Duane A Brown

Joined Artfinder: Jan. 2023

Artworks for sale: 25

United States

Updates from Duane A Brown's studio

  • Oil painting-paper mounting procedure

    Oil painting-paper mounting procedure

    My paper painting (oil) mounting is similar to what most artists use after finishing an oil painting on paper. After letting the painting dry to the touch (about a week), I will mount it to a 1/4" panel of birch wood, which will make it ready to mount into a frame. For paintings heading to a physical gallery, I will add "stretcher"-type supports to the back (1/2"-2"), which I will then paint (usually black), to give it that modern, gallery-wrapped look that eliminates the need for a frame. A smaller percentage of artists simply mount the piece to foam board and cover it with glass. While this will give the painting extra protection from scratches or sneezes, I prefer seeing the painting free from glass glare. I will always apply a retouching varnish to the surface, which protects the painting from most smudges. If the painting has been around long enough to fully dry (about 6 months to a year), I will apply a coat or two of final varnish.

    11 February 2023
    The new (new mexico) digs

    The new (new mexico) digs

    My new main office and studio in New Mexico. When the painting is too large for this room, I will set up in the next room over. That room is what my wife calls the "dining room"... I believe. Otherwise, I prefer a cozy room that doesn't have an echo. I will usually tape a primed piece of "Strathmore" oil painting paper to a hardboard for the painting process. After that, the paper is transferred to a hardboard made for it, so that it's ready to be framed. I also paint on stretched canvas when it feels like the subject calls for it.

    04 February 2023
    The Digital Desk(s)

    The Digital Desk(s)

    I create digital paintings and graphics, but the programs that I use are mainly for piecing an oil painting together. I will also take a picture of a painting in progress, (usually, after the underpainting is finished) and then use Photoshop to help me decide the best colors and opacities to use for the overpainting. The values are usually decided in the underpainting process. I only resort to photoshop when I'm truly stuck, or if I have multiple options for color that all seem good.

    04 February 2023
    The Maulstick (or mahlstick)

    The Maulstick (or mahlstick)

    The frame attached to the easel at the top is a rest for the large maulstick that I made years ago to steady my hand for detail work.

    04 February 2023

    My new digs in New Mexico

    A panoramic view of my "cozy" studio. (please see descriptions in the still-frame images)

    04 February 2023