Creating Textures in Watercolor

Pure honest excitement! That describes experimentation with watercolor textures. And the beauty of the methods is that almost anything you pick up can create a distinct texture that may be just the right one for your next painting. The following paragraphs will give you an inkling of some of the possibilities and perhaps open thought patterns that might encourage you to try your hand at creating special looks and appeal in your watercolor and acrylic wash works.

Found objects can be divine tools. They are easy to use and often recycled bits and scraps, so that means they are inexpensive and readily available. Open any drawer in the kitchen or bath and you will discover items that may become your favorite "tools."

That old toothbrush, when filled with moderately fluid watercolor or acrylic wash, can create a wonderful shower of tiny droplets that mimic a cloud of soft color. This cloud might help transition between a dark foreground area and stones, trees, or grassy spots. This shower of droplets can be used to create a mixed blend of tones to highlight or call attention to objects.

Knife blades, safety razor blades and other thin metal objects work wonders at moving paint around in bold swish patterns. When trimmed to varying widths, old credit cards or pieces of broken CD's also make neat tools. The textures they create can make dramatic tree trunks or shingles on the roof of an old building or barn. Super drama in non-representational works can be created by using the actual texturing tool as a paint applicator. Or in realistic works, these same sculpting tools create sharp lines and dimension. So don't toss those old pieces of rigid plastic--they become fabulous tools.

Computer paper, empty paper bags or virtually any scrap paper, when crumpled into a lose ball, can be used to collect and then distribute watercolor and acrylic paint in dramatic patterns, unlike any other method of texturing. Although somewhat difficult to replicate, the crackle textures achieved can be very useful in a variety of applications. Villa walls, stone surfaces, stone columns and marble are all enhanced by the broken patterns created by rolling crushed paper across the canvas or panel.

Flexible objects such as strips of plastic milk jugs or pop bottles can also be used to create texturing tools for watercolor or acrylic washes. Notched strips can be used to create neat repetitive patterns or structures such as bricks and objects like baskets. Tools used in the right way can make neat unexplained textures that simply add texture and interest to your finished works.

Thin plastic such as trash bags, plastic grocery sacks and plastic wrap are very useful in helping to create organic looks in backgrounds. While heavy washes are still wet, lay on some thin plastic or plastic wrap. You can manipulate the material to get more or less design. Allow the plastic to dry flat and undisturbed. When you peel away the plastic wrap or other thin plastic, you will reveal the appearance of rich, deep textures. Even though these textures are very easy to achieve, they are quite dramatic and visually interesting.

Use of traditional brushes and rubber sculpting tools yields elegant textures when you experiment with them in new ways. Dragging a brush through a still-damp area of a watercolor can often create texture in very defined locations. Rubber sculpting "brushes" cut through color to clean, nearly white paper and recover light areas in the midst of deep tones.

String and cotton yarn can be set into wet areas, moved and repositioned and then allowed to dry to create predictable lines and patterns. Clumps of string can be used to create a starburst pattern in both negative and positive. Remove pigment by setting dry bundles of string into wet paint. Create explosive patterns with paint-drenched bundles of string set gently against the paper. Fine-tuning this technique can net you some really useful textures for overlapping and building textured areas.

If super textures are your interest, consider attaching crumpled tissue to the surface of rigid watercolor paper using acid-free wheat paste or similar material. The paper will adhere to the base sheet in neat broken texture, letting the watercolor or acrylic wash pool into dips and thin out on the ridges. Heavy texture is very easy--or very gentle texture...you decide. They both offer great potential for experimentation.

One of the first textures you learn to create is the simple procedure of drawing a brush handle tip through fresh, wet paint. The line created is a collection of the tone you are drawing into and is useful to create definition of shapes and outlines of objects. You can also use sharper objects such as nails, fingernail files, straightened paper clips, awls and the like. They each give you a different "feel" and can be used in many different ways.

Decollage is the use of the actual paper itself as a texture. It is achieved by carefully cutting a shape through the top layer of a heavy watercolor sheet and then peeling the sheet up, creating a true texture. With care, you can master decollage to create wonderful layered, textural effects. Just remember to slice gently so that you do not cut through the sheet. If it should happen, repair the cut with acid-free mending tape to re-establish strength of the sheet. Super-heavy paper is the best choice for this technique.

Create texture, experiment with unusual tools and have fun!

