[neon]

Thanks cocknose. I'll look that stuff up and try it out. See what happens..

[finbarr]

I actually love the effect of flat/matte acrylic colour. I must try and find the time to do all that stuff again... havent done a lot in the last couple of years at all

Not used oils that much simply because I had difficulty with the drying times (too impatient).

[cocknose]

that spectra gel stuff is a product of "Spectrum"!!!....oh and finally think about varnishing it when you have finished, different finishes of varnishes can't produce interesting effects

[neon]

That's a good point Cocknose. I was thinking for when I finished it, if I needed to varnish it to protect it/keep it clean or not? wasn't sure what to do.

Finbarr I also find it hard to find time to do stuff like this aswell, because of my job - when I get home, picking up a pencil or switching the mac on is the last thing I want to do. I just try to find time at the weekend, but I can't stand starting something if I know I won't get it finished in a day. Probably why most of my stuff is half finished.

[cocknose]

i won't bother telling you a sure way of doing it... you should experiment with finishing processes so you can get a feel, just bob down to your local art supply store and pick up some spray varnish, take a look at the finishes they supply.
oh... check the can to see if its plastic or oil based... remember you can't put a plastic based chemical on an oil based one because of drying times...

Just in case you didn't know you should seal your drawings with hair spray!!

Whilst i'm at it.. preparation of canvas is very important! use a size, classically rabbit skin glue but there are alternatives but don't have the same smell, and Gesso for board. I would normally put a ground down (first layer of paint to finally seal and to work as a compliment colour to your pallette) but thats old school so not necessary but if you are doing portraiture think about it.

[Alexanda]

art geek

[cocknose]

remember that debt!!!... it paid for something...