Ilya Shadchnev uses a special technique called Transparent Oil Textures (TOT). He has been using his technique for more than 25 years. This technique presumes the use of HPL-plastic (High pressure laminate - pressed sheets of kraft-paper under conditions of high temperature and pressure, impregnated with synthetic thermosetting resin) and oil paints. The technique intends for work under studio conditions.

In this technique traditional (brushes, palette knives) and the newest tools are combined. Various technology products of the last quarter of the XXth century such as scrapers and sponges made from foam rubber or silicon of different densities can also be used. Owing to new tools and singularities of surfaces on the basis of which images can be created (HPL-plastic), low demand methods of monotypy and encaustic find their application in TOT. Authorial technique of Transparent Oil Textures (TOT) on HPL-plastic has some advantages against known kinds and techniques of painting.

 

HPL IS ALWAYS READY TO BE USED

HPL-plastic as the base for painting in transparent oil texture technique does not require additional treatment (heating, stretching, priming, sizing etc)

QUICK DRYING AND TRANSPARENCY OF PAINT ( watercolour effect)

A coat of paint is very thin in TOT-technique. Therefore, natural processes of drying and oxidation progress faster than in a traditional medium. This explains transparency of paint which creates a watercolour effect.

EFFICIENCY

TOT-technique on HPL-plastic permits to expend expensive material economically (due to a very thin coat of paint).

DURABILITY

Paintings, made by TOT -technique, are more durable than paintings in watercolours or in oils on a canvas, wood or metal. A technique of putting oil colour immediately on the white plastic excludes damage caused by defective priming adhesion with the base (blistering, peeling, dampening and other priming problems).

A thin coat of paint, physical and mechanical properties of HPL-plastic as the base for painting in transparent oil texture technique exclude shelling as well as prevent some other oil painting "chronic illnesses" such as loss of elasticity and durability of the base, deformation, traces of a leakage, corruption and destruction of the base under the influence of excessive moisture, shrinkage etc.

HPL-plastic it is not exposed to the fungi, water and vapor impact. This material is shock and heat resistant, ecofriendly. It is resistant to ultraviolet rays and other negative impacts.

EASY INSTALLATION

HPL sheets are lightweight. This peculiarity promotes their easy installation on both horizontal and horizontal surfaces.

NO NEED TO VARNISH

Protective oil film is generated naturally during the creation of paintings. There is no need to use any kind of lacquer which can turn yellow or become dark, affecting a painting colour.

UNIQUENESS

Each Shadchnev’s work is unique. It’s impossible to reproduce a painting again due to peculiarities of the process flow works on HPL. Replicas can be similar in composition and colour but differ in numerous specific details.

APPLICATION

Plane surface of HPL-plastic is an ideal but not the only base for transparent oil texture technique. Ilya Shadchnev uses this technique working with canvases and cardboard: in "Alphabet of the XXth century" project (since 1986), "Seasons" project (1994) and "Streets of Old Penza" project (1997).