Clark Walding

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Painting Methodology:

Canvas preparation begins with a generous even coat of raw acrylic emulsion that is applied to the raw canvas prior to stretching. This tightens the canvas and seals it as well. Next about 5 layers of acrylic gesso are applied. No sanding is used to obtain maximum tooth. All of the acrylic layers are done with a brush.The next step involves a knifed on layer of alkyd based titanium/zinc white mixed with Georgia tile setters clay, which is extremely fine.  This layer is knifed on in the same manner as the following oil and wax layers, and left to dry for about a week.

After the previous applications have cured the oil and wax layers are introduced. I use acrylic to seal the canvas from oil paint, which would eventually cause rot. The acrylic keeps the canvas more flexible than traditional rabbit skin glue and oil primers. Knife work pressures the canvas more than a brush would and can leave marks left by the brace bars. The alkyd layer, (oil based) is kept as thin as possible with the clay, yet completely covers the canvas. The clay adds a beautiful fine grained tooth that the oil and wax really clings to.