qwer
Esperimenting with painting
« on: 10. Jun 2002 at 11:45 »
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Dear Mr. Antonov,
First, I saw your advice on how to size a canvas prior to lead white priming. This is what gave me the best results after doing a little experimenting.
1) I wet the linen and removed the irregularities with the razor blade or pumice stone and allow it to dry.
2) I apply a very thin and weak solution of rabbit skin glue to help tighten the linen and to prevent oil from rotting it. After applying I rub the glue well to make sure that it soaks in the fibers so that it will be thin. I allow it to dry a day.
3) I apply the liquid burnt umber in turpentine to the linen. Once dry, I apply to layers of lead white in oil.
I am aware that glue can cause problems latter on because it's hygroscopic. However, from the sources I read if there is no glue the oil will cause the canvas to rot,which, is just as bad a thick layer of glue. Nothing is perfect.
Secondly, what do you think of oil paints that you have made yourself? I have been experimenting with this and it's successfull. I got my recipes from companies who make oil paint. I also have a recipe for damar varnish.
« Last Edit: 10. Jun 2002 at 11:47 by qwer »
Alexei Antonov
Administrator
Re: Esperimenting with painting
« Reply #1 on: 12. Jun 2002 at 23:08 »
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on 10. Jun 2002 at 11:45, qwer wrote:
Secondly, what do you think of oil paints that you have made yourself? I have been experimenting with this and it's successfull. I got my recipes from companies who make oil paint. I also have a recipe for damar varnish.
Dear qwer:
Sorry for the delay.
Please, let us know more about this...
qwer
Recipes fopr oil paint and damar varnish
« on: 14. Jun 2002 at 07:34 »
Dear Mr.Antonov,
Here are the recipes for paint and varnish that you wanted me to talk more about.
Damar Varnish:
100grams dry damar crystals
200ml pure gum turpentine
1) Wrap the dry crystals in cheese cloth and tie it with a string.
2) Fill an empty jar with the turpentine and suspend the cheesecloth in it. Close the jar.
3) Allow 2-3days for the crystals to dissolve completely. This might need to be thinned slightly before varnishing the picture.
Oil Paint:
Materials: Dry pigments
Coldpressed linseed oil
Muller
Palette knife
Piece of marble or a piece of sandblasted glass
1) Place some dry pigment on the piece of glass and make a hole in the center.
2) Gradually add the linseed oil to the pigment. Mix the oil and pigment with the palette knife. Use circular motions. Keep adding oil until you have a thick paste. A little wax(about 2%) can be added to prevent separation between pigment and oil.
3) Using the muller, grind the paste. Use firm ciruclar motion. Make sure that the paint's texure is uniform.
4) The paint can either be used or stored in a jar or empty tube.
When making lead white you should wear a niosh dust mask because it's bery poisonous in powdered form. I use the traditional seven layer technique and I found that I understand it more because I understand what I 'm working with. Making paint is also cheaper than buying it.
Secondly, I also have recipes for chalk grounds for panels or priming methods for copper. Don't be afraid to ask.
