Hi all,
I prefer to use Iron Oxide Black (PBk11) for my darkest values as I read that unmixed Lamp Black (PBk6) can have cracking issues due to the very small pigment size and oil absorbing nature. I use it pure for the darkest values and then mixed in with other pigments for the darker colours in my painting.
However I do find Iron Oxide Black dries a bit quick. Would mixing it with Lamp Black be acceptable from an archival point of view so I get a bit more open time? Would the Iron Oxide help the paint film withthe larger particles and less oil rich nature?
I work on rigid panels on a toothy surface with paints made more fluid with walnut oil (no solvents). With this extra oil and lack of movement do you think I would experience any issues with using pure Lamp Black areas? Or would it be safer to use a mix with Iron Oxide Black or Iron Oxide on it’s own?
Thank you,
Richard
Thank you Matthew for your help. That makes me less inclined to paint with lamp black alone!
Richard, That sounds like a sensible approach, mixing the two blacks to arrive at something with the properties you want. Personally, I think it’s best to avoid painting broad areas with lamp black alone, even on a panel, especially if you’re not using a medium that can support film strength, like alkyd. Just as an example, while I don’t know for certain which black was used on William Orpen’s Portrait of Grace (1907), in this picture there is fairly apparent splitting of the type I think might result from broadly painted lamp black.
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