Painting

Acrylic Gesso

Acrylic gesso is a fairly new art material—new, that is, by the standards of how long painters have painted and with what materials they have worked.  The origin of gesso dates back to the earliest formal painting masters.  About fifty years ago there was no such thing as water-based acrylic colors and no such thing as acrylic gesso; and no gels, either—none of the dozens of products that grace today’s art material shelves.  We often take for granted the presence of such materials, but before 1955 they didn’t exist.

Polymer products became widely available in the ‘50s after their invention and marketing. At the time, they caused an explosion of new expressive works.  No more making gesso or waiting for canvases to dry…far less exposure to potentially toxic materials…colors fresh and exciting right from the tube.  These were new for the time and grabbed the attention of thousands of emerging artists.  Many new, inventive applications for paints were introduced.

Because they are so “new,” many conservators have debated the life expectancy of acrylic polymer products.  But research is proving that they are often more stable and long-lived than oils.  Because of the gradual deterioration of oils—yellowing, cracking and chipping—acrylics are proving to be more dependable over the long haul.  Their adhesion and color retention are remarkable.

In almost every type of painting, artists have need of a surface pre-treatment.  With acrylic painting, the choice is most often acrylic gesso.  For centuries, traditional oil painters created their own gesso through a laborious technique of cooking hide glue and chalk.  The glue was often rabbit skin glue, but others were also used.  Artists used this substance to seal the surface of wood panels on which they painted.  This allowed the paint to set above the substrate rather than sink into it.  Gesso made in this fashion is not suitable for canvas preparation, but it is an excellent concoction and has stood the test of time.  Its adhesion qualities are undisputable.

Today’s acrylic polymer gesso is water-based, water cleanable and is comprised of titanium dioxide and acrylic binder.  It is super smooth right from the tub or jar and easily brushed, rolled or applied with a paint pad over any surface that is to be decorated; and it dries quickly. Acrylic gesso is available in several colors or can be tinted with acrylic paints.  It is relatively inexpensive and readily found at art material stores.

Gesso is considered a richly opaque white for all artistic applications.  Watercolor artists often use gesso to create areas of extreme white for highlight and final reflections in their work.  Oil painters use it prior to painting to seal the weave and absorbency of their canvas, just as acrylic artists do.  It is one product found in nearly every studio.

Graphite and colored pencil artists can also utilize some of the qualities of acrylic gesso.  For a super smooth work surface, coat heavy cotton fiber paper with gesso.  Allow it to dry, and then lightly sand the surface.  Recoat and re-sand.  Up to four coats can be applied and sanded to create a near glass-smooth finish on which to draw; and it is truly a pleasure to draw on such a “fluid” surface.

Gesso can be used to improve almost any surface for painting; it can be used to create opaque, rich, totally white areas; and it can impart texture over which the artist may apply washes and dilute tones.  Texture is reason enough to use gesso, but is only one of its many attributes.  Low odor, smooth finish, easy clean-up…the list continues. 

Art Events

Schedules sometimes change, so it’s recommended that you confirm events beforehand.

Corning Museum of Glass Studio, Corning, NY – Glassmaking Courses - Several Weekend Workshops are offered in Glassblowing, Flameworking and Flat Glass from Oct. - Dec.  And one-day workshops are offered on October 14:  “Paperweights at the Furnace” and “Beadmaking.”  No glassworking experience is necessary, but participants must be at least 10 years of age.  Also, the exhibit Curiosities of Glassmaking, on view through Oct. 21, showcases more than 100 wonderfully odd and mysterious objects fashioned of glass, dating from antiquity to the present day.  607-974-6467; www.cmog.org.

Feast of Fine Art Gala Opening, COPIA, Napa, CA – Oct.7 – This is a free event with wine and live music.  The four-week exhibit will feature over 70 paintings (also posted online)by northern Californian premier plein air artists that will be sold at auction at The Land Trust of Napa County’s annual fundraising event, the Feast of Eden, on Nov. 3 at Castello di Amorosa.  707-259-1600; www.copia.org.

Denver Arts Week, Denver, CO – Oct. 5-12 – Denver Arts Week is a celebration of Denver’s thriving arts scene with special events, concerts, art shows, theatre, dance, street parties and prizes.  Explore more than a dozen museums, 40 performing arts groups, six neighborhood arts districts and 100 art galleries.  At the Denver Art Museum on Oct. 5 enjoy an early preview of Artisans & Kings:  Selected Treasures from the Louvre, featuring 125 paintings, sculptures and decorative arts masterpieces from the Louvre’s royal collections.  www.denverartsweek.com.