2005 Strathmore Digital Photo Contest

Strathmore Artist Papers invites you to share your moments in life by entering the 2005 Digital Photo Contest. There is only one rule: The entry must be printed on any Strathmore Digital Photo Paper or product--so take advantage of the "buy 2, get 1 free" special offer when you purchase your digital photo paper for the contest. The subject matter is at your discretion, there is NO entry fee, and over $5,000 in prizes will be awarded to winners in three categories: People, Places, and Things. Entries will be judged on creativity, originality and technique, and a maximum of three entries will be allowed per person. Download an entry form at www.strathmoreartist2.com/contest_current_NEW.html or call Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-353-0375. Entry Deadline: December 31. Strathmore Digital Photo Papers include Photo Cards, Frame Cards, Easel Kit, Adhesive Photo Paper, Calendar Kit and Album Kit. See your retailer and visit www.strathmoreartist.com/product_digital.html.

2005 International Figure Exhibition

Red Dot Fine Art will hold its 2nd Annual International Figure Exhibition November 14th - December 3rd at Red Dot Fine Art in Santa Fe, NM. The exhibition call is open to all individuals working in two- and three-dimensional work in a realistic figurative style in any media. For a prospectus, visit http://www.reddotfineart.com or send a SASE to: Red Dot Fine Art, ATTN: International Figure Exhibition, 616½ B Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501. Deadline: September 10.

North American Sand Sculpting Competition

In Virginia Beach, VA, September belongs to the Neptune Festival, which culminates with the Boardwalk Weekend featuring the North American Sand Sculpting Championship. One of the largest competitions of its kind on the East Coast, this event draws more than 300 competitors in all divisions, as Master sand sculptors from around the world mold tons of sand into masterpieces as they compete for cash prizes. In addition, there are amateur divisions. Pre-registration is required to participate, but viewing is free and open to the public. See www.neptunefestival.com or call 757.498.0215. Also during this time, an oceanfront 12-1/2-ton, 26 ft.-tall bronze statue of Neptune by Paul DiPasquale will be formally presented.

Back to School Projects

It is approaching the time when school will gear up and you don't want to be left out. This is the perfect time of year to create a special personal look for your school accessories. Backpacks, book covers, lunch bags or lunch kits, denim jackets, sneakers, caps and more can be used as the basis of great looking "stuff."

Backpacks can be embellished in many ways, creating a personal look that is uniquely yours. Colored beads strung on twine and tied to every zipper or pocket add interest and can actually help you open and close those small hiding places. Acrylic paints can be used to paint special scenes on the larger areas of your back pack or tote bag. Athletic bags can also be adorned with patches or appliqué motifs and even faux gems, stones or metal studs.

Cartoons make wonderful decorations for book covers as do specialty papers and plastics. To make a personalized book cover, measure around the book, and then add 6 to 8 inches. Measure the height of the book and add at least 4 inches. Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper to the height of the book. Center the spine of the book on the length of the paper and wrap it around towards the front and back of the book. Gently bend the extra length at the overlap point and then remove the book. At the point where the bend was created, fold the paper back sharply. Slip the front and back cover into the short pocket created by this sharp fold. Gently squeeze the book at the spine to define the angles of the binding. Viola!--a blank spot for you to decorate with your drawings, notes, designs or other doodling.

Lunch bags and lunch kits or insulated bags are also great for decorating. Sew on buttons, paint with paint pens or permanent markers. With neat designs on your lunch bag, not only will you stand apart from the plain ones, but you will never lose it! Be creative with your add-ons. Sew on small sticks and twigs for a natural look, adding fake leaves and blossoms--or clean rocks and stones with naturally created holes, or make wire wraps around stones and then sew them into place.

Glitter and puff paint can magically transform jackets, packs, caps and sneakers into wearable art. Any shoe can be painted with acrylic paints, even leather. Give a slightly damaged pair new life with a coat of cool paint. Or make an old cap look new. Studs and gemstones add pizzazz!

So start decorating today. You'll have fun and create neat stuff for the new school year.

Tribute to Disney

The U.S. Postal Service has released a set of four stamps depicting classic Disney characters. The Art of Disney: Celebration stamps feature Mickey Mouse and Pluto, Alice and the Mad Hatter, Ariel and Flounder and Snow White and Dopey. This is the second in a series that honors the art of celebration imagined by Walt Disney and his studio animators, as 2005 is the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland.

and a Tribute to Mickey

Sotheby's and The Walt Disney Company will conclude the celebration of Mickey Mouse's 75th anniversary by auctioning 75 uniquely-designed statues of Mickey on September 27. The statues have toured the country since November 2003--visiting 14 cities and traveling over 700,000 miles--and are part of a special tribute entitled "Celebrate Mickey: 75 InspEARations." Each 6 ft. tall, 700 lb. statue was individually created or inspired by notable Disney legends, artists, actors, musicians or athletes. The proceeds of the sale will benefit 50 charities, designated by the artist of each statue. Fifteen of the statues will be featured in locations throughout New York City in August, and a full exhibition will take place Sept. 20-26 at Sotheby's galleries that is free and open to the public.

