well now I’ve done it. I have to get this tool chest painted so I can get on with the rest of my life. But today I painted for about 4 hours or more. And was it tiring! Standing in one position all day. And there’s more to go. but here’s what I got today.
I marked out some artificial spacing – created “stiles” on the ends of the chest front, and a center muntin. this way it mimics the lid above it. Then I started outlining the designs for the resulting two panels. I chose to use stuff I know well, that reduced how much head-scratching I had to do…then I outlined the pattern in bone black pigment.
beginning the outline
The pine chest is not primed in any way, so it’s quite absorbent. Helps the paint dry quickly.
well on its way
Then came some yellow ochre, just like I did yesterday.
details & backgrounds
As before, I am figuring this out as I go. Getting some paint on there helps to see where I have to go next. There’s a lot of area to cover. Can’t leave anything blank.
the drawers
I knew I wanted fake drawer fronts on the skirt around the bottom of the chest; but I didn’t outline them in black, just scribed them with marking gauge & awl. So I will go back when this dries, and add outlines.
half done
This is the front, about half-done. Gotta figure out the “muntin” for this section; and add some details. Next week I hope to finish the painting. Then I can start using the chest.
One nice part was standing at the window all day. Saw a red fox scoot by; but the camera was up on the tripod, so no shot of him. He’s a regular – I’ll get him at some point.
January 19, 2012 at 9:42 pm
Beautiful!
January 19, 2012 at 10:54 pm
Looking pretty cool.
January 20, 2012 at 1:28 am
Very neat. I had never seen or heard of a mahl stick, but as soon as I saw your photos I new I had to start using one. Great work!
January 20, 2012 at 6:51 am
But if you’ve never heard of “mahl” stick – how did you get the term? I used to use one when I studied (briefly) painting at an easel. But any stick will do…
January 21, 2012 at 2:05 am
I googled “stick paint hand”… First hit.
I don’t think I’ll go buying a special stick or anything, but this is a technique I guarantee I’m going to adopt.
Thanks
January 20, 2012 at 8:03 am
Truly awesome. I can’t wait for the finish. Are you using wet or dry pigments and mixing them with BLO? I am no artist but from yesterdays post I get this impression and if so I would like to try it.
Thanks.
January 20, 2012 at 12:39 pm
What will go over top of the paint? A clear finish of some sort?
Beautiful work. What would our plain, drab pilgrim ancestors have thought of it? (he asked, running for cover…)
January 20, 2012 at 2:29 pm
Very pretty!
January 20, 2012 at 8:46 pm
You mention in your last note the paint being pigment and linseed oil – this is plain linseed oil, not the “boiled” stuff?
Really loving this work. It really strikes me for some reason. I want to see everything painted like this now!
January 21, 2012 at 8:34 am
Fantastic work,may I ask what type of paint are you using and will the finish affect the paint thanks
January 30, 2012 at 8:36 am
[...] You can read all about the painting process on Peter’s blog. There’s a piece on period designs he used to inspire his work. Plus these two illustrated posts that show the painting process here and here. [...]