The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques
Encyclopedia
The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques is a reference book by Ralph Mayer. Intended by the author for use by professional artists, it deals mostly with the chemical and physical properties of traditional painterly materials such as oil
, tempera
, and solvents. It also has extensive coverage of ancillary activities such as stretching canvas
, care and maintenance of tools, and conservation of older paintings.
Originally published in 1940, the Handbook was referred to as "the painter's bible" at the time, and continues to be have a place on the reading list in American universities to this day. It underwent three extensive revisions in his lifetime, and fifth posthumous edition is still in print.
Oil paint
Oil paint is a type of slow-drying paint that consists of particles of pigment suspended in a drying oil, commonly linseed oil. The viscosity of the paint may be modified by the addition of a solvent such as turpentine or white spirit, and varnish may be added to increase the glossiness of the...
, tempera
Tempera
Tempera, also known as egg tempera, is a permanent fast-drying painting medium consisting of colored pigment mixed with a water-soluble binder medium . Tempera also refers to the paintings done in this medium. Tempera paintings are very long lasting, and examples from the 1st centuries AD still exist...
, and solvents. It also has extensive coverage of ancillary activities such as stretching canvas
Canvas
Canvas is an extremely heavy-duty plain-woven fabric used for making sails, tents, marquees, backpacks, and other items for which sturdiness is required. It is also popularly used by artists as a painting surface, typically stretched across a wooden frame...
, care and maintenance of tools, and conservation of older paintings.
Originally published in 1940, the Handbook was referred to as "the painter's bible" at the time, and continues to be have a place on the reading list in American universities to this day. It underwent three extensive revisions in his lifetime, and fifth posthumous edition is still in print.