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Watercolor

Choosing Watercolor Paper

When it comes to choosing a paper for watercolor, there are many things to take into consideration. The wide range of weights and surface textures of paper gives the artist an opportunity to explore different effects simply by using different papers. There are smooth finishes, slightly and heavily textured finishes--from blocks and full sheets and rolls over a yard wide to small, postcard-sized pieces-- from which to choose. There are sheets that use synthetic fibers for strength and texture and sheets toned in soft colors rather than the customary white tones. One is right for any watermedia project you might consider.

As do many artists, watercolorists seem to gravitate towards a single type of paper, one that they have come to trust and realize how it will react when the sheet is put through its paces. But, with just a bit of flexibility and experimentation, you might discover other surfaces that lend themselves well to the style of your work and the way you apply your paints. And who knows, you might find a surface that offers surprising and exciting results.

As a premier paper, a heavy, cotton fiber sheet is considered tops for professional work and for works that you wish to have a long life. High cotton content will insure two things. Cotton is naturally acid free, a quality that offers longevity and color retention. Papers that are not high in cotton fiber, those that are not acid free, often change composition, turning brown and causing a major change in the look of the artwork created upon that surface.

The weight is the second factor to consider when selecting practice paper or paper for a finished work. Quality works of a professional nature or show entry possibilities might be done on a heavyweight paper. 300 lb. paper is the choice of many, although some manufacturers offer even heavier-bodied papers. Textures can include rough and both hot and cold press surfaces. Rough texture indicates a paper that has an extra-rich textured surface that catches and holds tiny pools of watercolor applied in a liquid state. Less common than hot or cold press, rough surfaces are offered with less frequency. Hot press is a designation used to categorize a very smooth, pressed finished. Cold press indicates a medium textured surface, which offers interesting, random texture for the watercolor to settle into.

The industry offers numerical designations to help decipher the myriad of choices. Practice weight is usually around 90 lb. and can be either cold press or hot press, depending on the manufacturer. It is often a great quality for less important work, perhaps studies or sketches with light washes, but it might buckle with heavy wetting or soaking. 90 lb. paper often includes two deckled sides and will stand up fairly well to reworking and paint removal.

The second weight designation is 140 lb. paper. It is a heavier weight, considered a medium weight in watercolor applications, and is available in rough, hot or cold press finishes. This weight has excellent surface strength and random texture in all finishes except hot (smooth). This paper is easily torn by dampening along a line with a water-charged brush, allowed to rest and absorb, and then torn along that line. It is ideal for studies, field sketches and finished work. Although not as strong as 300 lb. or heavier paper, 140 lb. is a great all-around work weight that stands up well to reworking and paint removal.

300 lb. paper is the real workhorse of the watercolor paper lines. It is sturdy enough to soak in a sink or even the bathtub for even absorption of water in painting set-up preparation. It holds moisture during long painting sessions and is ideal for large-scale works or those for commissions or competition. Because of the heavy weight and four deckled edges, 300 lb. paper is the choice of most professionals, even for study work. There is no better weight for field work, because its structure, when well soaked, allows painting in outdoor conditions without excessive drying. And buckling is seldom a problem, even if the paper is not stretched. Those two factors alone make it very appealing. It also seems indestructible because of the abuse it can take without concern.

Since every artist uses different pigments, mediums and application styles, there is no one paper that is tops for everyone. Look into some of the many surfaces, textures and colors. Speaking of variety, don't forget to check out the Watercolor Sampler pads and books offered by Strathmore. The packs are available in several sizes, in either tape or spiral binding. Strathmore also offers full sheets of 90 lb., 140 lb. and 300 lb. up to 22" x 30". Their glorious 300 lb. sheets come as large as 40" x 60", and their 140 lb. and 300 lb. also come in continuous rolls 51" wide and 11 yards in length. Anything is possible with these products. See your retailer and visit www.strathmoreartist.com.

With the choices that stare back at you from the paper racks, it may seem daunting to decide which paper to use. Many beginning watercolorists do not give proper consideration and often opt for the least costly paper available. But when you consider the strength, versatility and surface finishes of really heavy watercolor paper, it might make more sense to buy the best and work smaller if finances are tight. The better the paper, the better the finished piece will look. Just like any "foundation," the choice in paper is essential to great presentation. Select the best you can and you will be happiest.

