November 14, 2006
Neo-Megilp
Let me just say this to my artist readers: neo-megilp is just about the most fun thing to come into my studio in the last year (besides Amalia, who now has her painting setup next to mine). I am just starting to explore its potential, and will probably never use conventional glazing medium again. This stuff is GREAT!
I used to read about the original megilp, and it always came along with words like "forbidden" or "disaster" and I thought, "what was the appeal of this stuff?" Texture and luminosity. The problem with the original stuff is that it darkened and cracked. Gamblin has formulated a substitute that is based on synthetic resins, so it will stay flexible and clear.
My big question is: do I need to pay as much attention to fat over lean when using this, and, if so, does stand oil work better than regular linseed oil for fattening up subsequent layers?
Also, do any of my readers have any experience with using Gamblin's traditional gesso on panels for oil paints instead of tempera? Do you have to add rabbit skin glue if you are going to do this? I have been getting conflicting answers from the literature.
Posted by erik at November 14, 2006 12:23 AMHey Erik,
I actually asked Scott Gellatly, the product manager at gamblin about whether Neo Megilp can work with traditional mediums (stand oil, linseeds..etc) and about the fat over lean thing, here's his response to me:
The only compatibility issue between alkyds and traditional mediums is when natural resins, such as dammar, are in the mix. Alkyd resins and naturals resins are different materials that may bond poorly. Alkyd resin is derived from an oil, so they relate very well, and are highly compatible with linseed and stand oil.
The Fat Over Lean principle that you referred to is primarily about flexibility – flexible over less flexible. Alkyd mediums increase the flexibility of paint films, so they should be thought of as “fat”. When alkyd mediums are used for underpainting, Gamsol Odorless Mineral Spirits can be added to decrease their fat content. Please refer to the attachment for more information on the Fat Over Lean principle.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Sincerely,
Scott
He also sent me an attachment about fat over lean as it relates to neo megilp, email me at iti.pathak@gmail.com and I'll be sure to forward that to you as I cannot attach it here.
Thanks for this post, glad to know you're enjoying neo megilp as much as I am!
regards,
Anita
Posted by: Anita at October 8, 2007 12:23 PMI just started using the Neo Megilp. I like it a lot. Pretty slippery which is fine with me.
Posted by: c. Ousley at January 25, 2007 8:36 PM