Seuss at CMOM

You have only until the end of August to visit Oh Seuss! Off to Great Places at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Based on themes from Oh, the Places You'll Go! and other Seuss classics, this major interactive exhibition sends children and families off on a journey to accomplish feats only possible in a Seussian world. And then it's off on a 3-year national tour!

National Gallery Online

"Wallovers," the newest Shockwave interactive in the NGAkids Art Zone, encourages children of all ages to "paint" symmetrical designs on a virtual wall. By selecting various grid patterns and brushes, youngsters can create interesting and complex decorations in a rainbow of colors. An "auto" option automatically generates continuously evolving patterns to observe and emulate. Go to http://www.nga.gov/kids/zone/wallovers.htm.

New Oil-Primed Linen Boards from Fredrix

For hundreds of years, oil painters have recognized that traditionally prepared oil-primed Belgian linen is the ultimate support for their artwork. Fredrix is proud to be able to offer this same surface as the latest addition to its successful line of Archival Boards--Oil-Primed Linen Boards.

The pure Belgian linen is prepared from start to finish entirely by hand, using century-old techniques. Each canvas is first stretched on large specially designed frames and thoroughly picked over by hand to remove irregularities. Then every square inch of the canvas is smoothed using volcanic pumice stone. The next step is the application of warm animal hide glue, carefully spread using long stainless steel spatulas to seal the linen. As the glue cools, the linen tightens. It is pumiced smooth again. Next a fine preparation of old-world lead white is applied. Made from a carefully prepared mixture of lead whiting and linseed oil, this oil priming applied over the carefully prepared linen yields a surface prized by oil painters everywhere.

Artists who have painted on well-made oil-primed linen have experienced the highly receptive quality of its surface. Each brush stroke feels "right." The oil paint and ground seem to "know" each other like long-lost brothers. And the finished painting exudes a rich, luxurious quality prized by knowledgeable buyers and collectors.

In a world cluttered with cheap imported canvas, artists can now take a giant leap back in time and rediscover the beauty of Oil-Primed Linen, primed the old fashioned way--by hand! Available in sizes from 8" x 10" to 18" x 24" at select retailers, Fredrix Oil-Primed Linen Boards let you experience oil painting in a whole new (old) way. For over 137 years the Fredrix guarantee of quality has stood the test of time. Visit www.fredrixartistcanvas.com.

New Templates from Artool

Artool Products Company has announced the availability of two new much-anticipated airbrush template sets: the TRUE FIRE Freehand Airbrush Template Set designed by Mike Lavallee and TIKI MASTER Freehand Airbrush Templates designed by Dennis Mathewson.

After successfully airbrushing with many of the Artool Freehand Airbrush Templates for years to create his patented TRUE FIRE effects on many motorcycles, automobiles and hot rods, Mike Lavallee wanted to create the ultimate shapes for creating realistic fire effects. Now the new Artool TRUE FIRE set comes with three separate TRUE FIRE shapes: Diablo, Wild Fire and Inferno, which come in graduated sizes, which means 9 different templates! And, as a bonus, the set includes an instructional DVD by Mike Lavallee, where he takes you through the steps necessary to create your own TRUE FIRE masterpiece, which can be purchased separately. Since his appearance on "Monster Garage," Mike and his Killer Paint Airbrush Studio have been honored to participate in The Learning Channel's wildly popular "Overhaulin'" and "Rides" television programs.

The art of wood carving has existed in Polynesia for centuries. As in other mythological religions, the ancient Polynesians believed that different elements were represented by different gods. These carvings, or tikis as we know them, resulted in thousands of various images. Today, since retro is so completely "kewl" again, our "Kustom Kulture" has brought tikis back; truth is, they never really left Hawaii! Dennis Mathewson, of Honolulu, is an avid tiki carver as well as one of the very top airbrushing pros on the planet. His latest creation is the TIKI MASTER Freehand Airbrush Template Series. There are six different TIKIS to choose from--Tribal Tiki, Kona Tiki, Tiki Trouble, Tiki Bar, Totem Tiki, and Aloha Spirit--as well as an entire set. See your retailer and visit www.artoolproducts.com.

