Studio

Lighting for the Task At Hand

If given a choice, artists would all want tons of natural light in their studios—skylights overhead, glass walls, no shade trees nearby, just floods of strong, even, natural sunlight.  In a perfect world this would be possible, but it is difficult to get enough natural light on a dependable schedule when you are ready to paint.  For this and other reasons, artificial light is our next best alternative.

Because of the limited availability of natural light and the fact that many artists work in the wee hours of the morning or very late at night, artificial light has become indispensable.  Today’s options include lights with color spectrums that very closely mimic sunlight.  Incandescent bulbs offer these spectrums, come in sizes that fit easily into traditional lamp bases and are available in different intensities.  Fluorescent tubes with natural spectrums are also available for common shop-style fixtures.  With fluorescent fixtures, your choice can be the traditional cool spectrums or a more natural sun-like spectrum.  One way to tell the difference and see how it will affect your paintings is to view your skin tones under the light.  Natural spectrum lights give your skin a natural, rosy tone, while cool lights give your skin a yellow cast.  It is easy to see how this difference could affect your paintings.

The same quality of light that painters like to use is also a very healthy and energizing light.  When the winter doldrums get you down, it has been proven that working or relaxing under lights with the full-light spectrum can dramatically alter your mood upward. 

For certain jobs and situations, a light box (or light table) is a great item for the working artist.  With a light box, you can view any type of transparency and easily see the colors as they are depicted.  Light is cast from beneath the surface of the box to illuminate but is not glaring into the eyes of the artist.  With a light box it is easy to organize slides for your records or for submission to competitions.  Large-scale transparencies can be studied and selected for clarity and done so far more successfully than one can do with the naked eye.  So a light box is very valuable to the amateur or professional artist.

Spotlights and track lighting are marvelous for lighting finished works on gallery or studio walls.  Good lighting helps all details and subtleties—that might otherwise be missed—come to life.  Spots are also great for enhancing the shadowed areas of set-up work.  With strong direct lighting, the artist is assisted in determining the placement of the darkest darks and brightest lights.  While not suited for every application, spotlighting is great for exaggerated shadow studies.

High intensity lights are good for very close work.  They do not have the long distance strength to be used to light a very large area, but for drawing, sketching and reading they are very helpful.  The heat generated by these lights is considerable, and care should be taken to avoid contact between the bulb and flammables.  Bright – yes, hot – yes; but, oh, so concentrated for close work.

Traditional desk lamps can be used for general lighting in the studio.  They are also perfect for softly lighting set-up work.  Most desk lamps are covered with some sort of shade to deflect glare.  This makes them concentrate their light output into a specific area…such as a desktop, tabletop or clamped to an easel for overhead lighting.  Color spectrum of the bulb can be selected to give perfect work lighting.

There is a light source to fit every need in the studio or creative work area.  Check out the options and find what works best for you.

The Artist’s Marketplace

Artograph – New Office Location

Take note—Artograph has recently moved to a new location:  525 9^th Street South, Delano, MN  55328-8624.  See your retailer and visit www.artograph.com to see their fine line of projectors and accessories, light boxes, spray booths and studio furniture.

AMACO - Friendly Plastic Open Design Challenge Winners

The American Art Clay Company (AMACO) 2010 Open Design Challenge for the Craft & Hobby Association Show held recently in Anaheim, CA, highlighted Friendly Plastic.  Artists from around the world made butterflies to commemorate the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust for the “Butterfly Project” at the Holocaust Museum Houston.  Others created one-of-a-kind mixed media jewelry and/or altered art for jewelry or home décor, which will be donated to the Living Room Santa Rosa, a daytime shelter for abused women and children.  And the winners are:  Ambrose Holcomb, Cathy Frank, Sherry McGilvray, Linda Hess and Terie Pauley (Best of Show).  Winners received an etched crystal award, $100, and a $100 check to be donated to the charity of their choice.  Visit www.amaco.com.

Strathmore Artist Papers – Illustration Contest Winners

Strathmore has announced the winners of their “how do you see green?” Illustration Contest.  Grand Prize Winners for Professional/Hobbyist were Alice Feagan and Olga Levitskiy; and Student Grand Prize Winners were Eric Stumpf and Katie Cantrel.  The original artwork of the winners will be featured on one of four special edition Strathmore Premium Recycled pads this fall.

