In the studio 9/20/15
Graduation Day is almost done. I teed it up today for the finish, but only shot par. I have to beat par--come on. Some things still bug me; the purple dress for one, and a couple of…
Tag: painting material
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…
Knot-riddled stretcher strips
Art supplies are absurdly expensive. Artists have to pay Cadillac and boutique prices regardless of the quality of the goods, which varies widely. What's worse is the cynicism of manufacturers. You can buy 'genuine copal varnish'…
New stretchers
My large order of heavy-duty stretcher strips arrived from Jerry's on Thursday. Enough stretchers and cross braces for 12 paintings: 6 @ 36" x 48"; 6 @ 40" x 50". I am preparing three at…
Linseed or walnut?
Linseed oil or walnut oil? Linseed oil has always been more widely used, but walnut oil has its defenders--sometimes passionate defenders. Leonardo was one such. Walnut oil yellows less than linseed oil, but it's relative.…