As the months have gone by and the work on #6, #7 , #8 has been progressing, I have had a nagging issue with the very first project painting, #1. Last week I made the decision to remedy this. It would only be natural that I would become more and more adept at handling the very different historic pigments, just from the constant daily use. I must … [Read more...] about Daily Mantras
One More Elimination
The experimentation with historic pigments continues to bring unexpected periods of learning and discovery. It is surprising, again and again, how few colors are necessary. During the painting of #8 and #9, the green pigment on my palette was narrowed down to one, vagone because of its good drying qualities. If you will remember the previous color … [Read more...] about One More Elimination
Tar Buckets
"Its use is advised against in every technique, including fresco." These words were spoken by Max Doerner in his book, The Materials of the Artist and their use in Painting, copyright 1934. This book also has "Notes on the techniques of the Old Masters", and is widely used by dinosaurs like me who have insatiable appetites for this type of … [Read more...] about Tar Buckets
Sienna Shadows
Here is a perfect example of a good use of burnt sienna. The bright (illuminated) side of the rug in painting #4 is painted using vermilion mixed with combinations of naples yellow, lead-tin yellow, and white. Then as the light fades away (to the right side) I have used variations of madder and burnt sienna to give the feeling of depth. … [Read more...] about Sienna Shadows
Tulips 101
One of my blog readers wrote a wonderful and informative comment on the post The Tears of Fernad. She is an avid gardener filled with terrific ideas about how to care for tulips as a cut flower. According to her, they are the only flower that continues to grow after they are cut. To read more of her clever ideas, click on the "comment 1" … [Read more...] about Tulips 101
The Tears of Fernad
Most of us have a big misconception about tulips and their origin. Most of us know they came from Holland. Well, the truth is that Holland has made tulips famous, but they did not originate there. Now, in my sensibility, this is the most splendid and delightful flower to put on canvas. The colors and varieties are endlessly breathtakingly lovely … [Read more...] about The Tears of Fernad