Julie Donec

La Belle Ferronaire #1

This is the latest image we have begun in the latest Master's Techniques class. "La belle Ferroniere" is an oil on panel painting measuring 62 x 44 cm, (approx. 24 x 17") by Leonardo da Vinci. We begin by preparing the same sized panel, in this case I have used a masonite board. I prepped the panel by sanding down the shine with a 220 grit sandpaper stapled to a small block of wood, dusted it off and then wiped it with methyl hydrate/wood alcohol. I then applied a single coat of rabbit skin glue solution on the front and the back of the panel. Over this I mixed up a new type of gesso, called Frederix Gesso Ground (Dry Mix), let it sit overnight, and then warmed it in hot water to apply about 6-8 coats on the panel. The instructions suggest sanding in between coats, but I only did a final sanding before applying my coloured ground. It was the first time I've used this product, and it eliminates the need to mix the titanium white pigment with the calcium carbonate filler and then adding the prepared rabbit skin glue mix. For this type of painting I usually prepare my own gesso from scratch, (which by the way, requires wearing a respirator mask when you mix up all the ingredients). After using the pre-mixed ground, I would say that if I had a choice between the two, I much prefer the traditional mixing method, and not the 'pre-mixed' Frederix ground. The traditional method seems to go on smoother, dries faster, (allowing for quicker coat re-application), and generally appears "whiter" and has a better surface. You can try them both; I'll include the recipe for both the rabbit skin glue and the gesso mix on this site, and you can try it for yourself. Let the panel dry overnight after the gesso application, and test for dryness the next day. If it's dry, sand with a very fine sandpaper, (I used 400), dust off and get ready to apply your coloured ground. Look at the close up for the next set of instructions.