THE MEDIUMS I USE
PASTELS are a time-honored medium that lasts as long as oils but is more stable. Since it is almost pure pigment (with very small amount of binder), it does not discolor, yellow, or fade. Museums display pastel paintings that are many centuries old. Pastels allow for spontaneity in execution and brilliance of color. Pastels can be sprayed with a special fixative, although many artists prefer to follow tradition and do not spray. Framed under glass with extra-thick matting, centuries old pastel paintings are as vivid as the day they were painted.
WATERCOLORS are one of the oldest mediums on the planet. They are considered one of the most difficult because, to maintain their translucent brilliancy, one has to work fast and clean. They are also delicate, prone to water damage, and can fade in direct daylight. However, their translucent beauty has always mesmerized both artists and the public. Watercolors come in transparent and opaque varieties. Opaque watercolors are easier to work with but don't have the characteristic inner light so prized by art lovers. Watercolors require solid technique and allow for great sensitivity in execution. Many watercolors today are stronger than in centuries past.
ACRYLICS are a modern medium, basically an accidental by-product of a special glue chemistry. They are water soluble but, unlike watercolors, becomes permanent when dry. They can be used like watercolors or they can be opaque. They are a fast-drying medium, particularly good for modern art, and require a strong technique to achieve the soft look of classical oils. However, acrylics are considered longer lasting than even oils, with colors that are more stable.
OILS largely superseded egg tempera centuries ago and became the traditional medium of the great masters. Many effects can be achieved in oils, from translucency to impasto. Since they do not dry fast, mistakes, changes, and experimentation can be taken care of with calm forethought. To a certain degree, modern science has achieved more stable and brilliant pigments. Therefore, oils today are stronger than those of 500 years ago. This medium will require less cleaning and care after centuries than the great masterpieces do now.
CHARCOAL and SEPIA are dry mediums, very stable and very durable when sprayed. They can be used from line drawings to shaded and painterly renderings. They often have white chalk highlights. These mediums allow for individual character of line and immediacy of execution.
WATERCOLORS are one of the oldest mediums on the planet. They are considered one of the most difficult because, to maintain their translucent brilliancy, one has to work fast and clean. They are also delicate, prone to water damage, and can fade in direct daylight. However, their translucent beauty has always mesmerized both artists and the public. Watercolors come in transparent and opaque varieties. Opaque watercolors are easier to work with but don't have the characteristic inner light so prized by art lovers. Watercolors require solid technique and allow for great sensitivity in execution. Many watercolors today are stronger than in centuries past.
ACRYLICS are a modern medium, basically an accidental by-product of a special glue chemistry. They are water soluble but, unlike watercolors, becomes permanent when dry. They can be used like watercolors or they can be opaque. They are a fast-drying medium, particularly good for modern art, and require a strong technique to achieve the soft look of classical oils. However, acrylics are considered longer lasting than even oils, with colors that are more stable.
OILS largely superseded egg tempera centuries ago and became the traditional medium of the great masters. Many effects can be achieved in oils, from translucency to impasto. Since they do not dry fast, mistakes, changes, and experimentation can be taken care of with calm forethought. To a certain degree, modern science has achieved more stable and brilliant pigments. Therefore, oils today are stronger than those of 500 years ago. This medium will require less cleaning and care after centuries than the great masterpieces do now.
CHARCOAL and SEPIA are dry mediums, very stable and very durable when sprayed. They can be used from line drawings to shaded and painterly renderings. They often have white chalk highlights. These mediums allow for individual character of line and immediacy of execution.
All artwork on this site © 2018 VCP.