Post 294: Great Find - Varnishing Artwork Videos

Great Find - Varnishing Artwork Videos

I have been asked by several Prince William Art Society members, "Do you varnish your paintings? If you do, what do you use?" Perhaps it is because of how my finished artwork appears or just in general. For whatever reason, I'm offering these 'Great Find Videos' here about varnishing videos I have watched and found quite useful, and I will give you my answer to the member questions too.

 

Photo by Surface on Unsplash 

Acrylic Varnishing

Finding Jerry's Live videos with Emmy - every Tuesday at about 5pm have been very informative. You may want to go to Jerry's Artarama and get signed up for the reminders. The videos can also be found on Jerry's Live on Youtube - so have at it! I actually won a really nice watercolor set one time from Jerry's when watching a live show and answering a question! I often take notes because they offer so much info!

 

Jerry’s LIVE Episode #JL205: Varnishing Acrylic and Other Media Paintings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d6d9IcL6TU

 

I mainly paint in acrylics so this first video was of great interest to me. Nonetheless, with all the fluctuations in prices and supply chain shortages ongoing - my favored varnish to use on acrylic paintings has been Krylon Kamar Varnish. The cost of a can has increased, so do shop around. Walmart may still be the least expensive place to occasionally find it. Originally, I was finding it at about $5-6 a can, but its more now.

I've also been asked, "Do you feel like artwork should be varnished?" Empathic "YES!" from me. I feel like it protects the artwork from wear, tear, sun, dust far better than not having it. You do want varnish with longevity of the artwork in mind and non-yellowing. 

 

I DO RECOMMEND taking your art photos BEFORE you varnish though. The camera will often pick up the shine and you will have to deal with that in Photoshop. 

Can you paint over the varnish, touchups, changes? Yes, with the Kamar Varnish. Then respray.

As far as the color changing after you varnish, I LOVE IT. I love the intensity and depth that a good varnish brings out. That's me. You do you.

Oil Varnishing

Jerry’s LIVE Episode #JL203: Varnishing Oil Paintings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr83mBD9LlU

 

I haven't oil painted in awhile, but I hope to try it again in the near future. I'll be rewatching this video when I do. 

What do you use, if you varnish? Why?

Great Find Videos - do you, as a PWAS member, have a suggestion for a video you have found? Send me the link and the reason why we need to share it on this blog.

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Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.

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Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5
The Prince William Art Society is a 50-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

Want to know how to get involved at OSA? If you are an artist (18 or older) living in Prince William County, or a are a member of a PWC art group, you are welcome to get on our next art show's emailing list. Send it to us, OR come by the gallery to find out more.

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

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