Iwata Airbrushes
The professional Iwata Airbrush line is imported and manufactured exclusively by Medea Airbrush Products, along with commercial spray guns, Medea Textile Colours and Com-Art Airbrush Colours.
Artool Products Co.
Art bridges for painting and drawing with soft and wet mediums. Safety non-slip rulers, and cutting mats for use with art and utility knives and rotary cutters. Low-tack film for airbrushing, illustration and fine art. Airbrush templates for illustration and graphics. Body art and finger nail art accessories and paint. Manufacturer of innovative art materials, tools and airbrush accessories for fine art, illustration, T-shirt art, body and finger nail art, sign and automotive art and graphics. Artist Bridges, Cuttingrails, Freehand Airbrush Templates, Friskfilm, Artool Cutting Mats, Body Art and Nail Art supplies.
Art Events

SOFA Chicago 2004
November 5-7
Navy Pier -- Festival Hall
Chicago, IL
Info: 800.563.7632
www.sofaexpo.com

This 11th Annual International Exposition of Sculpture Objects & Functional Art will include 90 of the finest international galleries and dealers who will present masterworks bridging the worlds of decorative and fine art.

Paradise City--Marlborough
November 19-21
Royal Plaza Trade Center
Marlborough, MA
Info: 800.511.9725
www.paradisecityarts.com

Recently voted #5 among the country's top art fairs and craft festivals, this Paradise City Festival will include 175 juried exhibitors presenting works in 2-D Mixed Media, Basketry, Ceramics, Decorative Fiber, Furniture, Glass, Jewelry, Leather, Mixed Media, Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Wearable Fiber, Wood, and Works on Paper. Visit the Sculpture Café, which features an inspiring collection of large-scale sculpture and artful seating by a selection of exhibitors.

31st Annual Arts & Crafts Christmas Spectacular
November 20-21
Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference Center
Valdosta, GA
Info: 229.253.0078
www.vjsl.org/acshow.html

This indoor show features over 110 booths filled with a variety of original artwork such as watercolors, oils, photography and pottery, as well as handcrafted children's toys, stained glass, holiday decorations and hand-painted furniture.

Downtown Boca Festival of the Arts
November 20-21
Mizner Boulevard
Boca Raton, FL
Info: 954.472.3755
www.artfestival.com/pr/boca1104/

This 17th annual show will showcase artwork from some of the best artists in the nation who work in a broad spectrum of media, including photography, painting, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture and more. Here's your opportunity to meet the artists, ask questions, and commission works.

American Art Clay Co., Inc.
Manufacturer of high quality AMACO® brand ceramic clays, glazes, underglazes, kilns, potter's wheels, slab rollers and related equipment and supplies, plus art and craft products including Sculptamold®, Permoplast®, Rub 'n Buff®, Friendly Plastic®, FIMO®, Paragona®, WireForm®, and ArtEmboss™.
Graphic Chemical & Ink Co.
Printmaking, etching, blockprinting litho supplies. Silkscreen Trade Names: Perfection, Easy Wipe, Graphic, Sureset, Universal, Graphinx.

Celebration of Craftswomen
Nov. 20-21 and 27-28
Fort Mason Center-Festival Pavilion
San Francisco, CA
Info: 415.383.3470
www.miramarevents.com/craftswomen/facts.html

Each weekend you will be able to meet and buy direct from a lineup of 150 different artists on the 26th anniversary of this area's top holiday crafts show. Featured are original handcrafted items such as functional and decorative ceramics and glass; sculpted wood and metals; polymer, beaded, stone and precious metal jewelry; woven, painted silk and leather clothing and wearables; household furniture and accessories; fine art sculpture, photography and paintings; and children's toys.

Art Basel -- Miami Beach, FL
December 2-5
Miami Beach Convention Center
Info: www.artbaselmiamibeach.com

This international art show combines a contemporary art show with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events including music, film, architecture and design. Exhibition sites are located in the city's Art Deco District. An exclusive selection of 175 leading art galleries from five continents will exhibit 20th and 21st century artworks by over 1,000 artists.

