Even though I stick primarily with watercolors, yesterday’s
Art Talk about oil painting, materials, techniques and framing proved quite
interesting. Barb Tobiska led a lively
discussion among the seven of us attending.
Proficiency ranged from beginner to advanced, but we all learned
something new.
In talking about paint brands, Barb wowed us with some
unbelievably high prices for certain colors in a Dick Blick catalog. But don’t let that scare you off as everyone
had their own affordable preferred manufacturers, from Grumbacher, Winsor and
Newton, to the water based oil paint made by Holbein that Cindy Ahrenkiel
uses. One thing Barb Tobiska stressed is
to know your own colors. Many beginners
buy so many different colors, but don’t know what they have when it comes time
to paint. I know I’m guilty of those
spontaneous purchases of beautiful new hues offered by Daniel Smith, Cheap Joe’s
or other online catalogs. Barb held up
color charts she’d made of all her paints, arranged by color and temperature
(cool to warm). That way, when you’re
needing a certain hue for your current painting project, it’s easy to refer to
your charts.
So many mediums are now available to mix with oil
paints. Glazes, binders, gels, waxes and
varnishes can make colors more transparent, give an even sheen to a finished
work and protect your masterpiece. When
these additives are mixed in, it is prudent to employ a heavier substrate. Canvases vary substantially, in texture, in
weight and in quality of stretching (if pre-stretched). Be sure to check for unwanted pockets in the
corners, or if a canvas is stretched too loosely. Pre-mounted canvas on masonite is another
option.
When it comes to framing an oil painting, what is
acceptable? Is it necessary to use a
frame? The general consensus was that unframed canvases are acceptable as long
as the edges are painted and no staples or nails show. Deep stretchers are preferable and look more
professional than thin stretchers. At
one time, ornate gold frames with linen liners were the norm – not so much any
more. Metal, wood or composite can all
look nice, although composite frames tend to chip easily and don’t always hold
screw eyes firmly. Dust covers on the
back really aren’t required for oil paintings and tend to easily rip during
transport. If the choice is made to
frame an oil painting, it must be done properly, as a poor framing job (damaged
frames, chipped glass, improper hanging hardware) can be reason for rejection
by a juror.
There’s always something interesting and educational going
on at the Lakewood Arts Council Community Center and Gallery. Check the website www.lakewoodartscoucil.org to see what’s coming up next!
