Update on liquin

Well, I've used the dreaded liquin and no allergic reaction : it did have rather a chemical smell though. I think I will use it for en plein air work : the consistency is good and it is easy to use and relatively colourless. The chemical smell is a bit of a concern in a cold Edinburgh studio : I really cannot bring myself to open the windows at the moment, it being 2 or 3 degrees outside. I have ordered some sun bleached linseed oil : I think this may suit my studio work better : it is a natural oil, but dries faster. I will report back (eventually) on that.

To liquin or not to liquin ?

Having started work for my next exhibition I am thinking about fast drying mediums. I really like using many layers of linseed oil based mediums to get a colourful, layered and deep feel to the work, but time is running out ! Last year I used Winsor and Newton's drying linseed oil, which I found excellent, especially for working outside. The only issue is that it may yellow, but for most of my work this hasn't been a problem, as the colour bases I use tend to have a high proportion of yellows. I also used liquin impasto, which was great, gave a real texture and depth to the outdoor work, while allowing it to dry fairly rapidly and remain stable. However, I eventually realised after a couple of times using it, that the massive allergic reaction I had was to the liquin impasto. What a shame ! I now have some ordinary liquin, and am trying to build up my nerve to give it a go : it would certainly make my life easier to have an alternative fast drying medium that was readily available everywhere. I'm gonna go down the studio now and try it ! I'll report back.