I agree excellent workHello Joe, I like how you shaded the different blacks on your Lincoln bust. Your use of oil on the stovepipe hat gives it the perfect sheen. Great painting Joe, Regards, SG
Thanks Tarracus! Well it kind of went down like this. I used a flat brush to apply the oils with the idea of duplicating the texture seen on the silk plush top hats of the period. Silk (beaver plush was also used), has a sheen as it is, but I found out that the material was also given a shellac varnish. Thus making them even shinier. After I applied the oils, I placed the piece in the oven to speed up the drying time. Unfortunately, it dried dead matt. So there I was scratching my head wondering what to do next. After consulting with others, I applied a two coat mix of matt medium and Future floor finish. Then was I happyGreat work Joe!.. and smart touch to use oils on the hat, now it has the perfect level of gloss and contrasts nicely with the dull look of the suit
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