Archive for the ‘oil painting’ tag
Principles of applying paint
When painting a picture artists, including pet portrait painters, will take on many techniques to create different optical effects on the canvas. Many of these techniques have been used by artists for centuries and have particular terms to describe them. The following is a brief list outlining these terms and the principles upon which they’re based. Read the rest of this entry »
Canvas repairs for the artist
Whether we paint pet portraits, family portraits, landscapes, or house portraits, we all like to think our pictures will suffer the test of time. Using a high quality linen, that is properly prepared with several layers of gesso on both sides and stretched over kiln-dried hardwood stretchers, they can last a lifetime . However, with the best will in the world, it doesn’t matter how well you prepare a canvas, it will always be vulnerable to damage through accidental pressure on the canvas causing dents or even rips in the surface. Read the rest of this entry »
The nature of drying oils in artists paint
The oils used by pet portrait artists and others are called drying oils. These are oils based on vegetable matter that, when combined with oxygen, acquire a solid film which is immune to atmospheric pollutants and many solvents. Oils dry out slowly and although the paint film is touch dry inside a few days, it could take a few years for the paint to get completely dry. Read the rest of this entry »
Varnishing an oil painting
Pet portraits in oil can be varnished to provide a protective layer that protects the picture from the atmosphere, it also creates a uniform finish, whether gloss or matt. Over time a varnish will itself be attacked, collecting dust and dirt, sometimes cracking and eventually discolouring. Consequently, any varnish has to be easily removed and replaced by a new layer. Read the rest of this entry »