Sennelier Turner Transparent Medium

[Steven Sweeney]

Does anyone else here use Sennelier's Turner Transparent Medium? I don't have a clue as to what's in it, but it is beautiful. A gel, and a bit pricey ($11-12 or more a tube), it is nonetheless the very best material I've ever used for an application that is extremely thin but even and true in hue and value. One of my instructors was introduced to it in the course of a painting in which he was trying to superimpose fog into a landscape, and it worked beautifully. I occasionally fight large background areas, winding up with blotchy-looking coverage (and in dark areas, you can't just slather on more paint), and a small addition of this medium always produces the most fantastic results. You stand there at the easel and go from idiot to savant in a few moments.

Then of course you wake up, or your spouse drops by.

[ReNae Stueve]

Steven,

Thank you for the tip. I am in the planning stages of a piece that will have a foggy mist in the background. I'll give the Sennelier product a try.

[Steven Sweeney]

A few blurbs from vendors' catalogs:

"Absolutely transparent and luminous oil medium used for glazing. Preserves the silky finish and texture of the paint. Can be diluted with turpentine."

"Add 10% maximum to total paint mixture."

"Use this medium in moderation to obtain a silky luminous effect that is totally transparent. This medium will increase the drying time and workability of the paint on the canvas, and dries to a uniform satin surface, regardless of layer thickness. Made from a base of cold-pressed safflower oil."

[ReNae Stueve]

Well, I've found a source. My local Pearl Supply is a Sennelier distributor but does not carry their mediums. I found "Italian Art Store" on line at http://www.italianartstore.com/store/; they had it for $9.50 each. Also had the Sennelier FULL line. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks again.

[Steven Sweeney]

One cautionary note -- that beautifully smooth, silky finish you get from this medium can be very tough to apply additional paint on top of. As mentioned above, use it moderately. I actually use it only rarely and in the final applications of pigment to the area in question. If you find that you have to go back in on top of it, you might need a spray of retouch varnish to provide tooth to hold the added layer.

[Khaimraj Seepersad]

Steven,

Does the tube say anywhere, alumina hydrate or blanc fixe?

Grumbacher also sells a transparentizer gel, which does the same thing.

I hand-mill Blanc Fixe in walnut oil to do the same; it works very well on Mars Colours.

[Steven Sweeney]

There are no markings on the tube as to the composition of the medium. I'm admittedly using the product in some ignorance, albeit on recommendation of a master painter.