2004 Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival
December 3-5
New Mexico State Fair Grounds
Manuel Lujan Exhibit Complex
Albuquerque, NM
Info: www.riograndefestivals.com

Celebrating its fifth year this holiday season, the Festival will feature the works of more than 200 fine artists and craftsmen from all over the nation. Creativity and uniqueness abound in pottery, paintings, jewelry, woodworking, clothing and handcrafts of all kinds. The "Holiday Creation Station," especially for kids, is held in its own exhibit hall adjacent to the two main halls and will benefit Community Health Charities of NM.

Gagne, Inc.
A complete line of lightboxes and light tables in stainless steel, solid oak, and baked enamel. Gagne also offers a quality line of opaque art projectors in 4 different sizes: Mini-Sketch, The Projector, Trace-Master, and Trace-Master Deluxe.
Tara Materials, Inc.
Fredrix Canvas, panels, stretched rolls, pads, canvas primings. Graffiti vinyl lettering, stretcher strips, gridded layout sheets, sign cloths and tygerag, ready-made banners, rolls of bond and fluorescent papers, easels.
Art "In Transit"

Airport Art

Many airports have art displays that give visitors a glimpse of the art of the area. Some airports have full gallery facilities and offer changing exhibits from area artists or from the corners of the world. Following are several airport descriptions and gallery experiences for you to watch for in your travels.

--The Albany, NY, terminal opened in June of 1998. Exhibitions have been featured in the Albany International Airport Gallery - third floor of the main terminal - since that time. The Millay Colony of Artists, founded in 1973 and considered to be one of the most important artist communities in the country, had an exhibition in the terminal through the summer of this year. And it was not just any exhibition. Visual artists, writers and composers who were former Colony residents were juried for this show.

Currently the Albany Airport Gallery features "Now You See It." This exhibition is an exploration of our fascination with magic, illusion and transformation, presented in collaboration with the Society of American Magicians. Featured are finely crafted artifacts and apparatus from the collection of Bob Connors that were used by conjurers, psychic mediums, fortune-tellers and magicians for more than a century. Video performances by magicians Vinny Grosso and David MacDonald animate the mystifying apparatus that surround them. Lithographic posters from the New York State Museum are stunning tributes to the drama of turn of the century theatrical magic. Woven among these curious and compelling objects are works of contemporary art.

--The Phoenix (AZ) Sky Harbor International Airport has a full gallery space that has changing exhibits throughout the year. Featured in the past have been a major fiber show with many original, handmade quilts and artifacts from Grand Canyon exploration and history, including art and photography along with actual items from early treks along the Colorado River. The shows are varied, always offer something great to view, and offer a wonderful respite from the drain of traveling.

--Miami (FL) International Airport has tons of fabulous art all around the terminal. Although no special gallery space is allotted, one has only to look around and see unique examples of work for public spaces. From the seven-ton "Sixteen Spokes," a huge metal sculpture of a "bicycle" of improbable proportions, to "A Walk on the Beach," a bronze, terrazzo and mother-of-pearl creation on the floor of Concourse "A," there is creativity at every turn. Also in Concourse A is "Harmonic Runway," which consists of glass panels, lighting, stainless steel, environmental sound/computer interaction and projections, and is a 180-foot interactive environment surrounding a moving walkway. Sunlight filtering through 132 vertical sheets of colored glass and a sound score based on South Florida's natural environment welcome visitors with an abstraction of color and sound.

--Philadelphia (PA) International Airport has The Youth Art Gallery in terminal D/E. This is a showcase for and is dedicated to exhibiting two-dimensional work by young Philadelphia artists. What a great opportunity to see budding artists in a very public environment!

--Vancouver (B.C.) International Airport offers a feast for the eyes. In addition to the native art, there are art display cases located throughout the airport that feature pieces by other well known and emerging B.C. artists. Stocked with pieces from various art galleries in Vancouver and around the province, the display cases offer viewers a rotating variety of art from numerous disciplines. The art on display is available for sale to the public.

--San Diego (CA) International Airport, administered by The Port of San Diego, has opened an art gallery for the traveling public, which will host exhibitions on a rotating basis throughout the year focusing on local artists and organizations. Passengers traversing the long corridor on the second floor between Terminal 2 East and West can view rotating exhibits.

