Tips for Using a Grid
I frequently use a grid to enlarge designs for paintings. It’s my preferred method for transferring designs from one medium into another (except watercolors). What do I use to create…
Transferring Designs to Canvas
I routinely transfer designs as I rework subjects in various mediums. There are several standard methods for transferring designs to a target surface. One long-used method was to prepare a cartoon to…
Turpentine Tip
Put some Venice turpentine into your everyday turpentine (10:1 turpentine to Venice turpentine). You could substitute larch turpentine or Canada balsam for Venice turpentine, both of which are easy to…
Spray Varnish
Varnish is a sore subject. I’ve nearly spoiled some of my own paintings with poor varnish, and I’ve had so-called ‘professionals’ ruin paintings (one frame shop owner in Trenton, NJ…
Love Everything About It
I love everything about art making. This has always been the case for me, but when I was young I was more impatient. I also had an elevated view about…
White Paint–in Praise of Lead
The most important color–by far–is white. White oil paint comes in three flavors: Zinc white (zinc oxide, PW4, usually called Chinese White when used in watercolors). Although known from ancient times, its common…
Oil Paint Brand Ratings
Latest update: 2/7/25 I’ve used oil paints from almost every producer known to man, or at least those known in the US. This photo shows my two paint cabinets. The…
Smooth Move—Smooth Painting Surfaces
All artists are self-taught today. It doesn’t matter if you have a masters degree or never set foot in an art school–everyone is on their own. The most important piece of…