This a collection of painting tips from Brian Rice, or BrBrice as he’s known to members of the Painting Forum has been compiled from numerous discussions Brian has participated in.
In Brian’s own words: “I love the Painting Forum. We don't know each other personally, we all live in different parts of the world, but there is a good spirit of sharing of ideas. There seems to be a need for us all to communicate our thoughts, ideas and painted images. Learn lots and paint much!”
Brian’s Painting Tip 1: Learn All You Can From Other Painters
I think the idea of being a self-taught artist is great. However, if you have time and money to take classes, it can only help. Whether you take classes or are able to teach yourself, by lots of reading and experimenting, it doesn't matter. I think it is great to gather as much insight and technique from other artists as you can; but, in the end, it will be your own creativity that must shine through. Many have suggested the need to develop your own style, but learn all you can from others. There are some painters I want to be influenced by. Those are the ones I study about, not to paint in their style but to understand their thinking.
Brian’s Painting Tip 2: Varnishing a Painting
I tried those spray-on varnishes but I think the brushed on stuff looks better. I can't speak for oil paint but it seems that way for my acrylics. I mix approx 30 per cent gloss varnish with 70 per cent matt. I like that look a lot better than gloss or matt.
Brian’s Painting Tip 3: Taking Photos of Your Paintings
I take pictures of my paintings with an old 27-year-old single lens 35 mm manual camera. I have another camera with all the fancy lenses but this old camera takes the best pictures for some reason. To avoid flash back I take the painting outside in the shade and set my shutter speed at 1/250 take a couple pictures. Then I take a couple at 1/500 shutter speed. Usually one comes out clear and bright. Someday I will be able to afford a good digital camera….
Brian’s Painting Tip 4: Preparing Masonite as a Painting Support
First sand off the shiny finish completely, then remove all the dust, and seal the surface with three coats of gesso. I hear the only argument against masonite is acid leach from the wood eventually causing your painting to yellow; this method rules that out. The only other problem with 1/4 inch masonite is the weight on sizes above 18x 24 inches. But I rarely do the bigger ones anyway. I painted my last two paintings on stretched canvas. I like that too, but I still like the idea of 1/4 inch thick material instead of a material that is only thousands of an inch thick.
Brian’s Painting Tip 5: Making Your Own Linen Boards
I always painted on 1/4 inch masonite with three coats of gesso, but then I decided to try to make a linen board myself. I glued cotton linen (not the real expensive stuff) to masonite using some old matt medium I had (it acts like a plastic glue). Then I coated the thing with three coats of gesso. I like the feel of it . I painted the back and sides with normal acrylic white house paint two coats, to seal out moisture, I am not concerned about the back yellowing in the future. I believe I will start painting on canvas or linen over hardboard/masonite because I like that solid surface, but I like the look of the canvas weave.
Brian’s Painting Tip 6: The Advantages of Acrylics over Oils
I have tried oils and watercolor but I like many things about acrylic:
- The fast drying time.
- The easy clean up.
- The fact that it is less likely to crack in the future (it is more flexiable then oils).
- There is less concern about proper application to the support. Acrylic is not as acidic as oil -- you can paint on anything with it.
- It has a real good chance that it will prove to be superior to oils for longevity.
- Less smell and toxic fumes.
These thoughts are just my personal opinion, I am sure there are just as many reasons why someone would prefer oils. Each of us will have our reasons for choosing one medium over another. A lot of it depends on one’s style and taste.
Brian's Painting Tip No 7: Using Pipe Clamps for Framing
To attach a canvas to a frame, use a bent pipe clamp.
To see some of Brian’s paintings, visit his website. And don’t forget to pop into the Painting Forum to catch up on the latest discussions and painting tips!
