I’ve discovered Wyeth’s use of the time period deceptive, as a result of Wyeth’s “drybrush” work usually have quite a lot of very moist passages. Wyeth did not suppose like different artists, and his notions about his use of the medium are blended in with quite a lot of feelings and instincts. Here is what Wyeth himself stated: 

Garret Room” (proper) is an excellent instance.

Wyeth continues: “After I stroke the paper with the dried brush, it is going to make varied distinct strokes without delay, and I begin to develop the types of no matter object it’s till they begin to have actual physique. However, if you wish to have it come to life beneath, it’s essential to have an thrilling undertone of wash. In any other case, in case you simply work drybrush over a white floor, it is going to look an excessive amount of like drybrush.”

It was uncommon for Wyeth to permit different artists to look at him paint, however he made a couple of exceptions, and what follows are some quotes from what these observers observed about his supplies and strategies.

Les Linton says: “I met Andrew Wyeth in March of 1976 and was capable of not solely communicate to him about his supplies, but in addition ask about his methods. He was normally reticent about tech speak, however for some motive he warmed as much as me and I used to be capable of spend a complete afternoon asking questions.

Les continues: His paint field was there on the desk by the again door and that is after I obtained the primary clue about his use of gouache. I did discover he had a tube of Shiva casein white in there additionally. After I requested him about it he stated as soon as it dried, it was much less more likely to choose up when painted over once more. I feel that was the opaque white he used most in his watercolors and drybrush work, however I can not swear to it.”

In accordance with Linton and different observers, “a lot of the paper was Imperial (22″ x 30”) 140 lb. Chilly Press (or “Not,” which in Brit-speak means not easy or tough) woven linen, not cotton, and handmade. That is why the sizing was “more durable,” not like the softer cotton watercolor paper later revived beneath the Whatman title (and mildew made mimicking the unique Whatman handmade texture). This more durable floor is without doubt one of the explanation why Wyeth was capable of abuse the floor of the paper so simply. He used sandpaper, knives, metal wool, and absolutely anything else he may discover. Wyeth additionally had a big provide of tough Whatman Imperial sheets readily available as effectively.”

“A lot of Wyeth’s drybrush watercolors had been painted on extraordinarily easy 3-ply, plate end (Bristol) from Strathmore. Among the earlier Bristol paper he used (50’s & 60’s) was not archival, however present manufacturing is. You’ll be able to see yellowing in a few of his earlier research and drawings on that specific paper.

“Mr. Wyeth used Winsor & Newton watercolors (with a couple of Grumbacher colours) and in addition made a lot use of W/N Gouache in his darker, earthier passages. The opaque watercolor got here in useful in his drybrush watercolors painted in a extra detailed egg tempera approach. He sometimes added alcohol (or whiskey) to his water when portray open air in chilly climate to retard freezing.”

“The paint thickener got here from liquid gum arabic as effectively. These passages look thicker, ‘juicier,’ and are characterised by little bubbles (not doable with simply water). He used an previous, beat up, folding, enameled metallic watercolor palette after I noticed it within the 70s. I am fairly certain his personal watercolor palette was made within the U.S., however the nearest factor I’ve seen to it’s the giant, black, metallic folding palette made by Holbein of Japan – almost definitely a duplicate of that very same design. He favored W/N Sequence 7 Kolinsky sable rounds and used to purchase the dimensions #1’s “by the fistful,” once more in response to Berndt (who used to child sit Andy when he was a toddler!). I’ve at all times assumed these very small brushes had been bought for his temperas and drybrush work and he wore them out readily.”