What is a Medium, and Why Do You Need It?
When we talk about the term "medium" in the world of art, it has a dual meaning. The first meaning refers to the binder—a substance that connects pigments (the colorants, usually in powder form) to create paint. For instance, if you mix a pigment with acrylic binder, you end up with acrylic paint. If it's oil, the binder is oil. Adding wax to a pigment results in a paint that uses wax as its binder. This combination of pigment and binder transforms a simple powder into vibrant paint.
The second meaning of medium refers to any additive mixed into the paint that already contains both a binder and pigment. As a painter, you can use various materials as additives for oil paints. The purpose of these additives is to modify the paint's properties to suit your personal preferences. Some artists prefer to work without any additives, using the paint straight from the tube, while others experiment and mix "recipes" for their own unique additives. In fact, some artists switch between several different additives during their painting process to achieve various color effects, adhering to the principle of "fat over lean."
Common Misconceptions About Additives
Many beginner painters believe that the right additive can magically enhance their work, thinking that if they just uncover the "secret recipe" of a seasoned artist, they too can elevate their art. However, the reality is a bit more nuanced. The "secret" additive used by a veteran painter is likely a carefully crafted mix tailored to their unique needs and years of experience with different materials.
Instead of trying to copy another artist's formula, new painters should focus on understanding the different properties of available additives. This knowledge allows you to create a medium or additive that suits your individual style and requirements. This article outlines the main categories of materials used for creating additives and mediums, helping you navigate the variety of options available.
Key Considerations When Creating Your Own Medium
Before you start mixing your own medium, ask yourself a few important questions:
Do I prefer a thin or thick paint consistency?
Am I looking for a glossy or matte finish?
If I'm working in layers, what oil concentration do I need for each stage?
Do I want the paint to have a specific texture?
Should my brush strokes be smooth and free of visible marks?
Do I need the paint to dry quickly for daily work?
By reflecting on these questions, you can determine the right medium or additive to
purchase or mix for your own creative process.
Categories of Additive Materials
As previously mentioned, oil paint in tubes primarily consists of pigment suspended in linseed oil (the binder). Many other substances can also suspend pigments, such as walnut oil, poppy oil, and various resins (also known as balsams). Linseed oil is the most common binder for oil paints but can also serve as an additive, which adds to the potential confusion surrounding the term "medium."
Generally, artists categorize the additives they use into five main groups:
1. Thinners and Solvents
This large group includes various distillates used to thin oil (making it more fluid) and solvents that dissolve paint (physically transferring pigment from one medium to another). Thinners evaporate quickly and typically don't remain on the canvas, making them useful primarily during the initial stages of painting. Solvents are often used for cleaning brushes.
2. Oils and Extenders
These are substances that do not evaporate quickly but dry when exposed to air, helping to extend the paint straight from the tube, allowing for smoother application and better gloss. This category mainly includes drying oils like linseed oil but excludes non-drying oils like paraffin or baby oil.
3. Driers
These materials speed up the drying process of the oils and extenders.
4. Varnishes
This group includes various coating and glossing materials that enhance the sheen and protect the artwork from environmental damage. These substances dry quickly, typically in about 20 minutes.
5. Thickeners
These materials increase the viscosity of the binder in oil paint, making them suitable for impasto techniques and texture creation.
Conclusion
Understanding the different categories of additives and mediums is essential for any painter looking to refine their craft. By asking the right questions and exploring the properties of various materials, you can create a tailored medium that enhances your unique artistic expression. Remember, the journey of discovering what works best for you is just as important as the final artwork you create
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