[Richard Bingham]

Originally Posted by Marvin Mattelson

Richard,
We can go back and forth on these issues til the end of time. We can certainly agree to disagree.

Thanks for the kind words, Marvin. Truly, there are those who paint with resins, and there are those who descry the practise. Like Ford vs. Chevy arguments, neither side will ever accept the viewpoint of the other, it seems. I am not concerned at all by this. I am, however, very interested in the sources and the wherefore of the whole pharmacopaea of materials that comprise oil painting, and I value fora such as this one, where it's possible to have such easy access to the opinions of knowledgeable and experienced painters.

Originally Posted by Marvin Mattelson

I remain thoroughly unconvinced as to the superiority of refined linseed oil as a vehicle for paint since cold pressed is . . . superior.

Marvin, I'd be obliged to learn the distinctions and criteria which have led you to form your reasons for being thus convinced. I ask this cordially, in the spirit of a sincere desire to expand what I know about the subject, as quite frankly, I'm not satisfied wiith what I've been able to learn thus far.

Originally Posted by Marvin Mattelson

I have no connections or allegiances with any manufacturers. I in fact distrust them all.

Nor do I. I suppose it depends on how one's to know who's lying to you. Even Rembrandt had to have some faith in certain of his sources of supply, though.

Originally Posted by Marvin Mattelson

Since I experience no difference in handling of my new and older tubes of paint I believe that rancidity isn't a factor. When something turns rancid, decomposition takes place. Wouldn't this affect the handling and feel of the paint in some way?

I think that's very likely.

Originally Posted by Marvin Mattelson

I have never had a bottle of CP linseed oil go rancid. . . . wouldn't there be warning labels posted on the bottles?
. . . Citing cooking oil to make a point about rancidity in artists colors is a stretch, to say the least.

CP oil from what source? Oil made from cold-pressing flaxseed will indeed be different from oils extracted by other methods, employing heat and forcing more oil from the seeds than cold-pressing does. Perhaps my experiments have been committed in error, but the cold-pressed flax-seed I obtained from a health-food store was initially refrigerated, and did go "bad" at room temperature. Because of this, I infer that the cold-pressed oils used by some colormen must be refined somehow to prevent this. I'd be glad to learn all about Old Holland's process for making oil, but have been frustrated in attempts to find information on the specific details. That's not to throw rocks at Old Holland; likely, they consider it a trade secret, and they're certainly entitled to that.

Originally Posted by Marvin Mattelson

. . . In that same vein, justifying the use of an oil in paint composition because it's used in printing is also a case of comparing apples and oranges.

There are more similarities than differences; i.e. mulling pigment stuffs into linseed oil to produce a paste which will form a permanent film through oxidation. It may be more like comparing oranges and tangerines? Point taken, they are no way exactly the same thing.

Originally Posted by Marvin Mattelson

Personally I think a very good and logical start would be to avoid materials that 17th Century artists didn't use. . . . We don't need to reinvent the wheel.

I couldn't agree more. The advantage we have over the "old masters" is that nowadays, we have incontrovertible evidence of the soundness and durability of their methods going back over 500 years. Our problem is to be able to replicate them with reasonable assurance the materials we buy are at least as good.

Marvin, I'm sorry to read in a touch of annoyance and contentiousness in your reply. If I might say so without being branded a "suck-up", not a few good friends of mine have taken your courses, and all speak highly of you. I respect your work, and would admire the chance to buy you a beer. I think you'd find our views on painting materials aren't very adversarial at all.

Yours for better materials, and accurate information about them!
-Richard Bingham