A: This is a very common question, and if I didn’t feel I was making great paint, or better paint, then I wouldn’t be doing this. Most artists are very impressed with the pigment load of our paints, all while being very brushable from the tube. By blending our oils we are able to create user friendly paint that holds the most pigment possible. I am not a marketer or salesman, so I have to rely on my customers to tell my story, which is only possible when they are happy. Along with creating great paint, we firmly believe in treating the customer how we would want to be treated, just the way we were taught. If you ever have a problem we are here to make it right, no matter what that may entail.

A: Flemish white is actually a different pigment all together. It is lead sulfate, as opposed to lead carbonate. They are both made from lead, and are similar in opaqueness. However, Flemish white is slightly brighter and has a distinct ropey handling quality. It is a very versatile white, and is the result of many years of trial and error to get it right.

When the largest lead white manufacturer decided to cease production of the Flemish white pigment, we decided to invest in enough for the rest of our lives. Since production has stopped we are now the only paint manufacturer to posess this high grade of lead sulfate, as all others are made from car battery lead. We believed in this enough to make sure it will be available for a very long time to come. It has been a lot of hard work, and trial and error, but I can finally say that I am confident that we have the best Flemish White available.

A: Our colors are ground in a specific blend of alkali refined linseed oil and cold pressed walnut oil, which gives the best of both worlds. Our whites are mostly walnut oil, with some safflower oil to help with brightness. We feel that blending these oils makes for a better paint in all areas, especially in brushing quality. We use aluminum stearate, which is a metallic soap, to stabilize our paints. This is necessary in many modern colors, but is never abused.

A: I have always sought to know how things work, so it was only natural that I wanted to learn to make paint. While in art school I befriended a
Brooklyn painter, who turned me onto Robert Doak paints. Once I ran out I had to call for more, and the next thing I knew I was grinding about 16 colors by hand, in my basement. This was all I needed to be hooked. One thing led to another, and eventually I found myself in front of a roller mill grinding Robert Doak’s paint, while being “groomed” to eventually take over. I learned a great deal from the experience, but in the end there was just too much I couldn’t be a part of, so we split. While this portion of my life was both good and bad, I have built a business that I am extremely proud of, and one that I am happy to work at day in and day out. No one works harder to do what I do, which is a direct result of the passion I have for making great paint. I truly feel that I will be a big part of the future of this industry, and I am in it for the long haul.

A: I am in Asheville NC, which is just part of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. There has always been a very vibrant artist community here, which is just one of the many things that makes Asheville special. While we don’t operate a storefront, nor are we open to the public, if you are going to be in the area call ahead and we will show you around.

A: Of course, I feel that I am a painter first, even if I don’t have much time to paint anymore. However, I am making more time to paint recently, and hope to post some pictures of what I do at some point.

A: I can make paint in any quantity, so just ask.

A: We want everyone to be happy, so if you should have a problem with something you can always send it back. We will gladly refund your money, or replace it, or do whatever it takes to make it right. Always feel free to contact us about any issues, or suggestions, you may have.