HOME | DD

SoCalPainter In reply to Ownerest [2014-12-05 07:22:41 +0000 UTC]

It was a great fight though. Had to paint Forrest 'cause of mad respect for his fight-for-the-ages match with Bonnar. 

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Ownerest In reply to SoCalPainter [2014-12-05 09:43:08 +0000 UTC]

yeah, but they withered real quick.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

SoCalPainter In reply to TLTaylor [2013-12-04 19:44:25 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for your kind comments. 

I love oil painting, and after a few smaller pieces I consider successful (they're on DA, the small flowers, fish, etc.) I tried working much bigger and more complex… a few still lives. Unfortunately, I put a ton of time into them (there are 3) in the last 1 1/2 years and 2 of the 3 were on supports that ended up warping badly, and I don't have the heart to continue with them after a ton of work done on them (just pulling them out of the closet and seeing the warping on the board breaks my heart!). 

The 2 that warped were on UNcradled MDF, which taught me a lesson to ALWAYS use a cradled board! Fortunately, the 1 still life that's in good shape is almost done, a very detailed classic car painting. I should be done with it by the end of the year, and have 2 other smaller works somewhat done, on a non-warping board. 

Thanks for the fave, check back in a month or two to see the newest painting. 

👍: 0 ⏩: 2

TLTaylor In reply to SoCalPainter [2013-12-06 23:25:58 +0000 UTC]

I'm being a pest,I know ,but why MDF? Why not Masonite? It's super smooth, takes gesso well, doesn't warp. I know it's waterproof cause they used to make boat transoms out of it. Artist friends of mine have used it for years. They said the one with a hard glazed finish is the stuff to use. I think it's an exterior grade. Just ask in'. I can't use MDF, I'm sensitive to the formaldehyde  glue in it.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

SoCalPainter In reply to TLTaylor [2013-12-07 02:53:23 +0000 UTC]

Not a pest at all.

It is my understanding that masonite is a specific brand name of MDF (I could be wrong, of course). I've used whatever I've found at the art store near me; whether it was MDF or specifically masonite, I don't know. The stuff I've bought worked fine for smaller works, up to 11" x 14" (width of 1/4"). I bought some at 16"x20" and at first all was well; then I noticed when I was bringing them in the house (I put them in the sun, under a clear plastic drawer, when not being worked on) that they were warping - most likely from the sun's heat. 

I put them out there to speed up the drying process, and never worked this big before. I stopped taking them outside but no matter what was done they remain somewhat warped (they did seem to return somewhat to their original shape but not totally). 

I don't know what the difference is between masonite and what I use, if any, nor where to get it, besides doing an internet search for it. Regardless, I'm quite happy with my current procedure, which is:

Ampersand hardboard (cradled!)

Glue fine weave canvas to it with GAC-100

Gesso + sand until smooth, but with some canvas weave. 

If you have any insight to the difference betw. masonite and MDF, I'm all ears. I love the look of fine canvas, but the firmness, straightness and non-bounce of a firm base. 

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

TLTaylor In reply to SoCalPainter [2013-12-07 17:15:16 +0000 UTC]

MDF is made with compressed celluloid  and formaldehyde  glue. It's primary use was for building case work for the cabinet industry. It is less dense than Masonite. Masonite is steam compressed wood fibre and resin and was first made by a fellow named Mason in the 1920's. After googling it I see Masonite (the company) also makes MDF, now that's confusing. Google has articles and images of Masonite for painting. It is dark brown smooth and hard on one side and rigged on the back. Panels are about a quarter of an inch thick. Is this similar to the stuff you used ? Masonite that I'm  thinking of is the stuff used for peg board and door skins.  I hope this helps. It's such a piss off to do all that work and have the substrate fail on you. I've never painted on this  stuff but I use it when I stretch water colour paper. 

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

TLTaylor In reply to SoCalPainter [2013-12-04 22:07:13 +0000 UTC]

Sounds like a plan. I'll be back.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

SoCalPainter In reply to LysusGashtall [2011-02-15 19:41:49 +0000 UTC]

Don't cry! Paint (or draw)!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0