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Ok guys. I just put the finishing touches on this painting. By the time I finish this series of 5 I think I'll be pretty good at stone. lol.
This one is 11X14. Oil on panel
Having a hard time getting a clean photo with no reflections. I'll take another one when I spray some varnish on it.
Whatcha think?
Wow!!! That's a wonderful painting. And I reckon you are a pro at stone now. What kind of varnish do you spray on your finished painting and how long do you wait? I use Liquin as my varnish but spraying sure seems easier. Thanks for sharing. Laverne
Hey Laverne. Thanks. I love liquin, but it's way too shiny for a dark painting like this.
I bought some Spray Var, retouchable damar varnish from Blair. It says you can spray it as soon as it is dry to the touch. That way I don't have to wait for 6 months to use the regular damar varnish. I'll let you know how I like it. :)
The final varnish comes in Gloss and Matte, I think you have to wait on those. The retouch doesn't say what the finish is, but I'll let you know when I get it done. I'm thinking I'll do it this afternoon. I've got to wire up several trellises to the back fence today, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to get it done, but I'll try.
James, I think the profession change has been a good thing - you have been so prolific! Do you have time to eat, sleep, breath? this is a great picture.
Thanks Kathleen. I agree it's a good thing. I do feel like I have been busier now than I have been in the last couple of years. I only work on the mural from about 8:30 until 2:30, Then I come home to work in the studio until 6 or so. I take Wednesdays and Thursdays off from the mural, so I have been spending more time on studio work those days. Almost all of my artwork in the past has been on commission so I don't have an inventory. I'm trying to build that up so I can start submitting to galleries and competitions. I read somewhere that professional artists need to be able to produce around 5 new paintings a month. I'm still not there, but I think I'll get there one day. I also need to decide on a specific direction for my art. I actually prefer wildlife, but I thought the missions would have a strong appeal locally.
J~that is wonderful! I really enjoy your subject matter, you have a great eye for composition and wonderful depth of field.
That is interesting about the amount of inventory that an artist requires. Look forward to seeing your art in the galleries!
Ok, the spray var is sort of a semi gloss finish. Not really what I was hoping for, but it did even out the sheen all over.
Once it cures I'll put a final varnish on it.
Fingers crossed Gardnerkett! I haven't had time to do studio work the last few days, been too busy getting the garden going for spring, but I'll get back at it soon.
Thanks Calalily!