Art Competitions & Opportunities

—EXAGGERATE!  Adirondack Theme Exhibition is open to all living artists and writers age 16 and over.  Sponsored by The Arts Guild of Old Forge, Old Forge, NY, and opening May 9, the theme is a flexible guideline to help artists think analytically about their images and to lend continuity to the exhibit.  Artists may interpret this theme in any imaginable way.  Humongous ribbons and monetary prizes will be awarded.  Hand-delivery of artwork is preferred, although shipping is available through the Guild’s shipping agent.  Shipped artwork must arrive by April 23; May 1 is the last day for hand delivery.  Prospectus:  http://www.artscenteroldforge.org//pages/exhibitions.cfm?newsitem_id=23&action=view

—13^TH Annual International Society of Acrylic Painters Open Exhibition will be held Aug. 7 – Sept. 5 at the Santa Cruz Art League Gallery, Santa Cruz, CA.  All works must have been created in the past three years and the participants must be at least 18 years of age.  The image must be 80% acrylic on any 2-D surface.  Juror:  Gerald F. Brommer.  Cash and merchandise awards.  Deadline:  May 15.  Prospectus:  http://www.isap-online.com/documents/13th_prospectus.pdf

—Senior Programs through the Whitney Museum – Since 1994 the Whitney has worked on a collaborative basis with some of the most vital community-based senior organizations, centers and homes throughout New York City.  They offer a range of unique programs and resources, free of charge through the Museum, that provide exceptional opportunities for intellectual stimulation and self-expression:  private tours of exhibitions, slide show presentations at senior centers and homes, hands-on art-making mini-courses and teleconference lectures for homebound seniors.  Note that these are run in collaboration with community senior centers only and seniors who are interested in participating should speak to the director of their local center.  For info on participating in or scheduling any Senior Program, directors should call 212.570.7712.

Collage

Photo Collage

In this age of computer programs for a multitude of applications there are, of course, a number of programs available to create photo collage.  However, this article will concern the aspects of a handmade, somewhat dimensional approach to photo collage.  With the invention of the digital camera, a world of creative possibilities opened to all interested persons.  Along with these fabulous cameras, the ease and availability of photo processing and superior quality make creating with photos easy and fun. The decorative quality of photography has taken a huge leap forward and is accessible by nearly anyone.

The materials needed to create photo collage are few and simple:  photos, mounting board (recommended is acid-free mat board or foam board) and adhesive.  After you have gathered a collection of photos, you will want to work out placement of the images in a pleasing pattern (perhaps chronological).  You have many options for attachment of the photos.  There are special photo corners that hold photos in place without additional adhesives, quick roll-and-stick acid-free, double-sided tapes and acid-free glue.  The use of acid-free adhesives makes the photos last longer with less discoloration.  It’s your choice of which materials to use, depending on the look and presentation you want to create.

A word here about using old valuable, historical photos:  Don’t.  Have copies made or scan and print your own copies of those old photos.  They often represent the only example of that scene and could be of historical value to your family or others.  So, scan them, print them and collage with the prints.  Store in an appropriate place the “only” copies of old photos.  Many precious photos are in safe deposit boxes for security.  One day, you might be glad you took some precautions.

For the fastest and easiest collages, it is only necessary to have a surface upon which to mount the photos and a means of mounting.  Scissors are necessary if cutting, cropping or resizing images is part of your plan.  It is almost always true that a variety of sizes and shapes makes a collage more interesting than the use of photos all the same size.  So, lay out a sequence and design that pleases you.  Cut, crop, size and remove distractions from photos—whatever you wish.  Once the design is worked out, begin along one side of the collection and attach the photos.  Remember to take into account the areas between the shots you select.  If there is a lot of open space, fill it with small “partials” – sections of photos that fit the look.

Another way to create a photo collage is to include some dimension to the design.  By elevating one or more photos, you create real depth and interest in your design.  Not all the photos will be elevated, perhaps one to four of a group of 10 or maybe two of eight.  It just depends on the final look you are seeking.  But the raising of a few of the most important images will really add to the flair and appeal of your collage.  Consider the way you will frame the finished collage.  Some depth is required to raise photos off the flat mounting material.

To elevate a photo you can select something that has long-term, photo-friendly qualities such as acid-free mat board or foam board scrap.  Cut it smaller than the photo, and attach it with acid-free glue, acid-free double-stick tape or other material of your choice.  Then attach the elevated photo to the flat collection on the mounting board.  It is sure to give zing to your look and will make the presentation even more special.

Exhibition

Playing with Pictures:  The Art of Victorian Photocollage is on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC, through May 9.  Featured are 48 works that provide a fascinating window into the creative possibilities of photography in the 19^th century.  Whimsical and fantastical Victorian photo collages, created using a combination of watercolor drawings and cut-and-paste photographs, reveal the educated minds as well as accomplished hands of their makers.

