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December 24, 2005
Big Paintings and Astro-Physics
The bigger the painting the more paint you have to use. Doesn’t take a genius to work that one out. But it isn’t quite that simple, and I think the key to the answer to the whole question of the universe is locked up in here somewhere*.
Painting big paintings is not just a case of using more paint. I have to alter the consistency of the paint to enable me to paint in the manner to which I have become accustomed; that is: energetically and with a profound sense of immediacy.
There must be frightening equations at work here: the ease of application equals the thickness of the paint times the amount used, over the surface to be covered. Because to get paint straight from the tube across nearly 2 metres of primed panel, is a feat in itself. So I let it down with pure turpentine, or extend it with linseed oil. This produces the creamy buttery paint consistency which is almost, but not quite, as good as sex. But this then affects the way the colours mix, or at least the way I mix colours. So we end up with:
The important thing to remember, amongst the dizzying equations, is:
That is: don’t put thin paint over thick paint, or your layers will crack when drying. Always stick to: fat over lean. So no matter how complex or simple the universe is [and let’s face it it probably comes in on the complex side] there are some fundamental truths, worked out over the centuries, that it’s good to stick to.
*well, okay, maybe not
Posted by john at December 24, 2005 03:26 PM
Comments
I have some huge paintings that directly deal with theories of astro physics, check this out: www.adamnisbet.com
Posted by: Adam Nisbet at December 28, 2005 04:57 AM