ARTTalk - Arts & Crafts, The Artist's Marketplace, Printmaking, Art Events, Art Equipment, Art and the Movies, Art Competitions, Airbrush, ArtPorri

In the most simple of terms, decoupage is nothing more than cutting and pasting. The results can be simple or elegant, transforming common objects into collectable art items. Decoupage became the rage of Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries. Many archival items first thought to be hand painted have since proven to be decoupage by skilled artisans. Originally, it was considered "poor man’s art" because those who couldn’t afford to pay a skilled craftsman or artist to decorate their furniture could achieve striking results by using cutouts pasted on and covered with several coats of varnish or lacquer.

There are actually three ways to achieve decoupage results, and each has a special name. Decoupage is the arrangement of cutouts or paste-ons used to create decoration on various surfaces (wood, glass, metal, etc.) and objects. Montage is the mounting of materials that may or may not be cutouts--such as photographs, postcards, drawings and travel folders--to create a picture. With collage, many different items may be combined to create a textural and visually interesting arrangement, usually with some dimension and often encased within a shadowbox. Since the variances are slight, decoupage is often used to designate any or all of the three methods.

Tools needed to create the images used in decoupage projects include a pair of sharp, pointed scissors. Often the curved tips of nail scissors, along with their sharpness, are selected for intricate work. Good light and good vision are also needed to precisely cut the shapes without distortion or loss of shape and detail. The paper items used for the actual designs can come for many different sources: antique shops, resale shops, thrift and bargain shops, auctions, bookstores and art supply centers, gift shops, grocery stores, old wallpaper, foils and candy wrappers, catalogs, magazines, etc. Your collection can begin with any newspaper or magazine lying around the house. A quick flip through the pages could yield some interesting design elements to file away for future projects.

Topical elements such as buttons, sequins, shells, feathers, fans, beads and more add textural interest and personality to arrangements that will be displayed in shadowboxes. Twigs, leaves and other natural items are often important additions to the equation, too.

When doing the actual cutting of the designs from magazines, papers, cards, etc., the scissors should be tilted somewhat towards the right to obtain a slightly beveled edge. This allows the item to lie flatter and avoids a sharp ridge where the design stops and the background starts. The flatter you can get your decoupage images, the more realistic and "painted" they will look. Scissors, razor blades or stencil knives, all sharp cutting tools, should be held at a slanted angle as you cut.

Pasting is important because the even application of an adhesive will insure the item will lie flat, without bubbles or puckers. Ideally, the cutout would be placed on a sheet of clean paper and the adhesive lightly brushed over the entire surface. Every point, tip and edge should be covered so that it will lie down perfectly. Tip: Use an old phone book for your protective paper. Once you apply adhesive to a cutout, simply turn the page to reveal a new, clean sheet.

The glue you use can be one of many. Established decoupage artists often use wallpaper paste because it is great for large-scale work, is made of natural wheat starch and is inexpensive. It does not, however, last indefinitely. Modern water-soluble pastes and liquid glues are great because they will not spoil, afford easy cleanup and are readily available.

It is suggested that you also have a damp cloth to remove excess adhesive and to keep the item clean and ready for the next cutout. Soft rags are perfect for this application and do not grab or tear the image you are attaching.

Topical surfacing can be one of several choices. What determines the coating is the final use of the item. Paper art that will be framed or items such as greeting cards do not need a topical coating because they will not be put to heavy use. Service items such as trays or decorative boxes should be covered to protect the surface from abrasion. Varnish is a good choice for wooden or metal items and can be converted into a matte finish by rubbing with dampened emery cloth. White glue is also a cover coat and can be used either full strength or slightly diluted. It yields a glossy surface that is, however, susceptible to damage by moisture. There are special decoupage surfacing agents sold through many craft and art supply dealers, and they offer a wide range of application possibilities.

One warning: Decoupage is very habit forming and the designs you create can be applied to everything in the home from furniture to picture frames, vases to clock faces...the list is endless. A theme throughout the home can easily be created with cutouts of a similar style. So grab your scissors and glue and have some fun!

The National Guild of Decoupeurs (NGD) was founded in 1971 as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education in the art of decoupage, to encouraging a high level of quality and to offering an exchange of creative ideas. NGD is worldwide and holds an annual convention and exhibition in April. For info, visit www.decoupage.org or call 802-253-3903.

