detail painting

[razman]

Hi, I am an amateur oil painter and I have tried to get information on painting fine detail such as the rigging on old sailing ships. I've tried Amazon and the web but can find no books or helpful info on this subject.
Can any one help?.Many thanks,

[heathfield]

There are ''Rigging Brushes'' which are exceedingly fine long bristled brushes, or there's even a ''Trainard'', which is a brush with a single hair!!
But there's also a technique that was used in oil painting by marine artists in the past where the rigging lines would be painted in, then a layer of varnish was applied. Left overnight, the varnish shrank the width of the painted lines of the rigging till they became exceptionally fine on the canvas. Many years ago I saw a TV program that demonstrated this, but I've forgotten which programme, and I can't find any reference to it.

[razman]

Thankyou Heathfield.
The varnish tip is the very first time I have ever heard of it.
I did not know that varnish shrank, Anyhow, I'll give it a go, If it works i'll let you know, be good.