Remaining paints, and Incoming Tide daily painting by Everglades artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

Incoming Tide, 2013, Jo-Ann Sanborn

oil on board, 8"x8"

 

Artists love their tools and methods, and change comes slowly.  When artists gather to talk about art, methods and materials are a big part of the conversation.  We are loyal to our paint and brush brands, although most of us are willing to try and buy the newest gadget, just to try out something new. 

 

Like in cooking, quality ingredients make a better final product. Excellent materials can make our job easier, may save money in the long run, and may mean that the work will have better archival quality. 

 

As you may know from previous posts, this summer I am adding oils to my painting skills.  Oil paints cost more than acrylics and more than most other art materials and some of my favorite colors come at a premium.  I try to squeeze out just what I'll use, but I can't stand being stingy with what I need.  Still, it pains me, if I am not going to be back in the studio over the weekend, to scrape my palette clean and toss out the still good remaining paint.  The idea of saving it and mixing it into an unappealing grey doesn't appeal to me at all.    Any ideas?