Unusual Art Materials and Ideas
David and Goliath – a painting by Samuel Shelton.
The Process: I started the painting by making a traditional hide glue gesso which was painted in a number of layers on a braced panel. I toned the surface with burnt umber and walnut oil, let dry, and made a careful …
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The well known and highly regarded artist Bill Martin has a great idea about how to save your Canada Balsam…
Don’t waste even a dram of your precious Canada Balsam. When my Canada Balsam becomes low in its container, it often begins to get a bit sticky, and gummy. When …
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It is always interesting to hear about the different ways artists use Oil of Spike Lavender. This is a description from one artist who recently wrote us:
“Oil of spike lavender is less toxic then natural orange turpene and is actually better than turpentine as a solvent, something I did …
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Artists have been aware for some time that there are problems with the canvas materials normally used to support paintings. Due to moisture and the degradation of natural fabrics, canvases may sag, rot, or tear where there is a sharp edge on the support. Until recently, the aesthetic and kinesthetic …
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In 1841, the American artist John Goffe Rand invented collapsible metal tubes for preserving oil paints. These tubes made it possible to transport paint outdoors, and according to Renoir, were essential in the development of impressionism. Before metal tubes, paints were stored in animal bladders or wrapped in tin foil. …
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As Carole’s web site says, “Carole Chalmers is an imaginative painter who is driven by an incredible passion for self-expression through art. Her works are often noted for their style, elegance, and technique. Carole has developed her voice by combining strong color design, precise realism, and an appreciation for abstract …
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It is easy to take for granted the oils we use in painting. Most of us probably assume that linseed, safflower and walnut oils are simply what you get when you press the seeds and nuts of plants. We are unaware that our oils are highly refined using petroleum-based solvents, …
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A synthesized “nature-identical” Oil of Spike Lavender has recently been made commercially available in the United States. This oil is less expensive than natural Oil of Spike Lavender because it is made with a mixture of petroleum-based chemicals, and is less labor-intensive than natural farming — but the smell might …
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Wet on Wet, or alla prima (“first attempt”) painting has become increasingly popular, with plein air (“in the open air”) painters taking the lead. In the recent past, artists with television shows developed their own wet-on-wet techniques, and even their own brands of “secret” mediums. Their secret mediums were promoted …
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We finally released the brush soap everyone has been asking for. This new Organic Brush Soap is made from organic sunflower oil and organic coconut oil. Both of these oils are non-drying, and so will not gum up the brush over time. There are no colorizing pigments or titanium dioxide …
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