Several readers asked more questions about the steps following the rabbit skin glue application during the process of priming linen. After the glue has dried, usually 24 hours is a good bet, I sand the surface of the linen very lightly with a fine grit sandpaper block. If you run the palm of your hand over the surface, you will feel the … [Read more...] about Priming Canvases Part #2
Chiaroscuro and Other Oil Painting Techniques
Chiaroscuro is from the Italian language and the root meaning is chiaro, light, and scuro (obscure), dark. It is a perfect technique to use in oil painting to achieve drama of contrasts such as that used by the 17th Century Dutch. Another technique that helps attain this look is impasto oil painting, which is used freely in the main focus of the composition and then to a lesser degree in the shadow areas. It is very effective in all sizes and subject matter such as oil paintings of flowers, still life, and even landscape. Fumed Silica gel is a great medium to use for getting texture in oil painting. It is a combination of linseed oil and silica mixed together which forms a fluffy clear medium. When mixed with paint, the consistency retains its shape and stays put with no slumping.
Scrape, Don’t Scrap
Shown here is a passage detail where I successfully scraped down unpleasing and unsatisfactory ridges. The hardened edges completely disappear with this scraping tool enabling ease of overpainting. … [Read more...] about Scrape, Don’t Scrap
Even Sargent Scraped
Many many of you commented on my technique of scraping back unsatisfactory passages in a painting in progress which was a common practice of painters such as John Singer Sargent and others. Pictured here are two scrapers from Dick Blick that I find irreplaceable tools in my studio, and I employ them often. … [Read more...] about Even Sargent Scraped
Sizing Canvases
Many supports are suitable for oil painting including cotton canvas, linen canvas, wood panels, and copper. All are centuries old techniques and still used today by many artists. I use mostly linen, wood panel, and copper, but primed paper, gator board, and many others are popular also. Just go to the painting support … [Read more...] about Sizing Canvases
Details
This detail of a new painting, yet unnamed, measures 12 x 12. This also follows along with the analogous plan...many varieties of reds, red-oranges, and yellows all throughout the composition with a vibrant blue complement used sparingly. Even in the very dark background areas lurks thin warm tones of all kinds. Over all, at first glance, the … [Read more...] about Details
Auspicious Harmony
A few years ago, I painted several pieces using the ever beautiful calla lilies as a focal point. Here I have mimicked one of the earlier compositions while changing a few objects and brightening the red tones. Using a white or off white object as the main attraction is very auspicious in color palette planning. Because white goes with anything, … [Read more...] about Auspicious Harmony