The Artist’s Marketplace

New Acrylic Pads from Strathmore

Strathmore Artist Papers has introduced the new 400 Series Acrylic Pads and Sheets. This durable, heavyweight (246 lb.) paper has a textured linen surface that assures the maximum adherence and layering of paint and is perfect for acrylic painting. Pads are available in 9x12, 12x12, 12x18 and 18x24 sizes, 10 sheets/pad; and in 18x24 sheets, 10/pk. See your retailer and visit www.strathmoreartist.com.

Book on Decoupage

Fresh Ideas in Decoupage by Colette George shows how to create homemade decorative accessories infused with personal style. Simple, yet sophisticated techniques are taught to create more than 25 projects. Elegant pieces can be created with layered paint, wax, plaster, stain and ink. Materials and tools, tips, detailed instructions and step-by-step photos are included, and six chapters offer projects with various themes. 128 pages, North Light Books.

Printmaking

Relief Printing--History and Technique

Relief printing is defined as a printing process by which a carved or otherwise created three-dimensional master is used to make duplicates of an image. Woodblock, linocuts and wood engraving are all relief print methods.

In woodblock printmaking, the parts of the block which are not to appear on the print are removed from the block by cutting them away with a knife or other tool. For printing, the raised parts of the block are inked and the paper is pressed on it by hand or by a press.

Woodblock printing is one of the oldest printmaking techniques. Its origin is linked to the creation of cutting or shaping stamps and seals but the most important development for the creation of woodblock prints was the development of paper. Around A.D. 105 in China, the first printmaking techniques came to be. Stone rubbings that were inked and rubbed with dampened paper have been documented.

These stone rubbings led to the development of more controlled media, that of wood blocks. China is documented as having a completed book created with woodblock prints that has been dated 868, the primary use for which was Buddhist teachings. Japan also had prints dating in the 770’s which were printed in an edition of one million, but the plate composition is unknown.

In Europe woodblock printmaking came much later. Printing on fabric with wooden stencils was common for centuries, but woodblock printing on paper began with paper production, somewhere around 1390.

Early European prints were single sheets, used mostly for religious images. They were hand printed and often hand colored, usually using stencils so that the painting would remain clearly visible. These prints started with carved lines, and it wasn’t until 1400 that cutting wide areas emerged.

With the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1440, much about printing methods began to change. Printed word began to separate from imagery and the focus became the print rather than the images.

In the 17th century, engraving and etching became the most commonly used printmaking methods and replaced large-scale woodblock printing. Economics changed again with the invention of lithography and later photography, and woodcuts became a medium of fine art. Japan’s woodblock prints of this era are some of the most coveted originals available.

Cherry and pear wood make excellent choices for woodcut masters. They are hard and hold edges very well, but are not easily found. When faced with the remaining choices, artists often find themselves experimenting with a variety of woods. One that is easy to find and works very well is a solid core, room-finished plywood. It is usually about one-inch thick and very smooth on both sides. The hard, solid core allows deeper cuts and very strong relief. Tools you might choose to carve with include gouges and stencil knives, and sometimes small grinders help to remove large areas. The edges of important shapes should be cut with very sharp blades so that they are distinct.

The same tools and inking methods can be used to create linoleum prints. Carving can be done with almost any sharp tool because the lino surface is soft. As in the case of carving wood blocks, gouges can remove large areas and create interesting textures. The linoleum that is preferred is called battleship linoleum and is the actual floor covering used on battleship floors for decades. It is smooth, about ¼-inch thick, and has a heavy jute backing for stability. When slightly warmed, it makes the carving process even easier.

Inks are rolled on with brayers for even distribution. Slightly moistened paper is used to pick up the images and all your detail can be transferred to the sheets easily, even with hand transfer. A smooth rounded tool such as the bowl of a spoon makes pickup of ink very simple. Use even pressure and small circular patterns and the ink will be transferred onto the paper.

Wood engraving is actually very similar to woodcuts, but is completed with more refined tools. The images, more refined and very detailed, are created with the use of finely textured wood grain planks. The grain must be very tight to hold the fine detail.

Photoengraving differs from other engraving because it is the melding of two very different media. Photographic images are used to create a metal plate that has very slight "highs" and "lows." The major subjects are the high areas, while the background or negative areas are the lows. It is the taller areas of the metal plate that are printed with the introduction of ink to the plate. They are known for their elegant, almost dreamy appearance, unlike other forms of etching that are sharp and highly detailed.

