Portrait Artist Forum - Genesis paints

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- - Genesis paints (http://portraitartistforum.com/showthread.php?t=1220)

Quote:

There is an acrylic varnish called "JW's Right-Step Matte Varnish" and this product seems to be the perfect inert barrier that I have been looking for! I'll post later to confirm if this really works in making this paint more versatile by allowing us to mix media.

I am very interested in using Genesis in my underpainting, but also would like to use oil + medium for the upper layers. I searched the posts to see if it was reported that the varnish barrier works. Have you gotten good results from this?

Also, regarding the drying gun, I have double ovens, so they are both smallish. I'm afraid nothing bigger than 20" x 16" will fit in it. The drying gun would be the best alternative for me as I have no space for the Genesis oven. Has anyone tried the gun?

I am very anxious to try Genesis, any feedback would be appreciated.

JW's "Right-Step Matte Varnish" works. Use two thin coats as a barrier before adding traditional oils on top.

JW's "Right-Step Gloss Varnish" does NOT work. Do NOT use it.

As to the heat guns: I don't like them very much as it takes too long. Genesis suggests that a cheapo quartz heater works too (and you don't have to stand there and hold it).

Also, the drying oven is not that expensive and if you're going to be using Genesis, it might be worthwhile to purchase one. "Art Supplies Wholesale" in Beverly, MA has good Genesis paint prices. See: http://www.allartsupplies.com/

Karin,

Thanks for the link! There are a lot of good products there, however, I found nothing for Genesis paints or the oven. Also, where do you buy the JW's "Right-Step Matte Varnish?" I don't see it im my catalogs. Thanks for your help.

Sandy

Oops...try this for Genesis: http://store.yahoo.com/artsupplyware...fsetwheat.html Unfortunately, they don't list an oven, but the price for the complete set of paints is the lowest that I've seen anywhere.

JW's "Right-Step Matte Varnish" is usually found through craft supply stores.

Err on the side of caution

Sandy,

If I were you, I would be very careful about putting traditional oil paint over a plastic foundation. The layers in a painting need to meld together into a unified paint film. Thus, the fat over lean rule.

One of our selling points as portrait artist is the archival integrity of the works we create. How can you guarantee that which is essentially an experiment?

You also made a comment about the lack of Genesis paints' fumes. Just because you can't smell something it doesn't mean it's not there. Fact: plastic, whether wet or cured, releases formaldehyde. This includes all forms of acrylic paint. To then expose the paint to high concentrations of heat would seem to exacerbate the release of these fumes.

Marvin, a while ago I wrote to Genesis requesting some technical information on their pigments and here is their reply:

Quote:

Hi Karin,

Here is some information you can pass on to anyone else interested in Genesis Artist Colors.

American Art Clay is a manufacturer of a wide range of art and craft materials and equipment. Although Amaco is not a manufacturer of polymer
clay , we do distribute Fimo Clay which is made in Germany.

Genesis Artist Colors have nothing to do with polymer clay. Genesis Artist Colors are made of a synthetic material, using a synthetic oil. The pigments used in Genesis are of the highest quality. The fact that the colors have to withstand the heating process to start off with, requires the use of utmost quality pigments. The pigments used cannot be affected by the heat, a problem regular oil paint manufacturers do not have to deal with.

Genesis Colors are tested by an independent lab for light fastness using ASTM D-4303 Standard Test Method, and categorized accordingly. All Genesis Colors have a light fastness of ( I ) and only the Dioxazine Purple line of 8 colors has a light fastness of (II).

The dried Genesis painting is very flexible, unlike oil paints which become brittle. Therefore, a Genesis Painting canvas can be rolled in a cylinder without hurting the painting.

The Genesis Permanent Varnish is formulated with UV absorbers and Hindered Amine light stabilizers for archival quality. Though Permanents
Varnish needs a soft brush to apply it smooth, like Karin says, we have had comments from artists that like to use the texture it creates when applied with a regular brush.

The most wonderful thing about Genesis Colors is that you do not have to adjust very much when you switch from regular oil paints. And once you have adjusted you will never go back. The absence of smell and the fact that it is non toxic, alone, is worth the effort of switching. I understand the insecurity in switching, I have done it myself, but once you start using Genesis Colors the process becomes very natural and effortless. It is great to be able to finish the painting in a short time while you have the idea and the feeling about it fresh in your mind.

I don't have to tell you about all the good things of Genesis colors, buy a small sample kit and see for yourself.

If you have any question or need further information, please feel free to Email or call me.

Best regards,
George Debikey
VP Director of Technical Services
American Art Clay Co. Inc.
800-925-5195, ext. 328

What I was thinking

Karin,

I appreciate the enthusiasm about the materials and techniques you use and the unselfishness with which you share your information. I think in that respect were are very similar. As a teacher I always precede my information with the caveat

Karin,

I wish I had read your post more carefully! I went charging over to Pearl looking for J.W.'s products and, alas, found none.

"Craft" store was the operative word. For anyone interested in J. W.'s products and how they work see http://www.jwetc.com/products/rs.html

Marvin, I shared you concern about Genesis and its archival integrity. For my application, however, I believe it will suffice. I plan to print several paintings (where I will keep the originals). Since I am on the downside of 40 now, I am hopeful that the paintings will outlast me. I do not hope to become a famous artist (living or otherwise) and have no heirs to inherit my collection. My paintings will probably end up in the Goodwill bin :) and I just might get a chuckle from upstairs when (upon purchasing my pictures for $5.00 each) the bemused Goodwill shopper sighs, "If only she had used archival paints..."

George Debikey is the VP Director of Technical Services at American Art Clay Co. Inc. and they manufacture and sell Genesis paints.

You can call him at 800-925-5195, ext. 328

George is also the R & D chemist involved with Genesis and, I believe, really does know what he is talking about. Genesis is too big and has too good a reputation to make false claims just to sell a product.

Patt: As I said, that letter was old...and yes, you are right, it did address another issue - namely pigments. I just figured that some of us can benefit from ALL the technical information available on this unusual product. I posted George's letter just in case it occurred to anyone to ask about the pigments, the effect that heat has on them and their archival qualities.

As far as I know, Genesis is SAFE enough for pregnant women and people with severe allergies to use. Their website has information on this, and you can always call George's toll free number and inquire.

I wrote to George Debikey about this thread and hopefully he will address Marvin's particular concerns.