Fraktur and Rosemaling

Fraktur

In the 16th century an old German script was developed and called fraktur. The word comes from Latin and means "broken script" because its ornament serifs break the continuous line of a word. To collectors, fraktur describes the documents written with this sort of lettering, especially those created by German immigrants to the Eastern United States (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, etc.) and in Ontario, Canada. The creation of fraktur played a major role in the education of the immigrants' children. An example of writing, called vorschrift, was used to teach students how to write the alphabet and numbers and to read hymns and scriptures. Today, the term fraktur is used more loosely and describes the drawings themselves, even when there is no text. These drawings appear in many places in the lives of early Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants.

Documents such as birth records, marriage licenses, religious christening announcements and the like were often embellished with colorful borders of birds, flowers, hearts and cherubs. Bible verses, other religious writings or family records were decorated with the same style of lettering. Some frakturs decorated by known artists can command thousands of dollars in the open market. Many frakturs survive because the paper used was very durable, usually containing high rag content. Many are as large as 13 inches by 16 inches. Bookplates were also created and, though much smaller in size, are quite valuable. By the late 1700's, prepared frakturs were printed and sold. The user would only need to fill in the names or other important information and the document would be complete. Later, woodblock prints were added to these examples, which the user could hand color.

The last innovation in frakturs came with the advent of full color frakturs and those who combined them with cutwork (scherenschnitte), where incisions were used to cut away designs on the paper fraktur. Originating in Europe was a decoration that found its way to North America, that of pinpricking. In this decorative technique, illuminated letters would be outlined by closely set pin holes.

Some frakturs appear in unexpected locations. For instance, a practitioner of fraktur might be a record- or book-keeper. When exploring his records, the viewer might find frakturs adorning the edges of ledger sheets or record books. Some appear as doodles on pages done in school lessons. Math pages are common locations for such drawings. Handwriting books in which practice lettering took place is another common location for frakturs. Because of the scarcity of paper upon which to draw or write, it is most likely that the drawings were secondarily added rather than part of the lesson.

Elaboration on the frakturs of old might be the decorative dropcaps used today in advertising and publishing. Highly decorative yet completely unnecessary, these letters draw attention and interest to the viewer. Wildly different from the original fraktur, they still represent a "fractured" or different look from the body of the text, just as those of the old world.

Rosemaling

A Norwegian decorative painting technique called rosemaling (rose painting) was first used to embellish furniture, interiors and household items. It is now considered a genuine Norwegian folk art. Rosemaling involves the use of various shapes and sizes of roses as the main pattern and is often combined with simple flourishes, geometric patterns, figures and even landscapes. Dances and folk music have also been created with themes associated with rosemaling.

In rural areas, the traditions of wood carving and rose painting continued well into the 19th century. With Norwegian independence in 1814 came the thought that new opportunities for the crafts community would flourish, but serious poverty hampered success. During the second half of the 19th century, Norwegian crafts were still strongly influenced by the ancient traditions, but gradually new technology began to enter craft production. Both stonework and glass production in the late 1800's adapted new technological standards and left behind the handcrafted style formerly marketed.

During the 20th century, however, an increased recognition of and interest in crafts prompted international crafts expositions which led to more acceptance and appreciation for crafts such as rosemaling. America became aware of rose painting in the 1900's when decorative objects created by European artisans first became available. Now a recognized art form, rosemaling was first shown at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum (http://vesterheim.org) in Decorah, Iowa. Rosemaling is taught there today and an official certification program is offered. Since 1969, a Rosemaling competition has been sponsored by the museum.

Rosemaling is recommended for the more advanced artist. The images are created with fine brushes in one-stroke applications of petals, stems and leaves, etc. Modern tole painting is similar in complexity to old fashioned rosemaling. Contemporary applications and materials make creation simpler, but the key to success is the mastering of a style that fits your needs.

Teachers of rosemaling say that it takes patience and time to develop a real skill. There are many books on technique, and modern painting materials are easily accessible. Proper foundation work is essential. Items to be decorated need to be smooth and clean, and a good pattern should be developed based on the shape and size of the decorative item.

Learning & Product Expo: ART!
October 7-9
Classes begin Oct. 6
Hilton Burbank Airport & Convention Center
Burbank, CA

Immerse yourself in the only weekend experience for artists in Southern California where you can take classes (choose from over 200) and visit an exhibit floor packed with art material manufacturers! Stock up on supplies at the lowest prices of the year, experiment with new art products, see free painting demonstrations and enter a juried art competition. Don't miss this opportunity! See more and register at www.learningproductexpo.com.

