How did Degas change the way artists used oil paint?

How did Degas change the way artists used oil paint? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/jPEQPq86lC

— National Gallery (@NationalGallery) February 15, 2024

The World of Pastels

From the National Gallery in London:

"Delve into the strange and magical world of pastels Liotard's pastel and oil versions of 'The Lavergne Family Breakfast' have been reunited for first time in 250 years. Book to visit our free exhibition: http://bit.ly/3gR1VIO"

Why did Frans Hals paint monsters in his friend's portrait?

From the National Gallery in London:

"Curator Bart Cornelis explains the meaning behind a hidden monster and skull in this 17th-century portrait by Frans Hals, and how they helped to identify the sitter as Isaac Massa.

He's accompanied by one of our restorers, Paul Ackroyd, and Larry Keith, Head of Conservation and Keeper, who help reveal this painting's secrets.

🎨  Find out more about the artist Frans Hals: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/frans-hals

🎨 Book tickets now for 'The Credit Suisse Exhibition: Frans Hals'

Open 30 September 2023 – 21 January 2024

https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/the-credit-suisse-exhibition-frans-hals

Hals was one of the most sought-after painters of his generation. A gifted artist whose deft brushwork was unparalleled, he built his reputation on a new style of portrait – highly unusual in his time – that showed relaxed, lively sitters, often smiling, and even laughing.

This exhibition, the first major retrospective of Hals in more than thirty years, means a new generation can discover why he deserves his place as one of the greatest painters in Western art."

 

Cleaning Constable's 'Hay Wain' | National Gallery

One in a series of fascinating videos from the National Gallery in London that describe the restoration of artworks in their collection. As a painter, I have learned about and experimented with numerous techniques in various media, especially oil paint. It is quite instructive to learn from skilled conservators about the process involved in the creation and conservation of Constable's paintings. In this video, Restorer Paul Ackroyd shows the effects of removing the discoloured 80-year-old varnish from 'The Hay Wain', including some of the painting's small details which have been made clearer during the process.

The National Gallery in London houses the national collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The museum is free of charge and open 361 days per year, daily between 10.00 am - 6.00 pm and on Fridays between 10.00 am - 9.00 pm. 

Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN 

https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk