Garnet Hunters

Tempera Grassa on traditionally primed portrait linen. The location is at our rustic, water access, North Idaho family retreat. My oil for for the painting is made there, annually, from local pine shavings whittled into a flax oil and alcohol emulsion, and then clarified in a process spanning a half year, sometimes more. This oil is clear, transparent, nonyellowing, very fast drying and needs no solvents to incorporate and grind with pigments into fresh paint. Soap and water cleanup is quick and easy. I developed this process in response to a growing sensitivity to all solvents, including those with low VOC. Thankfully, I find it far easier to use than contemporary medium products.