--Art and architectural beauty are also a major focus at the Tucson (AZ) International Airport thanks to its spacious "barrel vault" design and Tucson Airport Authority's growing commitment to display work by community artists throughout the expanded facilities. Airport users began experiencing the expanded space - and new displays of art - when the completed midsection of the terminal opened in October 2003. Airport users are greeted by one of the integrated art opportunities almost immediately upon entering the building on the upper level. Two large, square pillars sit on either side of the new central lobby, providing space that has been turned into a two-dimensional art display. A "link" connecting the east side of the terminal to the adjacent rental car complex has also been designed to provide several opportunities for art that will be incorporated into the structure.

These are but a few of the great art opportunities in airports throughout North America. As more facilities adopt the idea that art enriches the environment, more gallery and art display areas should be created. So keep those eyes open because you never know where and when you might see wonderful art!

Silentaire Technology
Silent compressors for use with airbrushes, spray guns, and air tools from Werther International.
Artograph, Inc.
Manufacturer of a full-line of quality opaque art projectors, light boxes and spray booths for the artist, crafter and designer.
The Artist's Marketplace

New Artool FX II Freehand Airbrush Templates
Designed by Craig Fraser

Artool Products Company has announced the availability of the new Artool FX II Freehand Airbrush Templates, designed by Craig Fraser. This collection features six of the "kewlest," hippest stencil effects to hit the market since the last ones they made. Here's the solvent-proof lineup: PUZZLED (FXII 8), NUTZ N' BOLTZ (FXII 9), GEAR HEAD (FXII 10), DOLLA' BILL (FXII 11), DRAGON SKIN (FXII 12) and THE BLOB (FXII 13). Just remember Artool's (constantly changing) mission statement: As long as there is something innovative, original, one-off, or unique in the "kustom" painting world, Artool will make a stencil out of it. And since there is always a right tool for the right job--don't hinder your future--buy them all in ALL SIX!!! (FXII 14)!

The new Artool Airbrush Templates are now available at your favorite Iwata-Medea-Artool supplier. For a complete listing of the Iwata-Medea-Artool catalog on the Web, go to www.artoolproducts.com

Strathmore Paper Co.
Strathmore artist papers, boards and pads; blank greeting cards, watercolor and oil/acrylic brushes; Strathmore Kids Series pads and art kits.
Holiday Arts/Crafts

Christmas Tree Skirt -- The Project for This Holiday Season

Canvas holiday tree skirts are a fun project for any age artist, whether creating a skirt for personal use or to give as a gift. Imagine the joy of the recipient when the package contains a hand-painted original! You can make that happen or you can create a tree skirt that will soon become a family heirloom.

Canvas is a durable, flexible and very versatile art substrate, whether you are creating a painting, a placemat or, in this case, a tree skirt. If you have ever made or thought of making a floor cloth, this project is very similar. The customary shape for a tree skirt is round, but if you prefer, you can create one that is square, rectangle, oval or even star-shaped.

The materials you will need include the following: Canvas in a width to accommodate the size of your skirt with allowances for hem; acrylic paints and brushes; white glue and a brush; rubber mallet (optional); braid trim (optional), and spray sealer (optional). Airbrush work and stenciling also make great designs for a tree skirt.

Enlarge your chosen design to maximize the width of canvas. Allow one inch extra all around the parameter to turn under for a hem. The hem is made by carefully folding under the one-inch margin. Apply glue to the underside of the turned area and press firmly to secure and hold or use the rubber mallet to flatten the hem, and then glue it down.

At the same time you are creating the hem, you will want to make the trunk entry slit and trunk hole in the skirt. Do this by first finding the center of the shape. Cut a hole approximately four inches in diameter, and cut slits around the hole and fold under one inch around the trunk circle. Cut the entry slit from the hem to the trunk opening and turn that under too. (Or you can eliminate this entire procedure. Fredrix Artist Canvas offers a Christmas tree skirt made of heavy cotton duck. The 36" circle is precut to fit around a tree base, is double acrylic primed on one side, the back is sized to lay flat, and it's ready to be painted.

Select from many painting methods, each of which will help you create an original, beautiful tree skirt. Stencils are simple to use and come in many holiday patterns and require very little experience to create lovely designs. Airbrush work, including the use of templates or original stencils you create, can help you make a dazzling tree skirt. Metallic colors and a smattering of glitter over the still moist paint will add lots of drama to your design. But, by far, the most common way to decorate a canvas tree skirt is to use brushwork and acrylic paints. Create snow scenes, holiday garlands with holly and berries, ornaments or whatever means Christmas to you.