Relief printing can be done with very simple and inexpensive materials. Wax blocks and even Styrofoam can be carved and indented to create a relief that can be printed. Nothing could be more fun and interesting as printmaking with found materials that yield interesting and unique results. So there is no reason to avoid printmaking because of the materials or the methods.

Printmaking is fun, easy and can be very rewarding. Experiment with a variety of materials and methods. You might find it is perfect for you and the images you want to create. For printmaking supplies, visit your retailer and see www.graphicchemical.com.

Art Events

NOTE: Because schedules sometimes change, it is good to confirm events and exhibitions in advance.

Family Festival
May 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Getty Villa
Pacific Palisades, CA

This first-ever family festival celebrates the arts and cultures of the ancient world with music, storytelling, art-making and more—all free! Hear Italian, Greek and Balkan folk music; meet Greek poet Homer; experience the 12 labors of Hercules live and on stage; and make a wreath, craft a mask or decorate a vase. Advance, timed tickets are required, so call (310) 440-7300.

Learning & Product Expo: ART!
June 2-4
Classes begin June 1
Marriott Inn & Conference Center
At UMUC
Washington, DC

Immerse yourself in a unique experience for artists where you can visit an exhibit hall packed with art material manufacturers and choose from 200 art classes! Special Events include an Art Marketing School, Portfolio Reviews, 2-Day Airbrush School, and an Adventure in Oil Painting without Drawing. Register by May 26th and save! Visit www.learningproductexpo.com for info/registration; or call 866-734-6736 to register.

The Denver Art Museum Cinema’s spring film series surveys the American gangster film from the Depression hotbed of the ‘30s to the revisionist ‘60s. Schedule: May 2: Key Largo (1948); May 9: White Heat (1949); and May 16: Bonnie and Clyde (1967). Visit www.starzfilmcenter.com or call 303-820-3456. The Cinema is an ongoing program focusing on important artists, movements and themes from the film world. Note—Program is subject to change.

The Ninth Annual International Exposition of Sculpture Objects & Functional Art returns with 59 of the world’s finest galleries and dealers from 10 countries presenting one-of-a-kind masterworks bridging the decorative and fine arts. Complimentary with admission are twelve lecture series presentations, as well as two special exhibits. Info: 800-563-7632/773-506-8860 or visit www.sofaexpo.com.

28^th Annual Museum Mile Festival
June 13 – 6-9 p.m.
5th Ave. between 82nd and 105th St.
New York, NY

One day a year for the past 27 years, nine of the country’s finest museums that call Fifth Avenue home collectively open their doors for FREE to New Yorkers and visitors for a mile-long block party and visual art celebration. This traffic-free celebration fills the street and sidewalks, with over 50,000 visitors attending. Live bands, entertainment and art-in-the-street with activities for kids are featured. The festival will kick off at The Metropolitan Museum of Art with an opening ceremony at 5:45 p.m. Follow the mile with street muralist De La Vega; grab a piece of chalk and make your mark! Visit www.museummilefestival.org or call 212-606-2296.

Art Equipment

Using the Projector for Hobby/Craft Projects

If you have ever wanted to duplicate an intricate scene or to enlarge a drawing you might have had some experience with a projector. If you have never used a projector, you are in for a treat. There is no better way to transfer an image or scene in large scale. Projectors are also useful for illuminating smaller images onto craft items such as boxes, plaques, canvas or other fabrics for décor purposes.

One of the first uses one might put a projector to is the creation of a wall mural. Whether the subject matter is frivolous or elegant, simple or complex, the transfer of the precise image you want in the exact spot you want to duplicate it is very helpful. Whether or not you have art or craft experience, when you use a projector, you are able to create an image that is professional and well done. There are a few tips and some things that will be good to keep in mind.

If you are considering the purchase of a projector, look at the models that have large screen areas. They will be able to facilitate the use of larger masters that will be easier to transfer from small paper to an entire wall. With a large screen area, you can project more of the total image at one time. The light output of these models is often brighter and that equates to a simpler operation. If you are not able to purchase a projector, it might be possible to borrow one from a local art materials dealer or a school. Many times these projectors are used for presentations at churches and civic meetings and that might be another source of one to borrow. But, once you use one and discover the application and importance, you will want one for yourself.

What types of projects might be aided with a projector? The first thing that comes to mind is almost any enlargement of an image upon a screen or wall for viewing by a large group. The enlargement can also be used for more than one person to contribute to the completion of a mural or scene on a wall. Children’s rooms are one of the most frequent uses of enlargement of different characters. A projector makes these transfers from small to large very easy.

