I’m just finishing up this painting here. This picture was taken only two days in, and all in all, it went pretty smoothly. (I’ll post final pictures soon). as usual, I did the face in one sitting, then was able to do the rest of the flesh tone the following day. I played around a bit with this piece: tried my best to loosen up a little, painted some pearls for the first time, did some different things with the background…It was a fun one. thank you to Nikki (yet again) for modeling.
Next up, I’m going to do a piece for the Thinkspace group show that’s going to the UK in June. all the pieces will be 12″ x 12″, which will make this probably the smallest painting I’ve ever done. I’m actually going to do two, just in case. if they both come out, maybe it’ll be a diptych.
I also ordered some panels from Signature for my next larger paintings. they are beautifully constructed and are made from temperature treated basswood so they won’t warp. I used to make my own when I lived in a warehouse. there’s a number of reasons I don’t do it anymore, the least of which was the quality of panels, which was poor. I also no longer have the room, the right tools, or any business being around fast moving blades.
a nice day for polyurethane
3 Responses to FORWARD
Hey Aaron, I’m self taught like yourself and am petrified of varnishing some of my paintings. I’ve let them dry for months and am finally ready to apply some varnish. Any tips? what kind of varnish do you use? Thanks man,
Colin
p.s I would love another “step by step” demonstration….they rock
hey colin. I use a combination of damar and matte varnish from Windsor Newton. 75% matte to 25% damar. damar is really glossy so unless that’s what you’re going for, don’t use too much (my stuff is dark so high gloss gets kind of annoying to look at). as far as application goes, lay your piece flat and use a good varnish brush. they are expensive but worth it. also, watch for dust and cat hair…I varnish paintings in my chonies.
i’ll do another step by step within the next month or two! good luck!
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