Here are just a few of the things I have recently been asked. Please email me with any questions you may have about my painting habits or materials.
What brand of oil paints do you use?
I started painting with Grumbacher pre-tested oil paints because several of the artists I studied with used them. I have tried other brands and with the exception of Gamblin, which I like very much, I have stayed with Grumbacher.
I use Gamblin chromatic black, transparent orange, and several of the Radiant Colors which you can read about at this link.
Do you prefer canvas or gessobord panels?
I use mostly 6 x 6 inch archival panels (gessobord) by Ampersand for my daily paintings on my blog. It took quite a while to get used to the feel of these under my brush and I did not like them at first. Now I enjoy painting on them, using a softer brush than I do on canvas.
I use mostly linen canvas for larger paintings which I paint with very large natural bristle brushes.
Which is better, painting from photos or from life?
A certain amount of experience painting from life is important, and for that there really is no substitute.
Since painting from photos has some pitfalls, I think it best to paint things that are right in front of you whenever it is possible. I am not opposed to using photo references, but I prefer not to so this exclusively.
