Advice

In this article we explain the different headings in the below list of paint colours as taken from the PDF Product Guide and Colour Chart produced by top quality handmade oil paint manufacturer Michael Harding.  Series Number Michael Harding paints are put into price series, the more expensive the ingredients (typically pigments) used then the higher the price and because the paints use very little fillers but instead mostly pure pigment then the quality is reflected in the price. The Colour Index Number: The Colour Index™ is a standardised system for recording the chemical composition of a dye or pigment . This external...

Removing small dents in stretched canvas:Occasionally canvases will get small dents where something has lent against the surface, to remove them, simply spray a little clean water onto the rear of the dented part of the canvas and allow to air dry, the stretched fibres will then re-tighten and return them to a good condition.   Why are additional wedges sometimes supplied and why are they used? When supplied, Loxley canvases have been carefully stretched by hand, to create tension that is sufficient to hold the surface flat without any sagging. Sometimes however, after a period of time the canvas may need re-tensioning to get...

Derwent have produced this excellent PDF Expert Guide to their Inktense range of Pencils, Blocks and new Pans that come in a handy travel box. Inktense pencils and blocks can be used on their own like traditional colouring pencils or pastels offering a range of vibrant colours, but once water is added the colours turn into permanent ink-like colours that can be used on a wide range of substrates including fabric. This useful and inspiring guide has lots of photos and illustrations and includes: Getting Started  Preparing your Palette: Inktense Block Washes Techniques: Using Inktense Pencils & Blocks  Hand Lettering: With...

Two videos that introduce and show off the features of Derwent's XL Blocks (20 x 20 x 60mm) of Graphite & Charcoal. Both products can be used to draw in fine lines, sweeping strokes or gentle gradients and are also naturally water-soluble. Available in tins of 6 colours.

This great video by Winsor & Newton succinctly sums up the three basic rules of successful oil painting.