Craft items such as wooden trays, plaques, table tops and things like studio props for a theatrical presentation are great applications for projectors. Parade floats or costume embellishments and the like can be aided greatly by using a projector to create the designs.

So you can see there are many ways a projector could help you with your art and craft projects. Investigate them at an art material dealer near you soon; and visit www.gagneinc.com and www.artograph.com.

Art And The Movies

Famous Artists on Film

There are many choices when it comes to researching and studying the lives of famous artists. One way you can get a glimpse, be it through the eyes of Hollywood or other film mecca, is through film. DVD's and tapes are the closest thing to being in a movie theater, and some of the most interesting and enlightening artists' stories are available for viewing at home. Consider gathering a group of friends and watching a flick to see what made these artists tick.

"Lust for Life," starring Kirk Douglas, is the very realistic story of the life and hardships experienced by Vincent van Gogh. It is a film that, even while being made, was acclaimed to be realistic in detail. During the filming of this tragedy, every aspect of the tribulations of van Gogh’s life was shown. Unrequited love, mental illness and drinking are all shown in relationship to how they affected the art and life of this great artist. The relationship of Theo van Gogh to Vincent is clearly all that kept the man alive for much of his life. This depth of brother-to-brother kinship and the ostracizing of almost everyone else along with the demons he fought, make for a good deal of conflict and a most interesting movie.

Along with his rise from obscurity to fame came the friendship between Paul Gauguin and van Gogh. As with so many things in his life, friendship was to escape van Gogh; yet Gauguin was the closest thing to a companion he ever had. The struggles fought by van Gogh were never small and this film clearly shows the turmoil he suffered, though through it all he created some of the most beautiful art in the world.

It is reported that at one point a local resident in the French town where the crew was filming broke into the session. She said she could not believe her eyes, that Kirk Douglas looked so much like the real van Gogh that she thought he had returned. The entire crew was impressed with her descriptions and accounts, as she had seen the famous artist on many occasions.

"Moulin Rouge," starring Jose Ferrer, depicts the life of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and again captures the tortured life of this super talent. Addicted to absinth, a powerful alcoholic drink, Toulouse-Lautrec was tormented by the women whom he loved (yet never returned that love) and his struggle with health problems. He suffered from a rare disease that prevented his leg bones from maturing properly. This caused him pain his entire life and much mental anguish when snubbed by the people he wished to befriend.

Many of Toulouse-Lautrec’s most famous sketches and paintings were of the entertainers and prostitutes he met at the Moulin Rouge. The dancers and companions there were captured in the posters and paintings that he created to make a living at the time. It was these posters, used to advertise the Moulin Rouge, that changed the way printing was done. Through trial and error, Toulouse-Lautrec took the materials the printers were using, changed the way they were applied, and created an image that was easier to mass produce. He did this to save himself money and to make money on which to live, but, in the process, changed forever the way posters of this type were made. Sales of his work did occur during his life; in fact, he was not a poor man in monetary terms, but as is the case with so many super talents, he was tormented and unhappy all his life.

Certainly a film worth seeing, "Moulin Rouge" is a longtime favorite of many art fans. It was filmed in color and is a rich visual treat.

A more current film, "Pollock," is based on Jackson Pollock and his life as a creative master. Not a particularly upbeat film, it does, however, capture the essence of the man. His vitality, his energy and the way in which his paintings were created are amazing. The star of the film, Ed Harris, does a superb job of recreating the life of the abstract painting giant. He thought so much of the project that he financed it from his personal savings. The film was well accepted, although not as much as hoped. Every detail of the rise and fall of this famous man is shown, including the way in which alcohol and anger influenced his work.

One aspect of the film that is appreciated by many is the fact that Ed Harris actually painted some of the paintings shown. He is depicted in several scenes painting and what he is painting is in clear view—highly unusual for a Hollywood production that uses stand-ins and doubles or other people's work instead of the actor's. Harris is said to have enjoyed creating some of the "Pollock look-alikes."

Other films exist that examine the lives of famous artists. Many have been documented on PBS or through other documentary sources. Newly-released on DVD is "Bigger Splash," a film (1974) by Jack Hazan about the life of British Pop artist David Hockney.

It is always exciting to see and learn about the creative geniuses that we have all heard about. Investigate the material that might be available on your favorite artist and enjoy the view!