Art Events

Schedules sometimes change, so please confirm all events in advance.

—A Crazy World of Color! – Annual Family Festival – Miami Art Museum, Miami, FL – April 10, 1-4 p.m.  Have a fun-filled afternoon on the Cultural Plaza and celebrate the beautiful colors of our world with music, games, face painting, special exhibition tours and more.  Free.  305.375.3000.

—Local Artist T-Shirt Mart - Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN – April 17, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Just in time for spring!  Browse the latest designs for adults and kids from a large group of local T-shirt artists.  All proceeds support the Walker’s artistic and educational programs.  612.375.7633; www.walkerart.org.

—Bouquets to Art 2010 -  de Young Museum, San Francisco, CA – April 20-24.  This 26^th annual exhibition will feature 150 floral displays interpreting the Museum’s permanent collection.  It celebrates the upcoming landmark Impressionism exhibitions from the Musee d’Orsay that will be on view at the Museum shortly after the close of Bouquets to Art.  The opening gala evening, the décor of the luncheons and teas and Hat Day will feature this theme as a tribute to the exhibitions and to Impressionism.  Tickets and event schedule:  https://tickets.famsf.org/public/default.asp?cgCode=6&cgName=Bouquets%20to%20Art; 415.750.3504.

—Art in Bloom - Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MA) – April 24-26.  See the galleries transformed by 50 extraordinary arrangements inspired by magnificent works of art, from Asian sculptures to world-renowned European paintings.  Also featured are tours, performances, activities for children, shopping and lectures/demos/master classes by floral experts (tickets required).  617.267.9300. http://www.mfa.org/calendar/sub.asp?key=12&subkey=7705

—New York Avenue Sculpture Project - National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C. — On April 28 the NMWA will unveil the first phase of the New York Avenue Sculpture Project along one of downtown Washington’s major boulevards.  This new dynamic space will enhance the city’s public art profile featuring changing installations of contemporary works by world-renowned women artists.  The artist selected to inaugurate this public art program is the self-taught French sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle.  Her 9 – 15-foot-high whimsical, visually playful and colorful works celebrate women, children, heroes, cultural diversity and love.  When the Project is completed, no later than 2015, it will have transformed the four major medians of New York Avenue, N.W. from 13^th St. to Mount Vernon Square into sculpture islands.  Artworks will be temporary installations lasting for periods of one to three years.  www.nmwa.org.

—Art Alive - San Diego Museum of Art (CA) – April 29 – May 2.  For four floral-filled days and nights the Museum will be transformed into a glorious spectacle of art and flowers, creating an enchanting spring exhibition.  This 29^th year celebration is punctuated by a host of special events including an Opening Celebration, Member Preview, a “Special Edition” of Culture & Cocktails and family-oriented “Garden of Activities.”  Info/Tickets:  http://www.sdmart.org/artalive2010.html; 619.232.7931.

—Cinco de Mayo – Olana - Hudson, NY – May 5.  Bring the family to celebrate the Fifth of May at Olana, home of Hudson River artist Frederic Edwin Church.  Tours will discuss the 19^th century beginnings of the holiday and focus on Mexican items in Olana’s collection.  Admission.  www.olana.org; 518.828.0135.

Airbrush

Airbrush Maintenance—The Needle
(Click on any photo for a larger view!)

There is but one part of an airbrush that must be removed on a regular basis for cleaning—the needle.   All internal mix airbrushes have a needle, whereas external mix airbrushes do not (fluid tip).  And it is this needle and its condition that determine the quality of spray.  If the needle contains dried paint or if the tip has been inadvertently bent (fish hook), the spray will be negatively affected.  Rather than having that round pattern for which the airbrush is known, it will be misshapen.

To properly clean the needle, first remove the handle at the back of the brush, which unscrews.  What appears underneath is the back end of the needle protruding from what we will call the “needle chuck screw.”  (Airbrush manufacturers usually have different names for the same parts.)  This screw holds the needle in place, so when you pull the trigger back the needle is simultaneously drawn back.  To loosen the needle chuck screw, unscrew it counter-clockwise ½ turn, as there is no need to remove it completely.

No. 1: Remove the handle to clean the airbrush.	No. 2: This is the needle chuck screw that holds the needle in place.	No. 3: Loosen the needle chuck screw 1-2 turn counter--clockwise.