CultureFest NYC 2007 – New York, NY, at Battery Park – Oct. 13-14 – This free 7^th annual family friendly celebration features more than 100 arts and cultural organizations all in one place at one time.  Get a sneak peek at upcoming exhibitions and programs as well as hands-on activities and live performances.  11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The International Vintage Poster Fair:  New York, Oct. 19-21, Metropolitan Pavilion; and San Francisco, Oct. 26-28, Fort Mason Center -   The fairs will again host more than 25 exhibitors from eight countries offering an outstanding selection of fine original vintage posters.  1-800-856-8069, www.posterfair.com.

Indie Emporium 2007, Tulsa, OK, Mathews Warehouse – Oct. 26-27 - This first annual event is an arts, crafts and fashion show highlighting the talents of independent up-and-coming artists, crafters, and fashion designers—along with food booths/samples, live music and entertainment, contests and activities.  Also featured are “Make and Take” booths hosted by event sponsors; look for a demonstration of Sticklers, Glaze and Soufflé pens by Sakura. 918-853-7946; www.indieemporium.com.

Art Cards

Artist Trading Cards—A New Phenomenon

Although the circulation of Artist Trading Cards (ATC) was begun over a decade ago, it has taken a while to catch on in the U.S. and is now creating a huge response.  Artists in all disciplines are eager to exchange ATC’s and do so in huge numbers every month.  There are few “guidelines” or rules involved and anyone who does works on paper or other thin materials can create and trade.  In celebration of the 10 year anniversary of the ATC, we offer the following details and encouragement for you to start your own series.

ATC’s are a new version of trading cards and are miniature works of art that are traded person-to-person just like sports trading cards, etc.  They were sparked by Zurich artist M. Vanci Stirnemann, who began trading sessions in Zurich in 1997.  He then went on to popularize the cards via the Internet and still creates and trades cards.

The rules are specific, but very simple.  The card used as a base for the art should be 2.5x3.5 inches and thin enough to slip into a clear trading card sleeve.  That means that you can use some texture and embellishments, but they must be thin enough to fit inside the envelope with the card.  There is no stipulation as to media or mixed media.   The cards were designed to be traded with other artists at face-to-face meetings and gatherings.  Each is an original or a very small numbered edition.  Cards should have contact information on the back so the recipient will know with whom he/she traded along with the date of creation.  If the card is part of an edition of very similar or exact cards, a number identification should be included with the signature and date.

Some artists have expressed the idea of selling their cards.  In that case, the cards are considered an off-chute of the original concept of ATC and are called ACEO, “Art Card, Editions and Originals”.  However, the original concept of ATC did not include the sale of cards, only the trading and collecting among the creators themselves.

As stated, materials used are unlimited – except for thickness and bulk.  Draftsmen and those gifted in drawing do original drawings and sketches; paper artists create original papers for their collections; rubber stamping artists use their original stamps and other materials, just like they do for their cards, scrapbooks, book arts, etc.; painters do small originals in their chosen media; collage artists and calligraphers, photographers, and even fabric artists do spectacular small works.  No lamination is required. 

To kick-start your creative juices, following is a list of some of the materials that have been used by artists on the ATC’s:  fabrics, threads, string and yarns; thin polymer designs; hot glue; rubber stamps with puff paint or metallics; computer printed images; photographs; shrink plastic; canvas; bottle caps, coins; tags; tickets; brads and eyelets; buttons, beads and sequins; charms; gems; lace; ribbons…the sky is the limit.

Why not pick up the phone or send out some emails and start your own exchange event?  If you already belong to an arts organization, just put out the word and things will happen!

The Artist’s Marketplace

New Packs/Cards from Strathmore

Great for the upcoming holidays are new bulk pack greeting cards from Strathmore.  Watercolor cards are now available in packs of 50 and 100; and White Photo Mount cards are available in a pack of 100.  All measure 5” x 6.875” and include envelopes, of course.  Also look for the new Inkjet Watercolor Greeting Cards that are specially coated on both sides to produce rich, vibrant colors in any inkjet printer.  The card is a true watercolor sheet, allowing you to duplicate the tactile and visual effect of a watercolor painting.  These measure 5” x 7” and come in packages of 8.  www.strathmoreartist.com.

Book on Artist Trading Cards

Artist Trading Card Workshop by Bernie Berlin teaches how to create cards through 25 different techniques demonstrated in step-by-step photos.  The artistic possibilities are nearly endless, so crafters, artists and collage enthusiasts of all ages can easily create cards of their own design.  Join this growing trend!  North Light Books, paperback.

Kids’ Korner

Draw It!

While researching information to share in this issue of Kids’ Korner, the following quote was discovered and it sparked our interest:  “Did you know that every president of the United States has been sketched since 1889 with General Pencil charcoal pencils?” General Pencil Company (www.generalpencil.com) is proud of their association with artists and the subjects they capture. 

Perhaps it’s time you did some famous pencil drawings.  Even if they are famous only within your family, portraits and sketches of what goes on in your life everyday might someday be very important to you.  Learning to capture images or the look of a person can be learned and, with practice, you can create a very true likeness. 

Use the quote above as your inspiration to begin today to record in drawings the things that you live with every day.  Consider your pet, for instance.  That little friend does amazing things and a sketch of that pet will be a lifelong reminder of all the fun and enjoyment you shared.

Today your room might have a theme of sports, school or far away destinations.  Next month it might have an entirely new look.  Record those different “rooms” to create a very personal record of your life, from today on.  You might even use the drawings as a design tool to “recreate” your décor.  And remember architectural drawing experts – they draw all day and create the “blueprints” for everything from home décor to sky-high structures.

Pencil drawing is inexpensive, provides easy transport and can reward with many hours of contemplative study and recording.  Light sketches or extremely detailed drawings – your style is your choosing, and every attempt is of value. 

Learning the basics of light and shadow, perspective and proportion takes time to perfect, but is the foundation of a good drawing.  Most pencil artists create by a building process.  A light sketch is the skeleton upon which they add tone and texture, ending with a drawing with defined lights and darks, good middle tones and line definition only where needed.  Personal style will work into the equation as you work through a few sketches.  You may want a rich, eye-catching drawing with heavy darks and bright lights; or you may prefer the delicacy of light sketches with less heaviness—the choice is up to you.  

Be sure to explore the pencil section in your local art supply store to see the different types available.  Some mark very dark lines, some very soft.  Select a range that will help you get the tones you want easily.  Feel free to ask a clerk for assistance in making your selection.  Also visit www.generalpencil.com for information and to see their fine line of products. 

One beauty of this media is that it is easily reversible.  A good quality eraser that does not leave residue or color behind is a great tool to include in your paint box. You can retrieve bright whites by precise erasure of areas adjacent to darks.  There is a rule about the lightest light being right next to the darkest dark in a drawing (or painting).  Rules are good, but fun and creativity are, too.  Don’t worry about dos and don’ts, other than those that help you create a strong design, good perspective and development of your personal style.

Even if drawing is new to you, the results you will achieve will be keepers.  All you have to do is – do it!  And keep all your sketches in a folder or portfolio.  They not only record today, but will have captured your present – soon to become your past and your personal history.  Remember, too, that drawings also make treasured gifts for friends and family. 

Create a Portrait

Go to the FACE IT! site of the National Portrait Gallery and you’ll be able to create an online portrait:
http://www.npg.si.edu/competition/site/faceit/faceit.html.

You’ll see some of the different portrait drawings that are in the Gallery.  Use the drawing tool and templates on the page to draw a portrait of yourself or someone else. There are shapes, including faces and a profile, to assist you, as well as a blank template.  Save it, email it or print it.

New Disney Stamps

Once again a little Disney magic comes with the mail. The fourth stamp pane issued by the U.S. Postal Service to honor the art of Disney has been dedicated.  The 41-cent “Art of Disney:  Magic” stamps portray Mickey Mouse, Dumbo, Peter Pan and Aladdin.  USPS art director Terrence McCaffrey joined the Disney team in designing the stamps.

Film Festival

The 3^rd Annual Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival continues on Oct. 5, 6 and 14 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.  Films from around the world will be shown in the museum’s Bing Theatre as part of the NexGen program, a free museum membership program for youth.  Visit www.lachildrensfilm.org.

Airbrush

An Airbrushed Halloween

With Halloween fast approaching at the end of the month, both children and adults alike will be vying to outdo each other with the coolest and most original costumes they can create.  No matter if it’s decoration on fabric, the creation of unique masks or the body art effects of temporary tattoos, the airbrush is the perfect tool to aid the creative process.

In airbrush technique the template/stencil is used to easily create complex shapes and images. Airbrushed temporary tattoos look like real tattoos from a professional, with the saving grace of quick and easy removal after Halloween.  These can uniquely distinguish one Halloween “character” from another with embellishments such as Kanji characters of peace or love on a hippie, the Jolly Roger on a pirate or moons and shooting stars on a wizard.

To apply tattoos, a gravity feed, internal mix dual action airbrush is recommended (such as the Iwata Eclipse—see www.iwata-airbrush.com).  You’ll also need an air source; choose from the simplest propellant cans to a compressor or CO₂.  Next, the Artool Body of Art Temporary Tattoo System includes specially formulated Airbrush Paints to use freehand or with Artool’s reusable adhesive Airbrush Stencils.  Fifteen blendable, waterproof and FDA ingredient-approved airbrush colors are available as are 14 sets of laser-cut Mylar stencil designs from “Cosmic Set” to “Flowers” to “Midriff Madness.” Artool’s Body of Art Setting Powder, 70% isopropyl alcohol and airbrush cleaner round out the materials and supplies required to begin. 

