Blog

What I learned Today

By Jenifer Cline       8/6/2015

I have been searching for a central subject for beginning my BLOG. Trying to find something different to say with authority has presented a quandary for me --- Authority!!! I believe that I have hit on the correct tactic for me – WHAT I LEARNED TODAY. I am always trying new approaches, products and ideas, so this is a good fit for me.

I have been painting for about 8 years and have always used Solvent Free products. After working as a sculptor for almost 20 years, I was looking for a healthier way to produce my art. Plein Air painting has become a passion and I only reluctantly stay in my studio. It is an easy decision when the wind and snow are blowing about, but living in Colorado you never know what the weather will do from one moment to the next. If one is patient, there is usually an opportunity to paint outdoors at some point in each day.

So – what I learned today. I have been searching for a good way to place a protective layer on my paintings as soon as they are dry to the touch. A painting friend, Scott Ruthven, suggested I try Gamvar as it goes on easily, doesn’t dry too glossy and can be used as soon as the painting is dry to the touch.. If your paint is really thick, wait a bit longer. It can also be removed with Gamsol Another product I have used for this protection is Kamvar spray Retouch varnish, but I even though I wear a mask, sometimes this spray affects me. I was assured that Gamvar is compatible with the solvent free paints and it does work well, you just have to watch it and keep brushing it over the canvas as it will bubble up just a bit for the first 5 minutes. After that time, it settles down and gives a good finish.

We are lucky in this drier climate, our paint sets rather quickly, although sometimes the darks can lose some of their gloss and the color sinks in. The Gamvar seems to take care of this situation and when one is painting in Plein Air events, it is good to have some Gamvar on your side!