About Paul Herman Expertise I can answer many questions about art theory & history though my knowledge in certain areas of history go deeper than others. I can also confidently offer answers about technique & materials in most fine art methods except copper engraving where I am still learning.
Experience Being a second generation painter forms the greatest part of my education, I grew up in my parent's studios & by 16 was a professional painter/sculptor.
Publications A few articles about art theory & being an artist on my blog if you are interested in seeing a sample of my writing: http://www.HermanStudios.com/blog.html
Education/Credentials 'A' levels in London (Kingsway & Princeton) & an unfinished degree (3 years) at NYUB (state university at Buffalo, NY)
Past/Present Clients Some are mentioned on my site, several are European nobility otherwise I guess the most 'quotable in a blurb sense' were Saks fifth avenue both in NYC (where though many including, Andy Warhol & Jasper Johns, have appeared in their windows I was the first commissioned artist in their history) & Beverly Hills.
Expert: Paul Herman Date: 5/12/2008 Subject: Preserving an old oil painting I did in 1972
Question QUESTION: I recently reaquired an oil painting I painted in 1972. It was never varnished. I has been on the east coast in a humid environment and now resides in Colorado Springs, a very dry climate.
Should I do something to protect based on both age, it's unprotected status and its new arid environment?
You suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
ANSWER: Hi Joe,
You remind me of my Mum, who is a restoration artist (conservator), not long ago a client brought her an antique painting to clean & when she looked at it she realized it was one she herself had painted almost 50 years ago!
You will have to give me the details of the medium used (oils, acrylics, watercolour et al) & the support (canvas, paper, board...) before I can answer your question (a photograph would also be helpful.)
Sincerely,
Paul
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks, Paul. In response to your question, it's oil on canvas and has held up well over the years. The painting is 24 x 30 inches. There is some faint hairline cracking in some areas but nothing that looks too concerning at this time.
My question comes primarily from concern over the painting's change in environment: from the humid east coast at sea level to the arid dry air at 6500 feet elevation here in Colorado Springs.
Answer Hi Joe,
My Dad told me a story of painting a Bedouin in the Gobi desert where it was so hot & dry the painting cracked as he painted! I have also seen paint separate from its ground in tropical climes but generally, if an oil painting has been prepared properly, layers fully dry before new ones are applied, it is anything but fragile (will take a beating & keep on ticking!) Certainly: moisture is more of a threat than a hot/dry atmosphere.
One thing many artists don't realize (& this may apply here) is that varnish (Damar varnish) is a protection that is not meant to 'seal' the surface of a painting (just as one shouldn't seal the back of a canvas- the oils need to 'breathe' out both sides of the canvas in order to take advantage of their flexible qualities instead of cracking).
Damar is porous (which is why it yellows with age) & only meant to protect a painting for about 50 years at which point it has absorbed so much pollutant from the air that it begins to reach the paint layer below the varnish.
Damar is meant to be stripped at this point & a new layer applied.
P.S. A good reason to remember to sign before varnishing! Otherwise future restorers/conservators will remove your signature when cleaning your painting.
Sincerely,
Paul
Sorry for the delay in answering, I was out of town- if you don't mind: please rate my answer & feel free to write again if you have any further questions.
