PAINTERS WHO PREPARE THEIR OWN MATERIALS

“The painter who prepares his own materials knows them in a very different way from one who buys them ready made.”

• Max Doerner, 1870-1939
  Doerner always felt that knowledge of the artist’s materials was essential, the foundation of creative expression. He was a teacher at the Academy of Fine Art in Munich, and his students were always interested in methods and materials. Painters would meet in the evenings to discuss mutual artistic problems over a stein of beer. The gatherings took place at wooden tables under chestnut trees in front of the village inn. What a great way to acquire the “firm foundation on which the artist may develop an individual style”, and at the same time insure the durability and permanency of the paintings!