Then remove the needle from the brush, set the airbrush down, and use a paper towel and cleaning agent to wipe the needle clean.  (The needle is sharp, so use care handling it.)  Then replace the needle in the airbrush.  Check to make sure the trigger has not come out of line. The needle slides through the trigger, so replace it slowly.  If it butts against something, it is hitting the stem of the trigger, which indicates the trigger is misaligned.  When everything is perfectly aligned the needle will slide in all the way to the tip of the airbrush.  It should be snug to the tip, but never be forced.  Once back in place, re-set the needle chuck screw by turning it clockwise until tight.  To insure that the needle is properly seated before replacing the handle, pull back on the trigger to see if the needle is moving back simultaneously.  If so, then everything is in place and properly set.  Now replace the brush handle and you are good to go.

No. 4: Once the needle has been removed, wipe it clean.	No. 5: Wipe the needle clean with a paper towel and the appropriate cleaner.

Airbrush manufacturers make needles from various materials.  Obviously the harder the material, the more difficult it is to bend the tip.  If you do “fish hook” the tip, you can attempt to straighten it yourself, but harder needles make this more difficult to accomplish.  So it’s recommended that you have a spare needle on hand.

Some airbrush models are adaptable to several different sized needle/head assembly combinations, and each manufacturer uses different terminology in describing the size of these combos.  But no matter what they’re called, make sure that the needle and the head assembly match for maximum airbrush performance.

As you can see, the needle is of major importance to the optimal performance of an airbrush.  So use care in handling, cleaning and replacement of the needle to insure continued reliability.

ArtPourri

Medals Presented – President and Mrs. Obama have presented the National Medal of Arts to ten recipients for their outstanding achievements and support of the arts.  (Two additional recipients weren’t able to attend.)  Included among others were graphic designer Milton Glaser, artist/designer Maya Lin, arts patron/design advocate Hon. Joseph P. Riley, Jr., and painter/sculptor Frank Stella.  Each year the NEA organizes and oversees the National Medal of Arts nomination process and notifies the artists of their selection to receive a medal, the nation’s highest honor for artistic excellence.

Galleries Reopen – After an eight-month hiatus, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC) has reopened its Andre Mertens Galleries for Musical Instruments, showcasing more than 230 works of art drawn primarily from the Museum’s extensive holdings.  The new installation of Western musical instruments will focus attention on individual masterworks by exploring each within its musical and cultural context, by offering exciting comparisons of how individual makers realized the same concept and by introducing examples of the various instruments’ developments.

Auction News – Christie’s will offer an exceptionally important and highly celebrated masterpiece by Pablo Picasso in the evening auction of Impressionist and Modern Art in London on June 23.  Portrait of Angel Fernandez de Soto comes from the artist’s celebrated Blue Period and will be priced at 30-40 million pounds.  All proceeds will benefit The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, which focuses on the promotion of arts, culture and heritage in Britain.  Christie’s is also honored to announce the sale (May 4) of one of the greatest private American collections of Modern Art to come to auction:  The Collection of Mrs. Sidney F. Brody.  Boasting a wealth of master works by the towering figures of the Modernist movement, the collection is valued at over $150 million.  — Sotheby’s recent sale of Contemporary Art realized $5.8 million, with top sellers by Andy Warhol, Robert Motherwell and Cindy Sherman more than doubling their low estimates.

Sculpture Garden Reopens – The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden (New Orleans Museum of Art) has reopened to the public after a seven-month renovation.  Hours are seven days a week from 10a.m. to 5p.m.; Wednesdays the garden will be open until dusk to complement the Museum’s 8 p.m. closing.  Starting April 17 there will be yoga in the Sculpture Garden every Saturday morning at 8 a.m., with pre-registration required.  And Wednesdays are now FREE to all Museum visitors!

Film Released – A new documentary, The Art of the Steal (directed by Don Argott) follows the struggle for control of Dr. Albert C. Barnes’ $25 billion collection (Barnes Collection) of Modern and Post-Impressionist art.  Visit www.moviefone.com for a synopsis and to see where the film may be playing in your area.

New Stamps – The U.S. Postal Service is honoring the artistic innovations and achievements of a group of artists who moved the U.S. to the forefront of the international art scene with the release of the Abstract Expressionists commemorative postage stamps.  The vibrant stamps feature works by Hans Hoffmann, Mark Rothko, Clyfford Still, Barnett Newman, Robert Motherwell, Adolph Gottlieb, Arshile Gorky, Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock and Joan Mitchell.

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Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 20 No. 6 — April 2010