Quote:
|
I think there is a wealth of information in your post but I'm just not able to grasp all of it.
|
I assume this is a compliment? If so, thanks!
Extra! Extra! Read all about it: Sargent worked in layers! His portrait of the deceased son (can't remember his name) of Asher Wertheimer is unmitigated proof of this. It's been documented that he scraped off heads as much as fifty times. Just because something looks spontaneous doesn't mean it is. JC Leyendecker< arguably the greatest American Illustrator did a practice painting where he worked out literally every brush stroke prior to commencing on his finished painting.
What's my point? Things are not always what they appear! Preconceived notions only serve to limit your possibilities. The fact that poppy oil creates a weaker paint film didn't stop Philip de Laszlo from using it. If only we could all paint that well. The main thing is to find what works for you and develop your own style. If painting into wet soup doesn't suit you try layers.
The thing to keep in mind that one can paint in layers and each layer can be painted wet into wet. I start each new layer with scumbling and paint into the scumble with wet paint. I am repainting the head but I allow what's under to come through and then I refine it, in much the same way a sculptor keeps refining smoothness with finer cuts.
If I want thinner paint I'll add some linseed oil or a mixture of 40% cold pressed linseed, 40% Gamsol and 20% stand oil.