Once you have completed the skirt and allowed it to completely dry, spray a coating of clear sealer over the surface to protect your work and help it withstand the rigors of use. For a final bit of embellishment, you might want to sew or glue braid around the outside edges.

Store the skirt, not by folding which might break the painted surface, but by rolling over a print tube or large dowel. Cover with cloth, rather than plastic, and store upright in a closet away from moisture. When handled with care, the skirt will last for decades.

Ampersand Art Supply
High quality prepared wooden panels and accessory products including Claybord, Claybord Black, Claybord Textured, Gessobord, and Hardbord.
Alto's
Alto's Mat Cutting Systems are known worldwide for their versatility and ease of use. Thousands of framing professionals use these simple tools, cutting the highest quality mats.
Art Materials

On Your Mark! -- With Markers

From the familiar boxes of rainbow colors to the high-end permanent, lightfast instruments to the funky air blast markers, there is a marker for everyone. We can select markers that are designed to bleed with fluid contact and broad line or fine line pens that once stroked on almost any surface are permanent, plus everything in between. We have the opportunity to spend a little and get a lot for colors so rich they look like jewels, darks, brights and lights; every spectrum is available.

Sketching markers for youngsters include a very appealing type that not only gives rich colors, but neat fragrances as well. Imagine purple grape scented, red cherry scented, yellow lemon scented and so on. The smell alone is worth using them whether you are a beginner or an old hand looking for a new twist on creativity. These colors are most often water-based, non-toxic and safe for even the youngest artist.

Another product that is water-soluble is the watercolor marker. When applied to watercolor paper, it remains water-soluble and easily manipulated for long periods of time. One has only to lay on a light wash of water and the sharp lines soften and spread. Lots of fun and creative possibilities for a low cost! So easy to transport and use, these should be in every artist's kit.

Fabric markers, permanent and washfast, are an easy way to paint on fabric. Whether fitted with a stiff felt tip or a flexible brush tip, they provide a special painterly method to decorate any fabric item. Wearables, totes, shoes, belts, hats--the sky is the limit. Fabric markers come is sets of colors, and usually basic tones are included in one set for basic studies. Decorating colors give the addition of bright, vibrant and glowing colors such as flesh and crimson. Even fluorescent colors like hot pink, orange, violet and green come packaged for those special costume or home decor projects.

Body art is so popular that there is a set of markers designed just for that purpose. Washable "tattoo" markers can be used to draw and design on your skin. Their bright colors go on smoothly and wash off easily with soap and water, baby oil or cold cream. Imagine the possibilities!

One special line of markers is especially useful to artists who frame their works in wood frames. There is a complete set of wood-toned markers to cover scratches on wood, making the once noticeable mark seem to disappear. Tones can be overlaid to make even more colors. These are great for furniture nicks and cabinet scrapes, too.

Woodcraft markers are permanent, opaque paint colors in convenient marker form. What could be easier? Because there are no brushes to control, there is less chance of mistakes, and you can even over-paint when an error occurs with no bleed-through of the first color. Outlining is consistent, while lettering, dotting, and flat areas all go on evenly without brush marks or smudges. For best results, wood should be sealed prior to using these markers.

Markers are a great part of any artist's supplies, from beginner to professional, and they will make great stocking stuffers this holiday season!

 
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Airbrush

Tips for Selecting Gifts

The holidays are once again upon us, and the most appreciated gift for an artist is something from an art supply store--and an airbrush can make an excellent gift. If you wish to purchase one or if you have put one on your personal wish list, there are several things to consider beforehand: age of the user, his or her degree of artistic experience, the intended application, and budget.

If the recipient is young or inexperienced, it's good to begin with the least expensive airbrush system available. This system, normally available in a complete kit, consists of a single action, external or internal mix airbrush that is operated by the propellant can included. This propellant is the air source that allows the user to experience airbrushing and become familiar with the technique at minimum expense. If the recipient is an adult, then a dual action, more sophisticated airbrush is recommended. This can also be operated by a propellant can and is available in a complete kit. The self-contained kits come with your choice of airbrush, hose, can of propellant with a regulator and possibly other accessories, thus giving you everything required to get started immediately. Note that the propellant may last for a few projects, so it's good to have extra cans on hand.

