Besides making paints, now there is a newly found use for the ancient pigment, Egyptian Blue Frit. This pigment, made by heating a mixture of copper, quartz, sand, lime, and an alkali, dates from 3250 BCE and was used to decorate tombs, statues, coffins, and temple walls in Egypt during the long reign of the Pharaohs. Who Knew Pigments Could Be … [Read more...] about Ancient Egyptian Color Gets a New Life
historical pigments
Oil Painting Critiques
This past week, I had the pleasure of participating in the Oil Painters of America Critique Program. For the nominal fee of $25.00 (which goes to OPA), artists have the opportunity to have a signature or master level member review their oil paintings and give instructional advice on how they might improve their technique. Because I do not do any … [Read more...] about Oil Painting Critiques
Iron Oxide Pigments, Colors and Uses in Oil Painting
George O’Hanlon’s Best Painting Practice Class held in Portland this past weekend was a treasure trove of valuable information. Much of the information presented was material I have studied over the years since my art quest began, and happily, there were many nuggets presented too. The topics of materials, techniques, mediums, oil painting … [Read more...] about Iron Oxide Pigments, Colors and Uses in Oil Painting
An Exquisite Touch of History – William Merritt Chase
The re-known artist/teacher and fellow Salmagundi Club member, William Merritt Chase, once said, "Painting is the Most Magnificent Profession." Though he was born at the middle of the 1800s and died in 1916, he and I are kindred spirits in this belief. There is nothing more enjoyable than observing a splendid sunset and recording it on canvas, or … [Read more...] about An Exquisite Touch of History – William Merritt Chase
Final Results – Stack White Process – Part lV
Stack pots after two weeks of corroding. The smell of acetic acid (vinegar) is still present inside the stack shed, but not as sharp as it was initially. The temperature within the compost heap is raising, but on the surface it is still at ambient temperatures. Flakes have formed on the lead coils. The relative humidity inside the shed is nearly … [Read more...] about Final Results – Stack White Process – Part lV
On the Easel
Often followers ask about current projects. Though at this time, I have no in-depth project involving an ancient culture or goddess from an ancient world, there are endless pigments, mediums, brushstrokes, or canvas textures to investigate. On my easel right now, is the painting posted here in its early stages of development. Dramatic light is … [Read more...] about On the Easel