Unleashing the Still Life, Taming the Palette
July 25-27, 2024
Warehouse 521
Erin Raedeke
erinraedeke@gmail.com
202.329.8727
Supply List:
Oil Paint (these are the colors that I will be using for demos)
Cadmium Lemon
Cadmium Orange (Gamblin Brand)
Quinacridone red and/or Alizarin Crimson
Cadmium Red Medium
Sevre’s Blue (Williamsburg)
(French) Ultramarine Blue
Phthalo Green
Chromium Oxide (an opaque green)
Dioxazine Violet/purple
Raw Umber
Titanium White
Brushes
I have been using synthetic mongoose brushes exclusively for many years - but in one of my last paintings, I began questioning myself why I was putting that limitation on myself? It would best if you could have a variety of brushes on hand - I know this can get expensive though. Having both a few bristle and as well as sable brushes (both can definitely be synthetic, I actually recommend it) is ideal. Also, if you could have at least one flat, a bright (similar to a flat, but shorter), a round, and a filbert( a mix between a round and flat) that would be ideal too. If you aren’t able to have all of these that is okay.
Here’s a set of brushes at Utrecht (Softer bristles)
https://www.utrechtart.com/items/04635-1009/
Here’s another brand of brushed that I have used and like:
https://www.jerrysartarama.com/red-sable-synthetic-black-swan-brushes
Palette Knife/Knives
I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I often find myself sticking to one palette knife - I seem to get very use to it, the way it feels, “drives,” etc. I do have a variety of sizes available though that I can experiment with when I paint.
Here are the ones I am currently using:
https://www.utrechtart.com/items/03117-2011/
https://www.utrechtart.com/items/03117-1051/
Here is a good set of three palette knives that Blick sells. But again, you might already have some sizes that you are comfortable with.
https://www.utrechtart.com/items/03117-0269/
Surfaces:
I prefer making my own surfaces using either muslin on board, or adhering paper to masonite panels which is very cost effective. It is very important to have a quality surface to work on though- if you do buy pre-made canvases, you might want to put a few extra coats of gesso on them. If you have any questions or want any guidance in making surfaces, please reach out, I’m happy to help.
I realize everyone has certain sizes that they are more comfortable working on, for me, I like to paint things close to life size, so I tend to prefer working on a 12” x 16”, 14” x 18”, somewhere around there.
Other Supplies:
Palette - the bigger the better. Personally, I think glass is ideal.
Inexpensive Linseed oil or Walnut Oil (I use this instead of gamsol or turpenoid to clean my brushes when I change colors while painting. There are no fumes).
Glass Jar for the linseed oil or Gamsol/turpenoid
Metal Scraper if using a glass palette
Paper Towels - I have been using Viva Paper towels for years and absolutely love them.
(I don’t use any medium when I paint - I think it helps since I use linseed oil to clean my brushes while I paint).