Following are tips for the application of airbrushed temporary tattoos.  Of course you should first read any instructions that come with the paints, cleaning agents and stencils.

1. The most difficult part of the process is laying out your design ahead of time, from selecting a stencil and colors to deciding where the tattoo will be applied.  Consider the size of the area to be tattooed when determining which size stencil to use. 

2. Use 70% isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean the skin surface before airbrushing.  This will remove any oils that may interfere with paint adhesion.

3. After the skin is dry, remove the backing sheet from the stencil and apply the stencil to the cleaned area of skin.  The adhesive is a light medical grade and allows you to airbrush the tattoo with both hands free.

4. Use a light color or white as a base coat to make all additional colors appear extremely bright and vibrant.  To achieve opaqueness, lightly spray overlapping passes of color.  Don’t spray paint on too quickly.

5. Use airbrush cleaner to clean the brush between color changes.  Never mix water with alcohol-based body paints!  You can use alcohol to wipe off excess paint from the airbrush, needle and parts.  All overspray can be removed from both the stencil and the skin.

6. Apply Artool Body of Art Setting Powder to the tattoo when dry.  This will increase the longevity of the tattoo and absorb natural skin oils to prevent the oil from breaking up the tattoo.

An airbrushed Body of Art tattoo will last up to five days and can be removed at any time with rubbing alcohol or baby oil.  To maintain the tattoo, avoid contact with soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotions and oils.  Reapply the setting powder before and after showering and several times during the day.

Be daring—or discreet—create “attitude” with Artool’s Body of Art products and have a Happy Halloween! See your retailer for this fun line of products.

ArtPourri

Agreement Reached—After lengthy and complex discussions, an agreement regarding antiquities has been reached between the Italian Ministry of Culture and the J. Paul Getty Trust. The Getty will transfer 40 objects in its collection to Italy, including the Cult Statue of a Goddess, which will remain on display at the Getty Villa until 2010.

New Gallery/Education Center Open—The Metropolitan Museum, New York City, has inaugurated the Joyce and Robert Menschel Hall for Modern Photography. The Hall is designed specifically to accommodate large-scale photographs, and the inaugural installation is entitled Depth of Field:  Contemporary Photography at the Metropolitan.  In addition, following a three-year renovation and complete reconfiguration, the Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education will reopen on Oct. 23 with an extraordinary range of new, high-tech features and the Museum’s first-ever art study room designed for teaching with original works of art.

Auction News – Christie’s “First Open – Post-War and Contemporary Art” sale totaled $12.2 million and surpassed the March sale substantially.  New records were set for several artists, including Louise Nevelson, Alice Neel, Louise Bourgeois and Norman Bluhm. – Sotheby’s “Contemporary Art Mid-Season” sale brought over $13 million, well above the high estimate.  Exceptional prices were received for works by Steven Parrino and Allen D’Arcangelo, and records were set for several artists.

New Directors Chosen—After a six-month international search, the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN, has named Olga Viso its new director effective Jan. 2008.  Viso is currently director of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.– Kevin Gover has been named director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian, effective Dec. 2.  A member of the Pawnee tribe, he is a professor of law at Arizona State U., an affiliate professor in its American Indian Studies Program and co-executive director of the university’s American Indian Policy Institute.

Architects Chosen—The Barnes Foundation has announced the selection of Tod Williams and Billie Tsien of New York to design its new facility on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Center City, Philadelphia.  The art education center will house the preeminent collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early modern paintings.

Exhibitions:

Washington, DC – National Gallery of Art – States and Variations:  Prints by Jasper Johns focuses on the printmaker’s 1969 portfolio of 13 prints, 1^st Etchings, 2^nd State.  Included are 63 works dating from 1960 (the year he first undertook printmaking) through 1982.  Through Oct. 28.

Boston, MA – Museum of Fine Arts – Shy Boy, She Devil, and Isis:  The Art of Conceptual Craft, Selections from the Wornick Collection features 120 objects by 107 artists hailing from 20 countries.  These works document an era in which materials-based artists in clay, glass, metal, wood and fiber moved toward the creation of expressive sculptural forms that stand alone as objects of art, without a utilitarian purpose.  Through Jan. 6.

Pasadena, CA – Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena, CA- A Centennial Celebration:  The Life of Norton Simon celebrates the 100^th anniversary of the birth of this renowned art collector, businessman and philanthropist.  In addition, there are special events and a newly acquired portrait of the founder by renowned artist Don Bachardy.  Through Feb. 11.

Editor’s Note:  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Please show your support and “think pink.”

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Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 17 No. 12 — October 2007