Dual action, internal mix airbrushes come in a variety of configurations--gravity feed (with a color cup at the top of the airbrush), bottom feed (with a jar that attaches to the bottom), and side feed (with a small color cup attached to the side). These configurations lend themselves to different applications. If the recipient is an experienced artist set in his/her technique but is an airbrush novice, the application should be considered when choosing the style of airbrush.

A watercolorist who usually works small would likely use a gravity feed airbrush where the paint reservoir holds a small amount of paint and it's easy to change colors. This is also ideal for a nail technician, cake decorator, taxidermist, hobbyist or craftsperson, tattoo artist or anyone working with small amounts of color. An acrylic painter working on large canvases would prefer a bottom-feed airbrush with large jar for the convenient spraying of large areas. A T-shirt painter uses an airbrush adapted to jars so that he can lay out his palette in a variety of jars and quickly plug them into the airbrush when a new color is required. Bottom feed airbrushes are also good for custom automotive painters.

The side-feed airbrush, the original style made, can be adapted to a small color cup or a side-feed jar, thus making it suitable for all applications, but specifically for illustration.

Propellant cans are one way of providing air to the airbrush, but professionals use air compressors and CO2 tanks. CO2 tanks are rented, while compressors are purchased. The artist must add a high quality, professional regulator available at art supply stores to a CO2 tank. Compressors come in a multitude of styles that are either diaphragm or piston operated. Diaphragm compressors are smaller and less expensive, but piston-operated compressors are powerful and more expensive. The biggest cost to outfitting an artist for airbrush technique in a professional manner is the compressor. And the more expensive the compressor, the more "bells and whistles" you'll get.

The beginning airbrusher will need an airbrush, air hose, air source, airbrush colors for practice, paper to practice on and table easel/backing board for a work surface. Your local retailer will be more than happy to assist you in making the proper selection of equipment and materials. For the person who is accomplished and set in his/her ways, a gift certificate from a favorite art supply store is the way to go.

 
WatercolorTalk.com
WatercolorTalk.com features informative articles on Watercolor paints, brushes, paper, techniques, tips and products.
ArtPourri

New MoMA to Open--The Museum of Modern Art, New York City, opens on Nov. 20 in its new midtown Manhattan home. The collection includes 135,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, architectural models and drawings, and design objects, as well as thousands of films, videos and media works. The new MoMA includes an atrium that soars 110 ft. above street level, surrounded by redesigned and expanded collection galleries and expansive views of both The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden and the vibrancy of midtown. As a special gift to the public for its steadfast support, admission is free of charge on opening day. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.moma.org.

Exhibitions Announced--The Overture Center for the Arts, Madison, WI, has announced the exhibitions to be presented during 2004/5 in the new Overture Center Galleries. A participatory community art installation, created as part of the grand opening festival celebration, will remain on display through December. For the schedule of exhibitions call 608.258.4177 or email communitygallery@overturecenter.com.

New President Chosen--The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY, has announced that Emily Kernan Rafferty, a 28-year employee and accomplished senior executive, will become its next President. Current President David E. McKinney will retire effective January 15, 2005.

Holiday Stamps Released--The traditional holiday postage stamp for 2004 features "Madonna and Child" by Lorenzo Monaco (National Gallery of Art). Four Holiday Ornament stamps, to be released Nov. 16, feature painted glass Santa ornaments nestled in tissue paper to evoke happy memories of lights, tinsel and other favorite holiday decorations. Also available are Holiday Celebration stamps for Kwanzaa, a seven-day non-religious African-American holiday that draws on African traditions; and Hanukkah, a joyous yearly festival spanning eight days and nights and celebrated around the world.

Yaddo Deadline Changed--The application deadlines at Yaddo will now be January 1 for residencies beginning mid-May through February of the following year and August 1 for residencies beginning late October and extending through mid-May of the following year. Founded in 1900, Yaddo is an artists' community located on a 400-acre estate in Saratoga Springs, NY. Its mission is to nurture the creative process by providing an opportunity for artists to work without interruption in a supportive environment. For further info, visit www.yaddo.org.

Grants Announced--The 2004 Federal Save America's Treasures Grants are being awarded to 60 projects in 24 states and the District of Columbia. Among grants administered by the NEA are those to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, MA; Louis I. Kahn Collection, The Architectural Archives of the U. of PA in Philadelphia; the Hogg Family Collection, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, TX; and Louise Nevelson's Atmosphere and Environment XII, Fairmount Park Art Association, Philadelphia, PA.

