Studio Products :: Specialties

Olio Verde #16263

Based on well-researched mediums of the late 18th century, Olio Verde is the painting medium we custom crafted for noted contemporary realist, Graydon Parrish, for use on his large allegorical painting. Olio Verde is a heat-bodied oil containing both lead and copper salts. Maintained at 125F for more than a week, the oil eventually thickens and absorbs the metals. The final result is an exceptionally smooth-handling oil that dries fast and to a solid, hard finish. We have long wanted to offer this very special handling oil to our customers. Because it is so time consuming to make, Olio Verde will always be a limited production item. Olio Verde combines the handling and longevity of both lead and copper in the oil. Thin it with best quality turpentine or Oil of Spike.

One preferred method of using it is to make a couch by rubbing a thin coat onto the canvas and then painting into the lightly wet areas. A small amount of Olio Verde can be added to the paint itself. It dries overnight to a moderate sheen. Made for the artist's eye, we've put this medium into a graceful blown glass amphora that contains four and a half ounces (134 ml.) of Olio Verde. For most painters, that will be enough for several years (it only gets better with age).

This presentation package comes with a wax-sealed traditional cork bound with a brightly colored string and a wax seal with the Cennini bee symbol. A hand-applied copper rim reflects the copper spiral found in the bottom of the amphora. The addition of copper helps to preserve the oil and causes it to react to light by growing clear on clear days and cloudy on cloudy days. This has no effect on how it handles and dries, but it does indicate that the medium is active and not a chemically inactive diluent.

The amphora is about the size of a large orange. It is supported on a sturdy wrought metal stand with an antique verdigris finish. Because of the nature of these two powerful metallic driers, a thin skin forms in the bottle. Simply puncture that skin and pour out what you need. A new protective skin forms within a week. This is an heirloom presentation made with the artist's eye in mind.