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| Still Life in Cobra Oils 8x8 |
It has been a while since my last post. Some health hiccups have gotten in the way and slowed me down somewhat. Although I have been painting, I've not been at my easel as regularly as I'd have liked. Happily, my larger gallery paintings have been doing well, but my smaller "daily" paintings have been few and far between.
This 8x8 still life on gessoboard is one of the first I have painted with Royal Talens Cobra brand water-miscible oils. These rich buttery oils are a great alternative for painters who, like me, want to avoid solvents. In the past, I had tried other w-m paints and found their consistency imperfect. Often rather dry and stiff, they required medium to increase the flow. The Cobra paints, however, very closely resemble conventional oils right from the tube. I still love my acrylics, but it's so nice to have a slower-drying option.
The subject is one I have painted several times, in both oil and acrylic paint. All previous incarnations have been sold, however, and I wanted one for myself -- this is the result.
I hope you're feeling better, Helene! I've been slowing down a bit myself... I have plantar fasciitis and its so incredibly painful when I stand up and paint so I try to sit but I really find it difficult. lol
ReplyDeleteThis still life painting is outstanding!!! I love everything especially the brass bowl! AMAZING....
Thank you for your kind words, Hilda. I've just paid a visit to your blog to catch up with what you've been doing. More beautifully executed portraits, I see! Lovely work, Hilda. As I commented on your post, you have my sympathy for your fasciitis. I understand it's a very painful condition, and I hope you soon have some relief.
DeleteI can see why you wanted one for yourself. It is richly colored and beautifully painted. The brass looks especially great.
ReplyDeleteI will recommend your brand of paints to a friend who paints with those types of water-miscible oils. Whats is the binder...do you know?
Thanks for the compliments, Julie! You are always such a supportive chum. With respect to Cobra paints, I cannot find out what the binder is -- I suspect it is an industry secret -- but I understand that it is oil that has been re-formulated to make it water miscible. The result is that no turpentine, white spirits, or other solvents are required to thin the paint or clean brushes. Water can be used in lieu of turps to thin paints in early stages, and soap and water easily clean brushes. There are specially-formulated mediums that are also w-m, for all the usual layering and glazing an artist might require. Your friend can find lots of info and tutorials about Cobra online. Cobra paints can even be used in combination with conventional oils, and depending on the proportions, the resulting mixtures retain their water-miscible properties. There are other w-m paints made by Winsor & Newton (Artisan), Grumbacher (Max), Holbein (Duo Aqua), and Lukas (Berlin). I've not tried the Holbein, which are reputed to be excellent, but have used the others. My favorites are Cobra and Lukas Berlin. The latter dries faster and uses more "hues" in its pigments. Some artists prefer this in order to avoid potential cadmium and cobalt toxicity. Hope this is helpful, Julie! Hugs to you!💕
ReplyDeleteMy friend got the Cobra and went online after you recommending their tutorials. She is a VERY happy camper so thank you Helene.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased, Julie. Recommendations can be risky since personal preferences vary to a great extent. That said, Cobra paints are certainly a highly-regarded, and my experience has reflected that. Thanks for letting me know.
Delete(BTW For anyone else following this commentary, I should make it clear I have no connection to Cobra or Royal Talens or Lukas Berlin. I have simply used and been pleased with their paint.)
It is when I see gorgeous works like this that I realize why still life has been such a constant theme throughout the centuries. I am sure that the computer monitor does not do it justice, but I find it quite wonderful, I can tell you that.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely compliment, David; thank you! Having started out painting portraits, I admit to being reluctant to try still lifes. Once I began, however, I was indeed hooked, and now happily paint objects as frequently as I paint people.
DeleteAlthough I've neglected my blog recently, like you I follow Julie Ford Oliver and have often checked out your captivating posts after reading comments on Julie's page.