What is most exciting about the world of nature's pigments is you never know when you are going to discover something new. Veronica Bishop, my tech consultant, recently forwarded an article about such a color heretofore unknown to me. Thanks to her, I now have another pigment for possible inclusion onto my own historical palette, Han … [Read more...] about Han Purple, Another Color from the Past
historical pigments
Using Violet and Purple Pigments in Oils: Challenges and Solutions
Painting objects using violet and purple shades is always a challenge because it is easy to land on the garish side of this hue. We have all seen a house painted this color and we say "Whoa! That's intense!" Another example is painted flowers and fabrics that make your eyes water. So how to avoid this error in the use of purple/violet … [Read more...] about Using Violet and Purple Pigments in Oils: Challenges and Solutions
Ancient Egyptian Color Gets a New Life
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
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