Pre-primed or self primed, that is the question!

[Michele Rushworth]

Sharon, thanks for doing that Claessen's testing. I love the stuff and would be very interested to hear if any problems (rabbit skin sizing, lots of zinc white, etc.) come up.

[Marvin Mattelson]

I would bet that the Claessens has rabbit skin glue. It's been used for centuries. The PVA size may be scientifically tested but it hasn't endured the test of time. I don't care what anybody says, there are no guarantees.

Science may come up with a new breath mint that will cause all oil painting to turn green when exposed to the fumes. Some things are out of my control. I try to stick with materials that have stood the test of time. If I do artwork that is deemed worthy, conservators in the future will know how to preserve it.

I'm also leery of canvas glued to boards. I worry about the glue and what will happen to the board. I definitely don't like alkyd mediums. The layers can delaminate. This is something I have experienced first hand! Never again!

I don't paint on plastic. Like the old masters, I don't use any medium other than linseed oil. I use high quality pigments suspended primarily in linseed oil and I depend on knowledge, good drawing, brush handling skills and common sense to achieve the best results I can.

In my opinion artists spend far too much time worrying about materials and not enough time learning their craft. The most wonderful studio and equipment will not make you a great artist. Not that these things aren't nice to have mind you, they are beside the point.

When I grew up I had a neighbor who owned every conceivable piece of photography equipment imaginable. He still took the worst photos.

At some point you have to trust somebody unless you dig up roots and berries, press your own oil and weave your own canvas.

I like the stretchers that Doak carries. Soho Artists Supplies carry the same exact ones. If I call them up I'm not on the phone for two hours. They're the ones I use. They are very light and very strong. I have never had any problems dealing with them and I've been using them for years. To date, I really like their lead primed portrait linen.

[Linda Brandon]

Originally Posted by Marvin Mattelson

I don't paint on plastic.

So you're using it as a cutting board after all!