Hello Chris:

Witnout doubt a large amount of stand oil will create a pretty high level of gloss, and the medium I spoke about does add a jewel like quality to the paint rather typical of stand oil and of canada balsam. I have not had any problems varnishing over the surface of paintings using this medium however. I always try to use no more than 20% medium to paint, and even when I do get a little more medium in the mix it has not been a problem for me.

I have found that one of the most important things about varnishing is temperature - both the temperature of the surface and the temperature of the varnish. Warmth of both really helps coverage, and reduces bubbles I find.

Jean:

That is one benefit of the mixture with Canada Balsam and Spike - it smells like a pine forest!

When you use it depends on how many layers you usually build, and frankly how thick you lay in the paint. I know one artist that mixes a "lean" version for lower layers that has 4 parts spike rather than 3.

If you build a lot of layers thinly, you should be ok to use it from the mid-layers on, being mindful of the % of medium to paint.

Without a doubt, this is not a "fast" medium. It is great for plein aire, oil sketches, alla prima work, or for passages where you will not go there again for a couple of days. If you need to paint again the very next day, you may want to consider a medium that has a drier in it like Maroger, or an alkyd, etc.

Thanks Michael,

I've posted my portrait under "works in progress". If I have any more questions I'll post them there as it progresses. My next supply purchase will include the balsam and spike, cause this is smelly stuff.

Jean

Michael,

Thanks for the info. I think part of the appeal for Charles was that he could frame a wet painting, and it would be just as glossy when it dried.