Top products from r/Painters
We found 5 product mentions on r/Painters. We ranked the 5 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
1. The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques: Fifth Edition, Revised and Updated (Reference)
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
Show Reddit reviews2. The Watercolor Bible - A Painter's Complete Guide
Sentiment score: 0
Number of reviews: 1
This handy guide is a must-have addition to every artist's toolkit. Small enough to take anywhere, The Watercolor Bible offers indispensable advice for nearly every aspect of watercolour painting.
Show Reddit reviews3. Winsor & Newton 2190517 Galeria Acrylic Paint 10 Tube Set,
Sentiment score: 0
Number of reviews: 1
High quality Acrylic which delivers professional resultsIdeal for artists who want good quality color at an affordable priceThese acrylics can be used on a variety of surfaces and can be used directly from the tube, diluted, or mixed with other Acrylic mediums and gels
Show Reddit reviews
Ok, there is a lot going on here and let me try to break down the sort of issues I foresee. I don't know what kind of knowledge and materials you already have, so I'm not going to assume anything.
The rabbit skin glue always makes a more matte finish. Sealing the gesso with the RSG will keep that quality. Fortunately! The exact thing you need to combat that will give you the fine lines for things like the background in that portrait.
Mediums are really important in oil painting. Controlling the viscosity is how you get refined lines. And nice brushes. If you don't have nice brushes... well.... that breaks my heart thinking about the amount of frustration you can prevent.
Here is what I used to use:
Panel: I assume you are purchasing a panel from an art store. It should be sufficiently sanded. I suggest you avoid making your own panel because it is a pain in the ass sanding and reinforcing. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there are many artboards available larger than 24" any more :( So if you need to go larger then that be sure to reinforce it with cross grained laminating, stretcher bars and cross bars.
The only reason to use linen on this panel is if you want the texture of linen. Otherwise skip it.
Gesso: Classic RSG with marble dust! This makes such a beautiful springy surface it's hard not to just lick it. The opening comment has a description of how to make that gesso.
Underpainting: Same as the first comment. Dilute your sketching color to watercolor consistency with turp.
Painting:To make my next layers I would use 1:1 turp with oil. This is smooth and covers large flat areas. It also works well for blending. When I was ready to start putting in details I'd use Gamblin's Neo Megalip. It's a less brutal recreation of some Dutch Old Masters medium (I've made some of those from scratch and frankly it sucks). It is heaven.
Varnish aka Making it all shinyGive everything a few weeks to dry and varnish it with Damar or Gamvar.
If you don't have The Artists Handbook you should really get a copy. Also, lock it up. Three of mine have been permanently borrowed.
Let me know if you have questions. (Yes, Damar goes over gold, I don't know about Gamvar. Sable brushes are the best for detail.) Hope this helps!
Is it picking up the paint?
It should dry normal. I prefer a [sponge brush] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003UHJDAS/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1466629896&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=sponge+brush&dpPl=1&dpID=41KgQ9CCXOL&ref=plSrch#immersive-view_1466629906346), but have used a regular painting brush a gazillion times as well.
It should dry clear. Give it time. It may look foggy while drying. If you brush TOO much, it may also dry foggy. But you really have to brush it a lot to end up with a fog. Just slap it on and let it dry.
When drying, keep the canvas at a slight tilt to avoid puddles. (totally should have mentioned that above, my bad) just prop something small (the corner of a book will do) under one corner so that it's not drying on an entirely flat surface.
You can always apply a second & third coat. But just allow it time to dry in between!!
ALSO
If you live in a relatively humid area, allow more time for everything to dry!!
What you need is called stain glass paint, look it up on Amazon or any art supply store. I would look for one that stays translucent, so acrylic paints are not recommended. The ones that work are solvent based. This set kit is lacquer based or you may search for individual colors:
https://smile.amazon.com/Permanent-Lacquer-1-5-ounce-Professional-Stained/dp/B018C2MFNC/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1504552651&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=stain+glass+paint&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Watercolor-Bible-Painters-Complete-Guide/dp/1581806485 I dunno if you'd find this useful but this has been my go to book since I started experimenting with watercolor.
$40 is more than enough to get started. You just need some paint, some brushes and some canvas.
You don't need an easel, you can just lay the painting down on a table. You don't need a palette, you can just use a paper plate. Plus a plastic cup for rinse water.
I always suggest Windsor Newton galleria for beginners:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004THXG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IfUFAbFVJNNN5
Just get some cheap canvases and brushes from Walmart.