Tagged: art

June 29, 2013

Learn the Oil Painting Technique: Blending

Color blending is a technique wherein two colors are combined to create another color. Each color has a separate blend factor that determines how much of each color is combined into the final product. There are different ways to blend colors and different ways with different medium. Today, I will share some techniques in color blending using oil paints.

How to start?
Once you’ve decided what colors you want to blend to create an effect, you might want to blend small amounts of each and check if it’s the color you’re looking for then you can make necessary adjustments. Move the brush in a way from one color into the other and back or in a zigzag motion. Wipe off any paint from your brush before you start blending or better yet, start with a clean, dry brush so you won’t add any extra paint that is not part of your color scheme.

Indigo sunset original oil painting, seascape by Gina De Gorna — Indigo sunset original oil painting, seascape
by Gina De Gorna
Image source: http://sunsetartonline.com

How to blend on canvas?
You don’t want the colors mix equally so stroking your brush sideways at least initially or else you’ll have strips of concentrated colors in your blended color. Remember to keep your strokes short and picking different percentages of blending. Keep repeating until it blends. As your tip gets thinner you get a smoother result, and once is smooth enough you can use blur or smudge tool to finish the job in case you want perfect gradients. If you think your blended color is not blending well or it’s too concentrated on canvas, all you need to do is to pick up a little fresh paint in the color that’s at risk of being lost then work from the outside or the darker shade until its blended. You can take your time blending with oil paints because they dry slowly unlike with acrylic paints.

What type of brush and brushstroke is best to use in blending?
Create a transition between the first two shades using a crosshatch stroke. Flat brushes tend to work best for blending. Smooth the blend by using parallel strokes along the transition you just created. The parallel strokes should be perpendicular to the lighter shades. Use a clean brush to blend the next shade, and repeat the technique using first crosshatched strokes followed by parallel stokes. A clean brush should always be used when working with a new shade, even if the actual color is the same.

June 28, 2013

Learn the Oil Painting Technique: Underpainting and Glazing

Underpainting

It is an initial layer of paint that will serve as a foundation and help define subsequent layers of paint for your painting. Underpaintings are usually monochromatic which reflects light through the over-painting layers and gives a painting the luminosity. There are several different methods of underpainting were used by the old masters.

· Grisaille
Pronounced as “griz-eye” this is a method of underpainting with different gray paints.

· Verdaccio
It is a method of underpainting with colors of olive or green gray paint in the light areas. It often resembles a moonlight effect.

· Imprimatura
This underpainting method usually uses transparent layers of earth colors (ra umber or burnt umber). It is used as first stain to tone the canvas.

· Wash-in Underpainting
A variation of the Imprimatura underpainting. The subject or composition can be drawn into a thin semi-transparent layer of raw umber or burnt umber. Rags, paper towels and paint brushes are used to lift out the paint exposing the lights to illuminate the subject.

Glazing

Glazes can change the hue and texture of a surface. Drying time will depend on the amount and type of paint medium used in the glaze. Different media can increase or decrease the rate at which oil paints dry. Oil paits usually takes longer to dry. If a paint is too opaque, painters will add special media or a lot of medium to the paint making them more transparent for the purposes of glazing. Glazing has the strongest impact on showing middle tones and dark colours.

Reproduction of Girl with a Red Hat by Jan Vermeer — Glazed reproduction of “Girl with a Red Hat” original by Jan Vermeer

Here are some tips on how to glaze oil paintings.

· Begin the oil painting as usual by sketching and putting visual resources as necessary, but do so as though the painting were going to be complete in one layer.

· Once completely dry, after a week or so, begin the next layer of paint. The glazes will soften the colours and deepen the tones. Each “glaze” slightly modifies the colour of what has already been painted on the canvas. When you look at it the colours are automatically mixed optically giving a rich deep colour.

· Putting a little linseed oil into the oil paint will create a translucent colour. Oil paint comes in transparent, semi-transparent, and opaque and you will learn which is which the longer you paint with oils. All paint colours can be used as glazes, even opaque paints, used as glaze to paint mist or fog.

· Apply the oil paint glaze onto selected areas. A second layer of slightly darker colour will deepen the colour without changing it completely.

Image source: www.easy-oil-painting-techniques.org

June 27, 2013

How to Price for Your Artwork

There are different factors that you have to consider when pricing your artwork. If you’re just starting out and have not sold very much, pricing your work based on time, labor, and cost of materials is often the best way to go. Aside from explaining why your art is priced as much from a personal standpoint, you also have to explain equally from a financial standpoint and give reasons why it is a good buy most especially when your buyers are not familiar with you and your work. Here are some tips on how to fairly price your artwork.

1. How much did you spend?
You can start pricing your artwork by computing the quality and cost of art materials you’ve used. Then put into consideration the time and effort you spent in making these masterpieces. Price it at cost of materials plus hours spent creating the art. You can also do it by size. Large artworks usually are more expensive than the smaller ones.

2. Start with the lowest possible price that you can offer
It’s best to start low and raise your prices than it is to lower your prices later. But make sure that you have to gain a significant profit from your artwork to sustain your art business. You might want to price the work a few hundred dollars over the set price so you have space to negotiate just in case a buyer ask for a discount. Don’t undervalue your work. Selling your art too cheaply reflects your confidence as an artist.

3. Compare prices with other artists
Research and see what’s being charged by other artists that are at your level of work. Use that information as a guideline then set your price similar to other artists with similar experiences and work in similar mediums.

