My Playground
In the photo above are 3 samples of Lapis Lazuli(click on photo) On the left is a sample I acquired in Florence and after testing it appears to be about 80% synthetic (causes the visible clumping). On the right is a sample acquired in Amsterdam that is pure, but not from the best stone. Both samples cost about $150 for 10 grams. In the center is a sample of my product derived by hand from gem quality Lapis Lazuli and extensively purified using only water. I have some Lapis Lazuli that I would be willing to sell.
Todd Leninger (503) 234-5469 Portland, Oregon USA or tvleninger [at] yahoo [dot] com
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Above are examples of Greek Palette blue and green in their earliest stages. These colors were derived using only black, white, red and yellow. Color Theory experts claim the Greek Palette to be a myth, but as you can see, Blues and greens are possible.
Above are photos of my recipe for copal varnish. The first photo shows Frederick Taubes Copal Medium on the left, Grumbacher Copal Medium on the right, and my product in the center. Both Taubes and Grumbacher are thin, watery and dark. The second photo shows my copal varnish after being tilted and held at this angle for a full five seconds to demonstrate its viscosity. If it were thinned to the consistency of the others, it would be exceptionally paler. The third photo shows my copal on a test slide. This sample has been kept in the dark and is about seven years old, yet it continues to become paler and more transparent with time. The 4th photo shows the droplet from the side showing it is thicker than any painted surface needs to be. The fifth photo is my copal varnish mixed with additional ingredients to become my copal medium which after about 2 years still appears “wet”. My Copal varnish is derived from clues dating back to the 15th Century, as it was used in painting, which differs from the recipe/process used for making Copal furniture varnish available today which does not demand the clarity or purity I have sought.
Here is a photo of a commercially available marble dust on the left and my product on the right, made from pure carrara marble and processed in the method of creating “San Giovanni” (or St. John’s)white. The next photo is of grumbacher mastic varnish on the left and my mastic varnish on the right.
Final Note:The quality that comes from a profit-making manufacturer is normally the best that they can produce and yet remain competitively priced. The quality that is possible with a self-manufactured product that does not require a direct financial return has no limitations other than the knowledge and ability of the producer.There is no way that I could market my Copal Varnish. After cost of materials and time working at minimum wage, the small sample above would have to be priced around $400 to break even.
Art Supplies that are available in Europe are much more varied and of better quality than what is generally readily available in the USA. Many of the items shown are not available anywhere on the internet or in the USA.
European acquisitions 2010- Pigments, mediums, chemicals, tools