Studio Tour (4)

I wash my brushes in Gamsol (odorless mineral spirits). I think that this is the least toxic substance that I can find that really takes the paint out . I never mix thinner with my paint as it can break the bond with the canvas and destroy the archival quality of my work.

The covered bucket-like container has an insert with holes that is raised so that solid particles of paint can settle out and this helps keep my thinner cleanermuch longer. It also keeps the solid particulates of paint from migrating back into my brushes.

I do not use soap and water to clean my brushes - I wear them out too quickly and I find it drying. 

When a brush is cleaned in thinner, it must be laid down flat to dry. If you stand the wet brush up in a container the microscopic paint particles flow down into the ferule and eventually wreck the brush.

Only dry brushes should stand up for storage.

Sometimes I use a wooden palette. And sometimes I use a paper palette - this is paper that is shown here and it is so lightweight and easy to clean up. I just rip off the top sheet and toss it out when I am finished.

I wish somebody would manufacture a paper palette in the color of wood or in a neutral grey. It is tough to mix and match color on a white ground...which is why I mostly use my Turtlewood Palette nowadays (more on this in "art supplies I love to use")

I prefer to paint on linen instead of a cotton canvas - the surface is nicer, more archival but is more expensive.

Sometimes I stretch my own canvas and sometimes I use the pre-stretched kind as it is easier.

These are two rolls of linen canvas. The one on the left is raw Belgian Linen (not primed with gesso) and the other one is primed. 

I use pinking shears to cut the raw linen canvas so that it won't fray. It isn't so much a problem on the roll but can become a thorny issue after it is on stretchers.

Oil paint should not be applied directly to raw canvas but a layer of gesso will protect it. You can buy canvas that is already primed with gesso and this is, of course, easier and faster.

Where does one keep very large drawings? I roll them up and store them in an old wastebasket. When the painting is done and I no longer need them, I toss 'em  into the fireplace.