AN Archives: Paul Trebilcock – Painting on Aluminum
Paul Trebilcock (1902-1981) was an accomplished portrait painter born in Chicago, Illinois. With a background in chemistry and additional studies at the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Illinois, his unique blend of scientific insight into paints as well as Old Masters’ techniques resulted in captivating works depicting prominent business figures, scientists, and church leaders. In this particular article from long ago, Mr. Treblicock wrote about aluminum being used for paintings, and he made the case for why it might have been advantageous when compared to other substrates available on the market back then.
In the December 1944 edition of American Artist, Trebilcock made the case for aluminum as an optimal substrate for oil painting. Here are some of the key points about aluminum that distinguish it from traditional canvas:
1
Permanence. Aluminum panels are inherently permanent because their aluminum oxide coating is created with an electro-chemical bond that is chemically neutral and inert.
2
Adhesion. The aluminum oxide coating contains trillions of microscopic pores. These pores can be penetrated by linseed oil, creating a secure bond between the paint and substrate.
3
Durability. Unless you’re striking it with a hammer, aluminum is quite strong. Unlike traditional canvas, there is no risk of tearing, wrinkling, or cutting. If you’re considering future restoration of your work, this is a significant advantage. Aluminum panels are also unaffected by water or moisture. In addition, its expansion and contraction from temperature changes is much less than what you can expect from canvas and traditional sizing.
Have you painted on aluminum? Share your thoughts below!
Hi, I live and work in Haifa, Israel. In recent years I mainly explore pastel painting. Never the less, last year I painted a small portrait of a Greek friend who passed for his daughter. I decided to try oil painting on Aluminum. I got a left over small piece from a commercial sign maker. It was a thin sheet of some resin (May be Epoxy) covered on both sides with very thin layer of aluminum. After lightly sand it, covered it with Gesso. I enjoyed working on it very much. Its smooth, dry fast and pleasant feel of the brush. It is also very thin (3mm) so easy to store. It’s main disadvantage is that it is somewhat delicate and if it falls it will break (especially edges).
I really like your painting, the hues you’ve chosen, and the texture you achieved! His face has so much character as does his clothing. Very nice. Thanks for sharing it.