Art Competitions

National Watercolor Society
86^th Annual Exhibition
Oct. 21 – Dec. 16
The Gallery at the Muckenthaler
Cultural Center
Fullerton, CA

This exhibition is open to all artists, and paintings must be primarily water-based media on a paper surface and unvarnished. There will be over $25,000 in purchase, cash and merchandise awards. For a prospectus, visit www.nws-online.org or call 714-974-6173. Slide Deadline: May 27.

Attention, seniors! AARP is looking for art to include in their second annual calendar being published for 2007. If you’re a current AARP member and a talented amateur artist who paints in oil, acrylic or watercolor, your art could be one of 14 exclusive paintings chosen to be featured. Artwork must prominently depict the theme above. Visit http://givenow.ga4.org/aarp1/calcontest.html. Deadline: May 31.

National Photography Competition 2006
October
National Camera Club of New York
New York, NY

Accomplished photographers who are U.S. residents and 18 years of age or older are invited to submit slides of representative work. All photography-based works are welcome, with no limitation on technique or subject matter. Images should be of some thematic body of work that can support a solo exhibition in the Alfred Lowenherz Gallery if you are chosen the winner. Visit www.cameraclubofnewyork.org/competition.html. Deadline: June 20.

Calling All Artists

The ARC Gallery & Educational Foundation, one of the oldest cooperative galleries in the nation and located in Chicago, IL, is looking for proposals by cutting edge artists for group shows, solo exhibitions, and installation work. All art in all media by all artists is welcome. Work is reviewed via slides and on CDs or Web sites. E-mail arcgallery@yahoo.com or call 312-451-4268.

Airbrush

AirPourri

Airbrushes for Southpaws--There is such a thing as a left-handed airbrush. The artist sights down the side of the airbrush as he/she sprays and anything that projects from the side will obstruct the view. Early airbrushes--such as the Paasche AB, where the color cup that contains the paint is offset onto the side of the airbrush--could be ordered left-handed. Side-feed airbrushes also were ordered left- or right-handed. The small funnel in the side of the airbrush plugged into the right-hand side for the left-handed artist and required a special order.

Today, gravity- and bottom-feed airbrushes are popular. And since the color cup or jar is housed in the center of the airbrush, these are ideal for both right- and left-handed artists. Side-feed airbrushes, e.g., the Iwata HP-SB Plus, can automatically be adapted to either hand because they have color cup orifices on both sides of the airbrush and a plug to cover the one not in use. The collectability of antique airbrushes is surprising, as evidenced by an e-Bay search. A very rare one would be, for example, a 1906 left-handed Paasche AB with a wooden handle and original instructions in a leather-covered box. See your retailer and visit www.iwata-medea.com.

Gesso and Frisket Adhesion--When preparing artist canvas with gesso for airbrush painting in acrylic, you sand the surface to your particular liking—anywhere from smooth to ultra-smooth. Be aware, though, that the smoother the surface, the more likelihood there is of paint lifting when self-adhering friskets and tapes are removed. The smoothest surfaces provide the tightest seal for the stencil material; and the acrylic paint might not have the best adhesion because it has likely been thinned with water/medium for spraying, thus losing some of its binding power. A little tooth on the gessoed surface provides good adhesion and less lifting of paint. See your retailer

Photo Retouching History--In the early days of airbrushing (late 1870’s and early 1880’s) when photo retouching was in its heyday, air was supplied to the airbrush via the use of treadle-driven pumps. These were manned by apprentices in sweatshop environments, where photographs were retouched on a mass production level. The airbrush was invented in Rockford, IL, and Chicago became the central point for airbrush photo retouching.

Tape for Airbrushing on Paper--Drafting tape has the same physical characteristics as masking tape except that the adhesive is much lighter, which makes it ideal for work on paper surfaces. It comes in a variety of widths and can be left on the surface for long periods of time without concern about tearing the paper. There is no likelihood of adhesive residue on the surface, the tape can easily be cut with a stencil knife, and it is translucent so that a line drawing can be viewed through it. When you order drafting tape, be sure this is what you get and not masking tape, since it is easy to confuse.

