Do you make your mediums?

Hello everybody!

I'm here on advice of Karin Wells (thank you, Karin!), and I'm so happy to read such wonderful advice from all of you!

Karin introduced me to a book by Joseph Sheppard called How to Paint Like the Old Masters. Although this is a very enlightening book as far as technique goes, I'm both intrigued and put off by the prospect of making my own mediums. The author claims that these homemade mediums are far superior to the store-bought variety, but to me, using asbestos pads over fire and heating oil and lead sound kind of hazardous, and may outweigh the better quality obtained.

For those of you who make your mediums, what safety precautions do you use (is it really as hazardous as I perceive it to be?), and do you find that this method is more cost-effective?

I read the very interesting thread regarding Liquin, which I have been using for years, in combination with Stand Oil. I'm sad to hear it's so toxic, but am interested in trying out one of Gamblin's mediums. It's rather difficult to do on such a tight budget though!

Last, but not least, can anybody recommend a good linseed oil that is reasonably priced? I came across Shiva linseed oil on the internet, but am not familiar with it. Is it cold-pressed? I am mostly experimenting at the moment, so please be kind. Thank you!

Allaya

[Michael Georges]

Hello Allaya and Welcome to the SOG Forum!

Well, I have done some medium making and mixing and I believe that there is a lot of value in experimentation and testing materials and trying differing mixes.

That said, I think that if you are just starting out, it is more important to focus on your technique and basic materials first and worry about complex concoctions and experimentation later.

I personally believe that there are mediums available on the market like Gamblin's Galkyd, and Studio Product's Marogers that are great for any painter. If you can find a commercially available medium that you like, it greatly minimizes the chance of causing a kitchen fire by boiling oil A and adding resin B.

Check out www.studioproducts.com. People on their forum mix a lot of things, but the commercial mediums and oils available for sale on the site are top notch.