A Portrait, A Discovery: My Journey with Schaal Artisan Oil Paints

Earlier this year, I was commissioned to create a corporate oil portrait of Mr. Daniel Redondo, President of the esteemed insurance company MGC Mutua. 

Meeting him in person was both an honor and a pleasure; his warmth and elegance left a lasting impression. I prepared detailed photographic material for the portrait, and knowing I wanted this work to be something truly special, I decided to try a new medium I came across almost by chance.

A World of Makers

The discovery came through a conversation with Alain Bañón, the creator of Mamut pastels—my absolute favorite soft pastels to work with. Alain is part of a very small and passionate world: the world of artisan color makers who dedicate themselves to crafting exceptional materials for artists. This community is rare and precious.

There are only a handful of people in the world making paints and pastels by hand, each immersed in their craft and often working quietly behind the scenes. Only recently, thanks to the internet, they have begun to connect with a wider circle of artists—and sometimes even with each other. François Schaal is one of them.

The Art of Schaal

Discovering Schaal Artisan Oil paints felt like stumbling upon a hidden treasure. Created by François Schaal—a classically trained painter from École Pivaut in Nantes—these paints are the result of his deep respect for traditional craftsmanship and pure materials. What immediately drew me in was their honesty. Each color is made from a single pigment, without fillers or additives—just pigment and oil. François sources his ingredients locally, including linseed and walnut oils made in France, and you can feel that care in every brushstroke. Using his paints reminded me why I fell in love with oil painting in the first place.

A Transformative Experience

I ordered the essential tones directly from François Schaal’s website. The prices were comparable to brands like Rembrandt, Schmincke, and Winsor & Newton, which I had used for over 30 years.Upon arrival—after a three-week wait, as some colors are made to order—I was immediately struck by their quality. The paints were thick, luscious, and exuded the refined scent of genuine linseed oil. The pigment strength was unparalleled; mixing colors on the palette was effortless, resulting in vibrant, luminous tones.

Painting with Schaal oils was a revelation. The experience rekindled the joy of painting, reminding me of the thrill I felt in my early years as an artist.

Reflecting on the Journey

Over the past 15 years, I noticed a decline in the quality of many commercial oil paints, often resulting in dull, lifeless mixes. Discovering Schaal paints was like finding a hidden gem—a return to true craftsmanship. I wholeheartedly recommend Schaal artisan oil paints to fellow artists seeking authenticity and excellence in their work. This discovery has not only enhanced my artistic process but also reaffirmed my passion for painting.

For more information or to explore Schaal’s range of colors, visit their official website: schaalcolors.com.

Note: This post is not sponsored. I received no compensation or free products for sharing my experience. Everything written here comes from genuine admiration for the craftsmanship behind these materials.