Materials

Thought I would post a blog of the materials I use in painting, framing and marketing.
I have done considerable research to find the best sources and materials.

Website:
I found Fine Art Studio Online to be an ideal web host for artists. In addition to being easy to set up, their technical support is superb. They have an artist forum, a monthly painting contest and an art collector newsletter that advertises the member artists.
http://faso.com/?gclid=CJXt0OL4pKsCFYjBKgode0dE2A

Frames:
I use frames from Art Ready Frames and Pictureframes.com (sample frame pieces are available for the cost of S & H)
http://artreadyframes.com/
http://www.pictureframes.com

Stretcher Bars:
I recently discovered the very well made bars of Upper Canada Stretchers. The Linen I use sits beautifully on these bars.
http://www.ucsart.com/

Substrates
In addition to Linen, I use Innerglow painting panels. They are 1/2 " thick acid free laminated boards and primed on both sides, which allows for experimentation or occasional disasters.
http://www.billewing.com/Panels.htm

Color Palette:
I have been experimenting with different colors lately, but for the most part, I use the following:
Naples Yellow
Transparent Earth Yellow (Rembrandt)
Venetian Red
Cadmium Yellow Deep
Cadmium Yellow Light
Cadmium Red Light
Cobalt Blue
Ultramarine Blue Deep
Burnt Umber
Raw Umber
Cremnitz White (LaFranc)
Permanent Alizarin
Transparent Oxide Red (Rembrandt)
Some colors have to be added depending on what is being painted. I have indicated which brands I am particular about. In general I use Old Holland and Winsor Newton paints.

Mediums:
I try and limit my use of medium because it really really smells.
Maroger made by Old Masters is the medium I use most.
http://www.oldmastersmaroger.com/?gclid=CMOasqL6pKsCFYbsKgod7gxg4w
Other mediums I have used are Linseed Oil, Neo Meglip and Liquin

Oiling Out:
In order to even out the sheen on my paintings, I "oil out" before each painting session. With each successive painting session and oiling out, a nice finish begins to develop giving the painting an old work look.
60% mineral spirits (Gamblin)
30% stand oil
10% gaklyd

Brushes:
I paint mostly using Filbert Longs as they allow more paint to be picked up with each stroke.
Trekell and Robert Simmons Signet are both excellent brushes. Simmons brushes can be purchased at most online art supply companies. Trekell brushes can also be purchased online.
http://www.trekell.com/
Another brush that is so nice for details, as well as blending is the Langnickel Royal Sable Long-Handle Brush.

BTW
New Painting...

Pink and Green Hydrangeas

16 X 20

Oil on Linen

Lois
www.loiseakin.com