Art in Freedom Park
Midtown Atlanta, GA
Through September 18
www.artinfreedompark.org

The Freedom Park Conservancy presents Art in Freedom Park, a temporary public exhibition of 30 sculptures and site-specific installations. This inaugural exhibition establishes Freedom Park as an art park, and family-friendly free performances of music and dance and interactive workshops are scheduled on Sundays between 2-5pm, weather permitting. With a dynamic and changing array of artworks, performances and events, the goal is to encourage Atlanta residents and tourists to explore the park frequently, as each visit promises a new experience.

Sixth Kingston Sculpture Biennial
Kingston, NY
Through October 15

This sixth biennial features artists with international reputations as well as emerging and mid-career artists from the U.S. and Europe. More than 60 sculptures represent a wide range of styles, from the traditional to the conceptual-ethereal. Visit www.askforarts.org for a map showing locations of all the sculptures in the exhibition, a list of exhibitors and photos.

Artexpo Atlanta 2005
September 16-18
Georgia World Congress Center
1-888-608-5300
www.artexpos.com

Internationally renowned artists, galleries and publishers will showcase art of all styles, including paintings, prints, limited-edition photographs, giclees, sculpture, animation and decorative art.

The Basics of Book Art

The book as we know it today, with folded pages and sewn binding, has been documented to have originated with Coptic manuscripts from Ethiopia and Egypt. They date from the years 100 to 400 AD. The change in look and function from the scrolls previously used required a technological change from the use of animal skins to other materials. The scroll (skin) was inscribed only on the front side. With the advent of folded pages and a form of binding, the evolution of the book began. It continues to evolve today, and many artisans use the book as a format for discovery and experimentation.

Basic book art can be fun and easy. Materials needed might include those found around the home or office or special papers and decorations from art supply centers. From stickers, ink pads and stamps, found objects, markers and paints, ad art and magazine photos, leather, yarns and string, to twigs and leaves...the list is infinite. All you need is a general plan for the structure of a book and the decoration and embellishment is endless.

As a quick and easy first book you might want to try an easy format, one that is not difficult to complete, thereby giving you lots of latitude for decoration. One such book is the simple bound folded book. What you will need is a cover, leaves (pages) and a means to hold the contents together. You can staple the cover and leaves together or you can sew them. Sewing is considered more aesthetically correct and more pleasing to the recipient, but for study purposes, stapling is faster.

Prepare your leaves by using 8 1/2 x 11 paper cut in half - either direction. Long sheets with give you more writing space from left to right and short sheets give you more space top to bottom. Cut a cover the same shape. Sharply fold the leaves and cover in the center to create a neat and tidy center fold area. Insert the sheets (4 maximum) into the cover and bind with stitching (or staple).

Stitching the binding can be as simple as inserting the thread into the center fold of the leaves and cover and then bringing it back through to the inside. Tie off the ends and you are done. More elaborate sewn bindings include figure eight, perfect binding and others that can be created with specialty materials. But you can create neat and attractive books with this simple binding method until you want to explore other possibilities.

Embellishment of the finished book is always a favorite part of the process. New materials can be discovered at every turn. Hardware stores and building centers offer washers, nails, colored wires, metal shapes and unusual cover materials such as roof shingles, roofing felt, thin woods, air cleaner fabric, foam, plastic and more. Explore the options and see what you can come up with. Your own exploration is part of the process and adds a lot to the finished art book. Discover the thousands of possibilities awaiting you!

Airbrush Blogs

A blog is a page on a blogging site that an individual accesses and edits and can use as a journal or diary, opinion page or whatever else he or she desires. Unlike a bulletin board or a chat room, the blogger controls all that is happening on his page (similar to a web master). Maintaining a blog has become very popular, and there are many sites that host blogs on the Internet.

The airbrush artist, as well as any other artist, can utilize a blog in many ways. It can be used to essentially "let off steam" or vent, which currently seems to be the predominant use of a blog. A blog is also used to communicate and share with friends or the public information on subjects of like interest. A blog can be used by artists to promote their artwork or to list workshops they are teaching or to announce a forthcoming exhibition of their artwork.

