Thank you for your report!
We have received your report and it is currently under investigation by a forum moderator.
New feature in Leisure Painter and The Artist
Welcome to the forum.
Here you can discuss all things art with like-minded artists, join regular painting challenges, ask questions, buy and sell art materials and much more.
Make sure you sign in or register to join the discussions.
Hang on Studio Wall
This is a Studio member-only feature!
Join our Studio membership and save your favourite Painters Online content, from gallery artwork to step-by-step guides, to your own online mood boards. Create your go-to place for inspiration and learning. Plus, members can also enjoy a range of exciting features including monthly art videos and a digital magazine library.
If you are already a Studio member, simply login to your account.
Not a Studio member? Why not try our free 30-day trial - no commitment, no credit card required
Message
Posted
carol (8/22/2019)The black hog brushes are great for oils! If you want minimal brush strokes in your work, you could also try the Procryl range which are made from softer, synthetic filaments https://www.jacksonsart.com/blog/2014/05/09/jacksons-procryl-oil-painting-brushes/
I do get excited about these things, Alan :) I will have a look at the hog brushes, I'll have to keep this hush hush as I have so many brushes, I just might have to sign myself in to be certified, but one redeeming feature... they're for different medium. On a serious note, how do you find them when using oils? I have a limited selection of oil brushes, as a beginner, and it would be nice to have recommendations, not only of the way they perform, and I know some don't like to see too much brush work, but I do like to see this, do you think they would suit my need in this respect. Its all a learning curve, and I would be interested to know. The name just sound good, also. Just like the 'evergreen' from Rosemary and Co. I wasn't disappointed there.
Posted
alanbickley (8/22/2019)Looking forward to hearing how it goes!
Well my Nitram stuff from Jackson’s has just arrived. I’m not going to get a chance to try it out for at least a week, too many other projects to work on, but when I do get round to having a go I’ll report back. One thing I can say, it’s very expensive!, even at Jackson’s discounted prices. The liquid charcoal itself was £21.50 and it’s only a 50ml tube (think of a tube of toothpaste!). I don’t know how far it goes, but I just had to give it a shot - that’s the power of advertising! The Petit Batons are nice and hard, need to sharpen those up with some sandpaper. Then there’s the charcoal powder, it’s all very exciting!
Posted
My order of Jacksons: Watercolour Easel, arrived this afternoon. My eyes widened when I saw the size of the box, as I was expecting to put it together myself, however :)
it was all joined up and ready to go. An amazing piece of kit, and just love the tilt mechanism, it all folds flat for storage. Words that come to mind...OVER THE MOON.
I'm off on a holiday next month, an this will be coming with me.
Posted
Staying in a lovely renovated cottage, in an old village, close to Llanwrtyd Wells. It has a small balcony overlooking a stream, with trees and fields, the other side, so pretty. I can just picture myself and the easel in the early morning sun...and other times of course.
Its not as if I don't see enough of this at home, but always good to have a break away, even if its not a million miles away :)
I've been half tempted to try the liquid charcoal when it first came out, sounds a good combination with the brushes, Alan. No doubt many of us, here, in the forum will find your results and work, of interest.
Edited
by carol
Posted
Well it's certainly a new angle using liquid charcoal, and a rather enjoyable medium to explore. I didn't find it as easy to use as I had thought it would be, but with practice, no doubt my skills will improve! The good news is, whilst it is a bit on the pricey side at £21.50 a tube (Jackson's price), it does actually go a long way. I also bought the 6mm Round Batons and a tub of powdered charcoal, I've got reservations about the latter as to its benefit, but let's give it another try.
I chose for my first attempt a winter landscape, using a half imperial sheet of Fabriano Artistico 300lb HP watercolour paper. Probably a bit too smooth in hindsight, their 'Rough' may have been a better option, but I only had Hot Pressed.
If you enjoy working with charcoal, and fancy taking it a stage further, then this Nitram range may be worth considering. I know some of you were interested in hearing about it, Carol being one of those. To be perfectly honest, this medium won't suit everyone, and to set up with the bare basics, isn't cheap if you don't like it!
Midwinter Across the Trent Valley, Nitram liquid charcoal, 11 x 15in.
Edited
by alanbickley
Posted
The medium does give a lovely effect by the look of your work, Alan. There are small tubes available so I'll give this a try, I have charcoal I used a few times in the draw, lurking at the back, I expect.
Now you have mentioned the surface you have used, my first attempt will be on a rough paper. I think the subject should be taken into consideration, also, when choosing the paper.
Thanks for your feedback, Alan. I will post my efforts when I have had a try of this.
Posted
There are 12ml tube sets available in both permanent and rewettable in the colours available, and also in 40ml pots, as always the price varies. I've seen these in the SAA, catalogue.
They also have the graphite brushes to accompany the product, but I'm sure they aren't a must - have. I'm gathering that a smoother surface is more suitable, but there's nothing to gain if
experimentation is not applied, and as always, mixing the product will, no doubt, enhance a project.
I'm hope Jackson's will respond to the post, Alan, as many will find the price of the large tube a little expensive as an introduction to this medium.
Posted
carol (8/23/2019)So good to hear such great feedback, thank you Carol! Evie
My order of Jacksons: Watercolour Easel, arrived this afternoon. My eyes widened when I saw the size of the box, as I was expecting to put it together myself, however :) it was all joined up and ready to go. An amazing piece of kit, and just love the tilt mechanism, it all folds flat for storage. Words that come to mind...OVER THE MOON. I'm off on a holiday next month, an this will be coming with me.
Posted
alanbickley (8/26/2019)Great work, Alan! It's wonderful that you've created so many different textures and tones within the image. Rough watercolour paper really allows the Liquid Charcoal to granulate beautifully, so it would be worth trying that too. Evie
Well it's certainly a new angle using liquid charcoal, and a rather enjoyable medium to explore. I didn't find it as easy to use as I had thought it would be, but with practice, no doubt my skills will improve! The good news is, whilst it is a bit on the pricey side at £21.50 a tube (Jackson's price), it does actually go a long way. I also bought the 6mm Round Batons and a tub of powdered charcoal, I've got reservations about the latter as to its benefit, but let's give it another try. I chose for my first attempt a winter landscape, using a half imperial sheet of Fabriano Artistico 300lb HP watercolour paper. Probably a bit too smooth in hindsight, their 'Rough' may have been a better option, but I only had Hot Pressed. If you enjoy working with charcoal, and fancy taking it a stage further, then this Nitram range may be worth considering. I know some of you were interested in hearing about it, Carol being one of those. To be perfectly honest, this medium won't suit everyone, and to set up with the bare basics, isn't cheap if you don't like it! Midwinter Across the Trent Valley, Nitram liquid charcoal, 11 x 15in.
Posted
alanbickley (8/26/2019)A great question regarding supports- a watercolour board (watercolour paper mounted to a board) would make a sturdy surface for dry and liquid charcoal. There would be no need to stretch the paper to avoid cockling. Crescent make excellent ones: https://www.jacksonsart.com/crescent-art-board-watercolour-off-white-rag-sheets/ Evie
Small tubes! I haven’t seen those Carol, but I will stick at it so it will get used up. Good idea though to try first, how small and how much? You do need to combine it with the compressed charcoal if you have that, brand name is irrelevant! Although the willow sticks should be fine I suppose. After looking at it again, I think the HP paper does have a certain appeal in this particular calm winter landscape, anything goes I guess, but the rough will be interesting to see the results. Perhaps Jackson’s have some ideas on the best supports for this stuff! They do seem to know their products really well!