Freehand Practice--In freehand airbrushing it’s the dagger stroke that gives the artwork its unique look, unlike that provided with stencils or frisket film. This line starts out extremely thin, widens and then ends thin. It’s evident in the work of renowned T-shirt painter Jurek and in the hair of professional painter Pam Shanteau’s female subjects. To practice the dagger stroke, roll a small round marble between your index finger and thumb, rocking your index finger back and forth as if you were triggering the airbrush. It is this motion that gives you the dagger stroke without "barbells" appearing at the beginning and end of the spray.

ArtPourri

Survey Results Reported—The Metropolitan Museum of Art has released a survey showing that the acclaimed and widely attended fall/winter special exhibition Vincent van Gogh: The Drawings generated $251 million in spending by regional, national and foreign tourists to New York. The landmark exhibition shattered Museum records for attendance at a show of drawings with 459,972 visitors.

Wedding Stamps—The U.S. Postal Service has issued "Our Wedding" stamps, especially designed for mailing invitations and RSVPs. The booklet contains 20 one-ounce and 20 two-ounce first-class stamps. Both stamps feature an illustration of a white dove and a heart, surrounded by calligraphic flourishes set against a lavender background (1 oz.) and a light green background (2 oz.). Based on the now popular mid-19th century Spencerian ornamental script, artist Michael Osborne consulted vintage etiquette and penmanship books that contain plates of calligraphic designs used to embellish correspondence during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Auction News—Sotheby’s May 3rd evening sale of Impressionist and Modern Art will include a spectacular painting from Henri Matisse’s celebrated Nice period—Nu couché vu de dos (1927). Never before offered at auction, it is estimated to sell for $12-15 million. Also featured will be a stunning portrait by Pablo Picasso: Dora Maar au chat (1941), one of the largest and most important portraits of the woman who was Picasso’s mistress and principal source of inspiration. The rare, ¾ length portrait is estimated to bring in the area of $50 million.—At Christie’s, Las Vegas entrepreneur Steve Wynn was the winning bidder for J. M. W. Turner’s Giudecca, La Donna Della Salute and San Giorgio at $35.8 million—a record price for the artist.

Museums to Collaborate—The Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Walker Art Center are teaming up to exchange artworks and develop public programs inspired by each institution’s collections. A loan of Franz Marc’s 1911 painting Die grossen blauen Pferde (The Large Blue Horses), will be on view when the MIA opens its new wing for 20th century art on June 11. The MIA is expected to loan a selection of drawings to the Walker for an exhibition scheduled for 2007.

Laureate Named—Seventy-seven year old Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha has been chosen the 2006 Laureate of the esteemed Pritzker Architecture Prize for "his deep understanding of space and scale…." A formal ceremony will be held on May 30 in Istanbul, Turkey, when a $100,000 grant and a bronze medallion are bestowed.

NEA News—The NEA will award more than $63 million in grants to arts organizations nationwide in its second major round of funding for fiscal year 2006. Funding will go to 970 nonprofit arts organizations through the categories of Access to Artistic Excellence, Learning in the Arts, Arts on Radio and Television and Folk Arts Infrastructure. Monies will also be distributed to state, jurisdictional, and regional arts agencies in keeping with the mandate to allocate 40% of the grant-making budget to these partners.

Cincinnati, OH – Cincinnati Art Museum – Rembrandt: Master Printmaker marks the 400th anniversary of Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn’s birth in Leiden (The Netherlands) in 1606 with a selection of his finest works in this medium. Rembrandt, considered one of the greatest printmakers of all time, created over 300 prints and was one of the first artists to experiment with etching and drypoint techniques. Through June 11.

Newark, NJ – The Newark Museum – Off the Pedestal: New Women in the Art of Homer, Chase and Sargent is the first exhibition to examine how American masters, such as Homer, Sargent, Eakins and Gibson, interpreted the newly-emancipated women who emerged in America in the post-Civil War era. Approximately 100 compelling works—paintings, drawings, photographs and engravings—reveal the pivotal role of artists in fashioning the distinctive traits that came to characterize this "new woman" who flaunted social conventions. Through June 18. Travels to Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, TX, and the Frick Art and Historical Center, Pittsburgh, PA.

Washington, DC – Corcoran Gallery of Art – Botanical Treasures of Lewis & Clark—New Art for the Bicentennial presents more than 60 works of art—including graphite drawings, watercolors, oil paintings, sculpture, jewelry and quilts—created by artists associated with the Corcoran’s Botanical Certificate program especially for the show based on observations of flora identified by Lewis and Clark. Through July 9.

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.

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Arts & Crafts

Decoupage--Easy, Economical and Elegant