New paints

I am always looking at new materials and trying new paints.  Last fall at the Weekend with the Masters, Gamblin Paints gave the participants a sample of a new product they were soon to be marketing.  In our bag was a tube of Transparent Earth Red alkyd oil paint.  I was excited since earth red (transparent earth oxide red) is a color I frequently use in my underpaintings.  Thinking I could buy their alkyd line of paints now, I found out that they were still in the "testing" stage.  Upon calling, they asked if I would like to be a tester.  Well Monday a box of three colors arrived-transparent earth red, ultramarine blue, and titanium white.  They dry within 18 to 24 hours which means I can begin painting over my underpainting the next day.  Yesterday I laid in my underpainting using these three colors plus transparent yellow ochre and so far I am thrill with the results.  The product is called FASTMATTE and I hope they will be on sale soon.

Also, this Sunday, I will be leaving to attend Sadie Valeri's workshop in Brandenton, Florida.  If you haven't visited her blog, you must.  There is so much information available, you could be on it for days just learning new and interesting information.