Technique

I thought it was time to write a bit about the way I work. Most of the time I am working on various images all at  stages in my “production line”. But if I try to think about the way I make paintings in a liner way this is what I would say.

First I make my wood panels. I use 1/4 inch fiber/particle board cut it to size and then brace it with pine using a wood glue.

Next I rough sand and then RSG (Rabit Skin Glue)  to prepare the surface. I usually let the glue dry at least overnight. After that comes the gesso. I am still experimenting with a variety of gesso’s. if you search the internet you will find many recipes. I recommend you try them out. The method for making your own gesso consists of heating and mixing RSG and a chalk ( marble dust/whiting/french chalk)  sometimes with a white pigment. You then apply this mix in layers to your panel. Making sure that you cover it with multiple layers and that they don’t dry out between coats.

Leave the Gesso/ primed panel to dry at least 48 hours and then sand to a smooth finish. Make sure you ware a dust mask, this is very fine dust and there is plenty of it!

Next transfer the image you wish to paint to the board or just go for it. I usually have a drawing that I wish to paint and I either draw or transfer to the surface. Try not to gouge the surface of the panel when you do this as it is easy to leave groove marks. I use panels made this way for painting in oil paint with egg tempera often referred to as the Mische Technique. I will be explaining that further in my next Technique post. Here Technique Part 2