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Alan Bickley

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I've been asked to write a test report for The Artist magazine relating to Jackson's Artist oil paints. I've now had chance to give them a thorough testing and am extremely impressed with their quality and value for money.  I won't go into any detail now, but you will be able to read my full report in the magazine later in the year, for those of you who may be interested. I've almost completed my test report, but has anyone else here tried them? I'd be interested to hear your views! I have mentioned what superb paints they are (on this forum) on more than one occasion, and have a feeling that Robert may have bought some.

Trevor Johnson

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I haven't tried these but notice Jacksons have two ranges - "artists" and "professional". Will you be covering the difference between the two?

Alan Bickley

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Thanks Trevor, no, I’ve not been asked to make a comparison between the two. I do have some of their professional range, they are also excellent quality as you’d expect for the price! and are supposed to be on a par with Michael Harding and Rembrandt oils etc.
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, NAPA

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I bought some of the Jackson's oil paint - not much, though - and also the Ken Bromley range.  And I bought Jackson's watercolour.  All of the colours I bought, from both companies and both media, were impressive.  They compare well with Rembrandt paints, but I would not say they were in the same league as Michael Harding's.   I forget now which range was which from Jacksons - but from the range that offered genuine Cadmiums, anyway.   I also bought their lead white, when they offered it - which sadly, they now don't.   I notice in another thread that Alan refers to Jacksons' linen-covered boards - I had two linen-covered boards from them, but am not sure if they're the same as Alan is trying.  I've only used one so far, and didn't like the surface, which seemed to swallow the paint, or the fact that the board warped .... is this an improved design? I bought those boards at least a couple of years ago, so I'm assuming it's not the same product (or why would they ask AB to test it..).   The boards had a transparent sizing, which I also didn't like, and a pronounced tooth.

Alan Bickley

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Robert, it’s their professional range of oil paints that they claim to be of a similar quality to MH, I’m testing their Artist range, (as in my photo set up above).  I’ve got a few of their professional range, but I honestly can’t say either way. Both are excellent though, and I suppose MH would always be my first choice, price is sometimes an issue with some colours as you know. I’ve noticed quite a difference between these Artist oils and those from KB (of which I have many), the Jackson’s spread more easily without using hardly any oils or what have you, a buttery consistency, and the colours are so vibrant - I’m genuinely impressed! Regarding these linen boards, they just can’t be the same animal, the boards that they’ve sent me are simply delicious to spread paint on, albeit rather pricey for the larger sizes which I use.

Peter Davison

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The only Jackson paint I have is Unbleached Titanium White which I find useful at times. It is from The Artist range and I have had no problem with quality.

Alan Bickley

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Thanks Peter, yes I find that colour really useful also, hope you find my test report of some interest, I believe it will be in the November edition of TA.
Moi 17

Linda Wilson

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I've been using the Artists range, but often find the tubes leak oil, not the coloured part, but guey colourless sludge.
Moi 17

Linda Wilson

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I've been using the Artists range, but often find the tubes leak oil, not the coloured part, but guey colourless sludge.

Alan Bickley

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Okay thanks for that Linda, I’m assuming that it’s the linseed oil binding agent seeping out. I’ve not experienced that issue myself on this brand, so thanks for your input.

Edited
by Alan Bickley

With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, NAPA

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Rummaging through the paint-box - I've only got Titanium White left in this brand, and it's not exuding oil....... interested in your saying it's a 'sludge' - so not a golden, yellowish, brownish goop, which I'd expect to see quite often?  Is this more than just the colour mixing with the oil, and the excess coming through the crimping at the bottom, or something worse?   I'd be a bit worried about the paint if the exudation was grey-ish, or of a colour beyond anything you'd expect oil and colour to produce.  If it's clear - it's just oil, and not really anything to worry about: some of the best paints on the market can do that: just wipe it off with kitchen roll now and then.

Fiona Phipps

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Looking forward to reading your report Alan, even though I don’t tend to move away from Old Holland in oils or watercolours but your articles are always such good reading. Full of useful information as well as a honest break down of what the pros and cons are of the medium.
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