Artists' Materials Forum

[Paul Rhoads]

Acrylic gesso, and the paintings are about a half century old - back in the days of the "old masters".

The ability to read is too rare. :(

[llawrence]

Originally posted by Paul Rhoads:
In my own work the problems are either related to poorly prepaired grounds, or the immoderate use of burnt sienna (which I have given up altogether for many years).

Paul, what is the problem with burnt sienna you've noticed?

[Paul Rhoads]

George can explain this better. It cracks. Drys too fast? The parry is to use it lean and thin, I believe. I don't use it at all any more. Anyway, I'm so in love with NP Sartorius red...

[George O'Hanlon]

Originally posted by Paul Rhoads:
George can explain this better. It cracks. Drys too fast? The parry is to use it lean and thin, I believe.

Sienna pigment can lead to cracking for several for reasons, one is that sienna absorbs a large amount of oil, and when applied in thick layers can cause cracking and crazing in the paint film. Secondly, some sienna pigments contain a large amount of clay, which absorbs moisture from the environment, tends to swell and contract, leading to cracking in the dried paint film. Does this mean it should be eliminated? No, it can be safely used. The best way to overcome these issues is to apply sienna in thin layers and allow it to dry hard before applying new layers over it.

[llawrence]

Good information, George and Paul. Thanks.

[J.A. Borgesse]

George,
I have been searching the Internet for data on the historical use of palette knives to find out the differences between past and present palette knives but have yet to come across such data. It is said that Rembrandt used palette knives as a painting tool. I wonder if other Masters did as well, again no data as of yet. Does NP plan to include a line of palette knives in its catalog?
JAB
http://www.jaborgesse.com/
website:

[George O'Hanlon]

We do not have plans to do so, because there are many offered through local art supplies stores.