Materials

• Canvases and Boards

I use good quality Belgian linen, prepared on stretcher bars for larger works or sometimes I mount the linen onto a timber backing using acid free EVA glue, making the canvas surface firm, enabling me to paint the detail with more accuracy. For small to medium works, I tend to use triple coated Gesso boards. The smooth surface is great for painting technical subjects or finely detailed works.

• Brushes

– My favourite brush is the versatile Filbert. Sizes range from #2 through to #12 with most work being done with sizes #6 and #8. Good quality flat brushes, sizes #4 / #12 with medium to long bristles are used mainly for blocking in and applying good “meaty’ textural strokes. I keep cheaper flats and old scrubbers for “scrubbing in” colour and “scumbling” techniques. – I use a range of “sable mix” liner brushes for small, detailed work (sizes 0 to 4) and a selection of “well worn” and springy painting knives. A few old varnish brushes and fan brushes round out my selection. Paints – Australian made Art Spectrum Artists Oil Colours – Ultramarine Blue – Cerulean Blue – Spectrum Violet – Permanent Magenta – Spectrum Crimson – Cadmium Red – Cadmium Orange – Cadmium Yellow, Deep – Cadmium Yellow – Light Red – Yellow Ochre – Titanium White – Viridian Mediums and Solvents – Refined linseed oil. – Art Spectrum Odourless Solvent, – Gum turpentine (when

painting outdoors). – #4 A.S. Medium Liquol