Unlocking the Artist’s Palette: A Guide to the Perfect Palette, Oil Paints, and More
Unlock the secrets to a more vibrant and efficient painting process with the perfect combination of tools and paints. Discover why I swear by the Jack Richeson Grey Matters Paper Palette for effortless blending and hassle-free cleanup, and how Gamblin paints offer the ideal balance of quality and affordability. Dive into the fascinating world of pigments, learn an invaluable tip from renowned artists like Michael Harding, and elevate your art with insights that could elevate your creative journey. Click the image above to read the full article.
As an artist, finding the right tools can make all the difference in bringing your vision to life. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various palettes for mixing paints, but none have quite captured my heart like the Jack Richeson Grey Matters Paper Palette. Paired with the reliable quality of Gamblin paints and the indispensable linseed oil, these products have become my go-to choices. Let me share why they are essential to my artistic process..
1. The Perfect Neutral Canvas: The neutral grey color of the Grey Matters Paper Palette provides the ideal backdrop for mixing paints. Unlike white palettes, the grey tone helps you see the true colors and values of your mixes, allowing for better color accuracy. This feature is particularly useful when working with a diverse range of hues and shades.
2. Hassle-Free Cleanup: One of the standout benefits of using these paper palettes is the ease of cleanup. Since they are disposable, you can simply tear off the used sheet and toss it away. No more scrubbing or scraping dried paint off glass or wood! This convenience saves time and keeps your workspace tidy, allowing you to focus more on your creative process.
3. Smooth Surface for Easy Blending: The smooth surface of the paper palette makes it incredibly easy to blend colors. Whether you’re working with thick impasto techniques or delicate washes, the Grey Matters Paper Palette provides a consistent and smooth area for your paints, ensuring seamless transitions and mixes.
4. A Love Affair with Gamblin Paints: When it comes to paints, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for Gamblin. They offer a fantastic range of affordable options in different sizes, making them perfect for artists at any stage. Personally, I find the 150ml tubes to be just right for my work, though I also keep a 32-ounce can of titanium white handy, as it’s a color I frequently use. For hobby painters or those testing new colors, the 1.25-ounce tubes are ideal. While I love using Michael Harding's oil paints for their exceptional quality, they can get a bit pricey, which is why Gamblin is my everyday choice.
5. Keeping Paints Vibrant: In a conversation with Michael Harding, I once asked him how to prevent the paint’s life from being absorbed into the canvas. His advice was simple yet profound: "linseed oil." By incorporating linseed oil, you can maintain the vibrancy and longevity of your paints, ensuring your artwork retains its brilliance over time. Whether you prefer Kremmer out of New York or Gamblin’s linseed oil, both are excellent choices.
Speaking of Michael Harding, did you know that he is renowned for his meticulous research into historical pigments and techniques? He has even recreated Rembrandt’s Lead White using a traditional method that dates back to pre-industrial times.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR & ARTIST: BRADFORD BRENNER
Born June 9th, 1959 in New York City, NY to art collector parents, Bradford Brenner has been a professional artist for the last 36 years. His work has been featured in numerous national art publications and can be found in private and corporate collections throughout the world. Brenner’s gallery and studio is located on the historic Plaza in Healdsburg, CA.
Brad received his education from both University of California, Santa Barbara and San Diego State. Receiving creative inspiration and ideas intuitively, his emotive imagery and loose brushstrokes reflect an instinctive and intuitive spirit. Collectors are drawn to the freedom and looseness that represents his unique style, and highly spontaneous rich, multi-layered works. Brenner draws upon a wealth of artistic influences, including his passion for and study of the Old Masters, the Impressionists, the Tonalists and the Abstract Expressionists to create a style that is uniquely his own.
Holiday Newsletter: New Paintings, Art Blog, and More!
Discover the magic of the holiday season with our latest newsletter from Bradford Brenner. Dive into a world of vibrant new paintings, insightful articles in our new "Artist Articles" blog, and unique wearable art and home decor. As we celebrate the joys of this festive time, we extend our warmest wishes and heartfelt thanks for your support and enthusiasm. Wishing you love, laughter, and beautiful memories this holiday season.
Click the image above to read the full article.
We are delighted to share our latest holiday newsletter with you, brimming with exciting updates and heartfelt wishes. As the festive season unfolds, we have some wonderful surprises to brighten your days and inspire your artistic spirit.
Featured New Paintings
Explore the latest additions to Bradford Brenner’s collection, showcasing his masterful use of high-quality oil paints and premium canvas. These new works capture the essence of the season, adding warmth and vibrancy to any space. Each piece reflects Brad's dedication to creating original artworks that resonate with art lovers and collectors alike.
New Artist Blog: "Artist Articles"
We're thrilled to introduce our new blog, "Artist Articles," a hub for insightful and inspiring content about the art world. Whether you're an artist, collector, or enthusiast, our blog offers a wealth of knowledge and creative inspiration. Dive into expert tips, artist stories, and the latest art trends to enrich your appreciation and understanding of contemporary art. Join us on this journey and stay connected with the vibrant art community.
Fun and Original Wearable Artwork and Home Decor
This holiday season, we’re excited to bring you a collection of fun and original wearable artwork and home decor. From unique fashion pieces to stylish home accents, these items are perfect for gifting or adding a touch of artistic flair to your own surroundings. Discover how you can incorporate Brad’s creativity into your daily life and make the holidays extra special.
As the holiday season approaches, I wanted to take a moment to send you our warmest wishes. This time of year is all about joy, reflection, and connection, and we're incredibly grateful for your support and interest in my work.
Thank you for being a part of our art community. Your enthusiasm and appreciation mean the world to us. We hope your holiday season is filled with love, laughter, and beautiful memories.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday and a happy, healthy new year!
Cheers, Brad & Jess Brenner
ABOUT THE AUTHOR & ARTIST: BRADFORD BRENNER
Born June 9th, 1959 in New York City, NY to art collector parents, Bradford Brenner has been a professional artist for the last 35 years. His work has been featured in numerous national art publications and can be found in private and corporate collections throughout the world. Brenner’s gallery and studio is located on the historic Plaza in Healdsburg, CA.
Brad received his education from both University of California, Santa Barbara and San Diego State. Receiving creative inspiration and ideas intuitively, his emotive imagery and loose brushstrokes reflect an instinctive and intuitive spirit. Collectors are drawn to the freedom and looseness that represents his unique style, and highly spontaneous rich, multi-layered works. Brenner draws upon a wealth of artistic influences, including his passion for and study of the Old Masters, the Impressionists, the Tonalists and the Abstract Expressionists to create a style that is uniquely his own.