Maintaining a blog is now a widespread practice. There are so many new ones appearing on the Internet each day that it can be difficult to find a particular one. You can search the usual search engines (Google, Yahoo, etc.) under "blog" or "blogging sites" and come up with a list of sites that house individual blogs. Normally a blogging site will have a search engine of its own and like normal searches, you can search with key words. So search "airbrush" for blogs on airbrushing to come up with a list of blogs that contain the word. You can further refine your search, like in regular searches, to key in on specific topics such as "airbrush workshops."

There are numerous lists of blogging sites available. These can be indexes that are housed on individual sites or lists that you now often discover in newspapers or magazines. Blog addresses also appear in television ads, and talk show hosts and guests now have their own as well as athletes, actors and other celebrities.

With the use of blogging sites where you house your blog, it's very easy to create a blog, and it's absolutely free. The site you choose will supply you with all tools necessary to create an attractive page. There are a variety of page style templates from which to select, and you can choose from several styles of type, colors, and designs. You can cut/paste and import images to individualize your airbrush blog.

Some blogging sites to view include blogspot.com, xanga.com, livejournal.com, and myspace.com, just to name a few. The blog is simply a new means of communication, and people who are online are continually looking for new ways to do things. The airbrush community has a large presence in Internet chat rooms, bulletin boards, newsletters, etc. You'll be surprised to see just how many airbrushers have blogs! As an example, visit Gary Glass' blog for Iwata-Medea Airbrush Company at http://iwata-medea.blogspot.com/.

The blog has been likened to the invention of the telephone--a new means of communication that you can open to the world or limit to only those whom you select, because you determine access.

Do you currently maintain a blog? Email the address to us with a short description and we will list the address on our new Artist Blog Index: arttalk3@aol.com.

FREE Newsletter--See the new issue of AirbrushTalk at www.airbrushtalk.com with articles by Janean Thompson, A. D. Cook, and Bradley M. Look. And be sure to sign up for your free e-subscription!

NEA News--Grants have been announced to eight Florida arts organizations to assist them and their members in recovering from hurricanes in the 2004 season. A total of $100,000 has been designated to support needs such as facility assessments and special programming.--Recipients of the 2005 NEA National Heritage Fellowships, the country's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts, have been announced. Twelve fellowships, which include a one-time award of $20,000 each, will be presented to honorees from 11 states. Recipients included a Norwegian American rosemaler, decorative building craftsman, Navajo weaver, and paper-cutting artist, among others.

Legacy Preserved--A letter of intent has been signed by the Georgia O'Keeffe Foundation and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum that would transfer all of the Foundation's assets to the Museum. The Foundation's collection of more than 1,000 O'Keeffe artworks and extensive archival materials would be conveyed to the Museum, as would the artist's house and studio in Abiquiu, NM.

Memorial Planned--Westchester County, NY, is requesting support for construction of "The Rising," the county's memorial to 109 residents who died on 9/11. The memorial, designed by internationally renowned Manhattan architect Frederic Schwartz, will be 80 ft. high with 109 intertwining stainless steel strands rising together and reaching skyward. Built at the Tallix Foundry in Beacon, NY, it will be assembled onsite at the Kensico Dam Plaza. 914-995-2951.

Sketches Sold--A former mistress of Picasso has sold 20 of the artist's sketches at a Paris auction. Genevieve Laport, now 79, appears in the sketches (circa 1951), which sold for $1.87 million.

Exhibitions:

Baltimore, MD -- Baltimore Museum of Art and Walters Art Museum -- The Essence of Line: French Drawings from Ingres to Degas features renowned collections from both museums that are the subject of a major joint exhibition on view at both venues. Featured are more than 150 drawings and watercolors by some of the most influential French artists of the 19th century, including Delacroix, Daumier, Cezanne and Degas. Through Sept. 11. Travels to Birmingham and Tacoma.

San Diego, CA -- San Diego Museum of Art -- Maxfield Parrish, Master of Make-Believe features approximately 80 works of superlative design and sumptuous beauty by Parrish, including his beloved calendar and book illustrations, his signature classicized paintings, and rarely seen murals. Through Sept. 11

Chicago, IL -- Art Institute of Chicago -- Toulouse-Lautrec and Montmartre aims to place Toulouse-Lautrec in the wider context of his time and place and to include for comparison and contrast a selection of works by his contemporaries--painters, printmakers, and poster artists--to evoke the life and art of Montmartre. The focus includes dance halls, the circus and the maisons closes, integrating major avant-garde paintings, topographical canvases and posters and caricatures. Through October 10.

SIGN UP - FREE ARTtalk e-Newsletter©
Search all of ARTtalk!!

Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 15 No. 10 -- August 2005