Here is the beginning of a new painting. After fixing the pencil drawing with ink, I covered the surface with broad color areas. The goal of this initial layer is to cover the entire surface with local colors. The drawing took several days but I did the laying-in in a single day. Next, I’ll rework the entire surface strengthening…
I added RGH to my oil paint brand reference. RGH has supplanted Winsor Newton as my preferred mid-range brand. My second order from RGH arrived–again, shipped immediately–and the cold-pressed linseed flake white is very good. The outstanding quality along with competitive pricing makes this new brand a winner. Oh, they also included a free jar of permanent yellow.
Here is another painting from the cycle of large paintings ( this one is 42″ x 56″) that I am doing. The drawing was finished yesterday and it took yesterday and today to finish the initial under-painting. Following my usual practice, the detailed drawing–pencil over a raw umber ground–took several days. After fixing the drawing…
RGH Oils is a small manufacturer that promotes its wide-range of lead-based whites. I think that is smart. There is an opportunity here for small suppliers to fill the gap left as the larger companies cut production–and raise prices to lurid heights. After using the paints from my first order (shipped instantly, by the way),…
I placed my first order with RGH Paints. They are a small outfit that prides itself on their extensive line of lead white paint. They offer flake white in an assortment of binders and sizes. I ordered a small tube of the cold-pressed version along with a few other colors. If their stuff is any good, that’s a big deal now that some of the big boys have throttled back production of lead paint. As most oil painters know, lead white is the most valuable and useful paint. After I give their stuff a proper workout, I’ll update my Oil Paint Brand reference.
Two Cakes is 48″ x 48″. Unfinished, of course, as are most of the paintings shown in the “In the studio” posts. The left-side of the small container holds my standard medium: cold-pressed linseed oil+turpentine, + drops of copal varnish and coutrai drier. When I want firm, and fast-drying passages, I put the same mix…
I’ve never understood the fascination with thick, viscous oil painting mediums. Used for special effects, such mediums are perfectly fine, but for everyday work they are completely useless. I scratch my head whenever I see recipes based wholly on balsams or thickened oils–goo. Closely related to the goos are the jelly-like mediums–the glops. There are a…
I finished this painting three days ago. Keith in Front of a White Chair, is fairly large (for me) oil painting measuring 36″ x 48.” It’s kissing cousin to this painting, which is also 36″ x 48.” One thing i always do is I try to get the drawing right. That isn’t as straightforward as it…