Retouch Varnish or not?

Patt Legg · 03-09-2002, 11:45 AM

Hi I am trying this again. It seems that I am not attaching correctly. Maybe this time. The portrait you see is Gwen, a commissioned portrait. The color is washed out a little due to my photo that I had taken of the painting. Question? I used a Retouch Varnish to level and even out the finished painting. But it still is streaked. I use a final varnish (dammar) after a 6 mo. period. But until then, what do you suggest? My technique is similar to that of the Old Masters as I do several layer, of thin paint, beginning with the understudy of burnt umber only.

Thank you, Patt.

Karin Wells · 03-09-2002, 09:32 PM

Nice job...what was the medium you used in this painting? I have used Liquin to even things out until it is time to varnish BUT only if you used it as your medium from the beginning.

Patt Legg · 03-10-2002, 12:48 PM

Thanks Karin, for your feedback. The medium is oils and no I did not use Liquin. I did for many years but now I mix my own 1/3 dammar, 1/3 turp and 1/3 linseed. I do a layering technique shown to me by another portrait artist and that is as some of old masters with linseed actually rubbed onto the painting along with the juice of an onion, all in between each addition of painting.(Flemish techniques) The layers are very thin glazes. Therefore, I have several paintings going at once so the layers may dry. Do you use Liquin all over the entire painting when finished and then dammar? Patt

Karin Wells · 03-10-2002, 02:02 PM

Yes. When I have used Liquin as my medium, I use it over the entire surface when I am done in order to give it an even gloss.

I do not use dammar varnish. Instead I use Winsor-Newton's "Conserve Art" varnish as I like the finish it gives.

I also paint in layers and heve several paintings going at once. I tried the onion technique once (I learned this from a Russian artist who swore by it) but I disliked the smell. Ditto clove oil added to paint...I disliked that smell too.

Jeanine Jackson · 03-12-2002, 01:37 AM

Fascinating use of classic technique with contemporary design. Your client must be delighted with it!

One minor point regards the top plane of the forehead which I think could be greyed or cooled, or darkened to help make the turn more into the hairline...

I am partial to clove oil myself... mixed with linseed oil, I apply it to palette from a salad oil sprayer to keep paints fresh between sessions. (Love the smell!) Perhaps this could be used as a glaze? I'd fear yellowing from linseed... My vote would be to try the Winsor-Newton product suggested above...

Karin Wells · 03-12-2002, 02:17 AM

Jeanine, DON'T thin your paint with clove oil to make a glaze...bad chemistry.