New Museum for D.C.--The Smithsonian's new National Museum of the American Indian has opened on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., with a six-day celebration. The five-story building contains exhibition space and areas for ceremonies, performances and educational activities, as well as a theater. In addition to centuries-old artistic and archaeological objects, the museum displays current Native American art and artifacts. Satellite facilities are located in New York City and Suitland, MD. Timed entry passes are required and can be obtained at the museum for same-day entry or in advance at www.Tickets.com. For museum info: 202.633.1000.

Milestone Reached--Photographer Richard Avedon has died at age 81. The famed photographer was known for his celebrity photos and his immense influence on the fashion industry.

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Exhibitions

New York, NY -- Metropolitan Museum of Art -- Gilbert Stuart is the artist's first retrospective in nearly four decades and features nearly 100 exceptional works that reveal his talent for capturing both the appearance and the character of his many prominent clients. A highlight is the display in a single room of 14 of Stuart's portraits of George Washington, including the celebrated "Lansdowne" portrait of 1796, recently acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. Through Jan. 16. A complementary exhibition, George Washington: Man, Myth, Monument Images from the Metropolitan, will feature some four dozen works in all media depicting the United States' first President through Feb. 27.

Los Angeles, CA -- Los Angeles County Museum of Art - Renoir to Matisse: The Eye of Duncan Phillips provides an opportunity to experience European masterpieces from The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., one of the first museums in the U.S. to present modern art. More than 50 outstanding modern masterworks are on view by Bonnard, Cézanne, Daumier, Degas, Gauguin, van Gogh, Kandinsky, Klee, Marc, Monet, Matisse, Picasso and Renoir. Through Jan. 9.

Washington, D.C. -- The Phillips Collection - Calder Miro, an exhibition of mobile sculptures of Calder and the poem paintings of Miro, highlights the visual dialogue between these two artistic innovators of the 20th century. Featuring more than 100 works, the exhibition culminates with Miro's 30-foot mural and Calder's 12-foot diameter mobile, commissions for the Terrace Plaza Hotel that will be on view outside Cincinnati for the first time since their installation in 1948. Through Jan. 23.

New York, NY -- American Museum of Natural History -- Fall Colors Across North America features an exhibition of over 35 color photographs by Anthony Eaton Cook, an author, painter, naturalist, conservationist and photographer. The photographs showcase the unique natural features of autumn in North America and were taken over four autumns in the deciduous color belt that runs from the southeastern U.S. up through Canada and Alaska. Through March 13.

Newark, NJ -- The Newark Museum - Nicholas & Alexandra: At Home with the Last Tsar & His Family is the first exhibition to display the Romanov family's personal belongings from their living quarters in the Alexander Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, 15 miles outside St. Petersburg. More than 250 precious objects, most of them never before seen outside of Russia, are presented in a series of vignettes that depict the private life of the Imperial family. Through Jan. 9. NOTE: Due to overwhelming public response, exhibition hours have been extended to include Mondays from Noon to 5 p.m., when the museum is not normally open to the public.

Washington, D.C. -- National Gallery of Art -- Six Centuries of Prints and Drawings: Recent Acquisitions presents 100 of the finest works of art on paper acquired by the museum through gifts and purchases over the past five years. On public exhibition for the first time, they range chronologically from the earliest German drawing on paper to come to America, "Christ Kneeling in Prayer" (c. 1425), to etchings by Glenn Lignon from the 1990's. Opens Nov. 14 through May 30.

 

ARTtalk.com

Presents

AIRBRUSH WORKSHOPS

Basic Airbrush Techniques Complete

Saturday - November 13, 2004
Instructor: Robert Paschal, MFA, Artist/Author

Held at ARTtalk.com's
Gallery at the Square
18 East Main Street
Beacon, NY 12508

All equipment/supplies are provided for use in class.

For more information, see www.arttalk.com/workshop/workshop/htm or call 845.831.1043


The Art Institute Online is looking for graphic designers interested in learning additional skills, or in getting their bachelor's or associate's degree in graphic design. Make yourself more marketable in the graphic design industry. Click here to find out more. (http://quinst.com/clk/kittedatoukumushiigyo)


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Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 15 No. 1 -- November 2004