I might drop the GAC.…