Arthur Gain

My deepest thanks go to @realgdt.bsky.social and @tamaradev.bsky.social for this incredible honor.

After some time spent on preparations and studies, it took 17 days to complete the painting: from toning the canvas to applying the final stroke, including all changes and corrections.

The mediums I used to control flow and thickness were Venetian Medium and Italian Varnish (both made by Natural Pigments). For the ebauche (first layer), I used a modern medium, Galkyd Lite

Pigments such as Lead-Tin Yellow, Genuine Naples Yellow, and Genuine Vermilion dry very quickly, but my best discovery was using Prussian Blue instead of Ultramarine (which was invented much later) - it dries much faster.

After researching the materials Sir Thomas Lawrence used, I assembled a palette that was very close to his set of colors.

Luckily, I was able to solve this problem by solving another one - making it look as authentic as I can by using pigments from that period

The most intimidating aspect of this project was time - I had just about 1 month to deliver the finished piece so I was very careful around drying - some pigments and mediums can take weeks to dry.

My task was to create a family portrait resembling late 18th-century paintings, and I received many references from Guillermo and Tamara Deverell, including works by Sir Thomas Lawrence, Thomas Gainsborough, and Francisco Goya.

The Frankenstein family portrait, oil on linen, 120x150cm

I had the honor of making this painting for Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein.

I'm SO EXCITED to see that fantastically talented artists @bettyjiang.bsky.social and @arthurgain.bsky.social were commissioned to make paintings for this movie! I wonder who else did work for GdT's Frankenstein?!

To see a painting I’ve made in a movie is an extraordinary feeling, but to see it in such film as 'Frankenstein' - that’s something truly transformative.

Huge thanks to Guillermo del Toro, Tamara Deverell, and Kate Hawley for the opportunity and the unforgettable experience.

thank you!

thank you Ian, means a lot! And I am looking forward to add your MILESHIPS book to my collection ❤️

you can book your tickets here (it's free): www.selfridges.com/GB/en/stores...

yes! He was playing Victor's Father

The painting I made for Guillermo del Toro’s @realgdt.bsky.social new movie 'Frankenstein' is on display at the exhibition at The Old Selfridges Hotel in London. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this breathtaking show

Alla prima head study. Oil on linen, 9x12"

Only 5 Critique Spots left in my upcoming online painting workshop ✨ Link in bio

thank you!

I’ll be teaching my method in an upcoming online workshop 🎨 October 13 – November 8. Check the link in my profile

4 minutes | 4 hours

There is something special about seeing a half-finished piece in the frame

thank you Jack, it means a lot! 🙌

11pm | 2am