|
With all due respect, I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss cold pressed linseed oil. I have never experienced any tube of Old Holland or Michael Harding turning rancid. Cold pressed linseed oil makes the most flexible and durable paint film and was used by the old masters. The old Holland cp linseed oil is pressed by stone using a windmill and is the most expensive process in it's manufacture. Cold pressed is also the most stable with regards to color stability of dried paint. It is considered to have superior wetting power when it comes to grinding.
Alkali refined linseed oil was developed in the 19th Century. In many cases paintings painted in the last 150 years show much more evidence of deterioration, discoloration, darkening and cracking as compared to 17th Century paintings which were created using lead primer, lead white, earth based pigments and cold pressed linseed oil. Today, through the use of the most sophisticated scientific instrumentation, conservation scientists have found no evidence that the old masters used anything other than cold pressed oil. Modern doesn't necessarily mean better.
Since the 18th Century artists and color-men have been trying to improve upon something that was integral and pure to begin with, looking to find an easy answer to the successes of the old masters. The real answer is that the masters knew how to paint. Historically, "discoveries" of magic painting mediums and such have resulted in too often disastrous consequences, sometimes not evidenced for 100 years. This was the case regarding the 18th century medium, Megilip, the precursor of Maroger medium. In my opinion using Maroger, alkyd resins, natural resins or varnishes in or as painting mediums is highly questionable. Many fine artists choose to ignore the lack of historical viability regarding these substances and produce fine works. I, for one, don't trust that these things provide archival stability and choose to remain a purist. I don't experience any lacking in my ability to make the paint do my bidding.
All manufacturers have numbers, explanations and statistics which seemingly prove the superiority of their modern ingredients. I take their claims and reassurances with a very large grain of salt. The bottom line is, they want your money! I don't believe that the integrity of their products is first and foremost in their hearts, regardless of their claims to the contrary. Refined linseed oil is much cheaper to use in the manufacture of paints. I say let the buyer beware.
Personally, the fact that a particular refined linseed oil is used in the finest printing inks is far from a valid reason to trust it's viability as a superior vehicle. The printing industry, in my experience, is not too concerned with longevity.
I would never so much as consider using any paint not ground in cold pressed oil in the creation of my artwork. I have an obligation to my clients which I don't take lightly. Refined is okay for student use but not when it comes to serious painting.
Regarding a viable alternative for the less-than-permanent Alizarin Crimson, I would rather use a mixture of permanent pigments. below is a painting I created using the Old Holland Alizarin Crimson Lake Extra. I think it turned out just fine.
|