Since embarking on this project, I have researched many publications with specific information about pigments and their history. Much is known today about pigments of the past because of scholars such as those in the Rembrandt Research Project (RRP). This committee set about to discover and determine which of Rembrandt's paintings were authentic … [Read more...] about Sea Snail Masterpiece
Historical Pigments
Dutch History
Many people have asked me about The Golden Age in 17th Century Netherlands. How did it happen? What is the history? In order to truly understand why artists and other craftsmen flourished during this period, it is important to view the previous one hundred years. The prosperous Northern provinces of 17th Century Netherlands became Protestant … [Read more...] about Dutch History
The Daily Grind
All the supplies necessary for the paint making project have been gathered on the workroom counter. Hotplate, double boiler, linseed oil, and beeswax beads. I have decided to use wax in some paint and not in others. If a "long" almost runny paint is desired, the use of wax is limited. To get a "short" buttery paint then more wax should be used. To … [Read more...] about The Daily Grind
Perplexing Pigments
Well, my mind has been spinning with thoughts of pigments and the process of grinding paints. Many many times over the years I have made paints but never on this broad scale using solely pigments from a certain period, like this one, the 17th Century. After speaking with the Conservation Department at the National Gallery last week, I know great … [Read more...] about Perplexing Pigments
Dutch Treats
Well, the catalogue for the Dutch Exhibit arrived from Dayton yesterday, and it is splendid! There are in total 90 works of art of which only a dozen or so are not paintings. In 1992 I visited the Rijksmuseum, but I must say many pieces shown here are unfamiliar. Too many years have passed since viewing them. There will be many choices for … [Read more...] about Dutch Treats
Discriminating Palette
Several months ago when I first learned about this Dutch exhibit, my first thought was "how splendid that it is coming to the United States"......then, I thought, "3 cities?".......AND Portland is one of them. I will be able to go many times during the 3 months of the exhibit because Portland is where I live. As time went on I began to think about … [Read more...] about Discriminating Palette