What is an alkyd? Isn't that cheating?

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What is an alkyd? Isn't that cheating?

In Reply to: Re: luminous depth? best glazing techniqe (w/out magic mediums) posted by James Morton on 09/15/00 at 2:24 PM:

: : so what's the best way to get luminous depth? my instinct says:

: : 1) extremely bright underpainting (flake white)
: : 2) lighter glaze layers (lean, diluted w/ turpentine only?)
: : 3) medium hues, (more fatty oil, glaze compounds)
: : 4) topmost darks (whatever, at least transparent)
: : 5) finishing layers

: : Sound about right? SO many light layers is the best path you think? I'm not convinced that any 'magic' medium is the answer. But does this philosophy sound good? I'm just starting out. If you can recommend a good white underlayer, or a good light light light glazing technique that build up luminous layers, please let me know!!

: : Lindsey

: I cannot comment on the procedure that you refer to since it is too generalized for me to quite grasp, but here is a modification of the "Venetian Method" as proposed by Eastlake that I have used for a decade and which produces luminous results: 1) white gesso or oil ground, 2) ink in underdrawing in black india ink, 3) transparent imprimatura of reddish or purplish gray in dilute alkyd , 4) grisaille underpainting with black, white, and a purplish red (and perhaps ultramarine if more coolness is desired)(alkyd colors or medium is good at this stage as they dry fast), 5) glaze on the local colors using the transparent colors made by Rembrandt and other colormen (use very little medium as these colors are usually oily), 6) heighten with light grays composed of black, white, red ochre, and yellow ochre (use little medium), 7) glaze, scumble, and finish using rich medium.

>>>>>>>>>>>

So I was just thinking about using linseed/damar/stand oil in mixtures for a glaze, but what is an alkyd? I guess i'm hoping to keep everything as simple as possible. Maybe I need the best possible recipe for a glazing medium that I can build maybe >>20 layers<< of gradual color with - what would that be? That's sort of what I am thinking...