4. Price based on your status as an artist
Price your work based on your achievements, documented accomplishments, successful exhibits and number of sales. The more popular you are as an artist the more you should be confident with your pricing.

5. Be consistent with your pricing
Keep a pricelist of your paintings. Consistent pricing means that you’re consistent with the quality of your artwork. It is a cornerstone of a sound practice and eventually leads to successful sales. You can increase your pricing when you are experiencing a consistent degree of success and have established a proven track record of sales that has lasted for at least six months and preferably longer.

Image source: www.celebrateart.com

June 26, 2013

Checklist For a Plein Air Art Trip

Packing for a Plein Air art trip varies depending on where you’re going and the elements that you will be dealing with. There are variety of things that you must consider since you will be working outdoors. Here’s a list of the basic things you need to have on your trip.

ART MATERIALS
Since you’re going to travel, take note to have your art materials complete. It’s better if you keep things compact and organized to avoid confusion and you might forget some of your essential materials. A good idea is to invest a good art traveling bag which has multiple pockets and organizers to keep your materials intact while you’re traveling.

EASELS
Support is needed for any surface you plan to work on. And since you are traveling, a portable easel is a very good choice. Special easels comes with storage such as drawers and compartments for carrying paints and brushes within the easel. Table easels are also available if you prefer to sit while painting.

UMBRELLA and HAT
You can always find a shady area to paint but sometimes you’ll have to set up in the sun. The hat is for your protection but the umbrella is to keep the sun off your canvas and palette. A white or gray umbrella so the reflection doesn’t affect your color judgement. Try to keep both palate and canvas in the shade.

CAMERA
You can capture the initial scene with a camera. Positions of clouds and direction of the wind can constantly change outdoors so you can use this trick to make your artwork more consistent. Another advantage of the still shot is that you can use it just in case the weather turns bad and you have to finish your painting indoors.

EXTRA CLOTHING
Bring extra clothes just in case you so you can change just in case things get messy. Or you can dress in layers that you can easily take off as you get hot and put on when it gets colder. Wear neutral colored clothing to avoid too much light reflections onto your painting. Bright colors can also reflect some of their color onto your painting so stick with beige and khakis.

Now that you have your basics, here are some of the things you might want to have with you on your trip to make it more comfortable.
• Water to drink
• Light snacks
• Paper towels
• Insect repellent
• Garbage bags
• Soap and water to clean your brushes

Image source: www.judithgreenleaf.com

June 25, 2013

Choosing a Frame For Your Canvas Artwork

Choosing a frame can make or break the total look of your canvas art. They should accentuate and add character to your most prized artwork. More than an accessory, frames protects your favourite art from dust, moist and other elements and conserves them for generations. Here are some things to consider before buying frames for your artwork.

• Where will it be displayed?
Before deciding about what color or texture you want to use in your frame, consider the place where your framed artwork will be displayed. There should be a balance between your artwork, the frame, and the color of the room or wall. The idea is you have to create a backdrop for your framed art and that it should match the other decor that you already have in that room.

• Frame style
There are different types of frames that you can choose from. But the thing is, a beautiful and expensive frame might be over-powering your artwork or doesn’t blend with the character of your painting and the surroundings. Never use frames that are of the same hues as your walls. Once again, you have to balance it out. Remember that you want your artwork to be the center of attraction and not the frame.

• Never put glass over a canvas art
Yes, you want to preserve your precious artwork so it will last for generations but putting glass over a canvas painting is the biggest mistake that you could ever do. The canvas itself creates that distinct character of your artwork. You don’t want all that texture to be trapped behind glass because it is the reason why images created in canvas is different from other kind of art.

• To frame? Or not to frame?
Canvas prints can be equally striking without a frame. If you have not quite got the budget for a good frame, this may be an excellent alternative. Big prints work best without any frame because they will look smaller than they actually are when they are displayed with frames. Small prints most probably need framing and you can always make them look larger by putting a mat.

Framing your canvas art doesn’t have to be expensive. All it takes is a little research and a lot of imagination. Ask and window shop around to your hobby stores to see what’s available before making the final decision.

Image source: www.ursulahobsonframing.com

June 24, 2013

5 Best Canvas Manufacturers

1. Winsor and Newton, London
Founded in1832, Winsor & Newton has always been “The World’s Finest Artist’ Materials” . Up to this day, they strive to keep up with the latest developments in the art world and take an active interest in what artists say. They have built their reputation on the quality and reliability of their products, combined with continual product development, improvement and innovation.

2. Top Value Fabrics, US
Established in 1974, Top Value Fabric is a leading international supplier of Industrial, Recreational and Print Media fabrics for a wide variety of applications and industries. They carry an impressive collection of stock programs in addition to finishing fabric to meet clients’ specifications. Their product lines include Nylon, Vinyl, Canvas/Duck, Print Media, Activewear, Marine, and Polyester.

3. PICASSO, Indore, India
They manufacture canvas rolls from 100% cotton fabric with a double coating of acid free acrylic titanium priming. They also give an extra anti-fungus treatment to ensure safety from fungal infections for a long time. Artistic canvas rolls are widely used for acrylic and oil paintings by students and artists. Offered at industry leading prices, these canvas rolls are highly demanded by artists and students.

4. Russell and Chapple, London
Specialise in supplying the highest quality Fine Art, Scenic, and Digital canvases, sourcing and importing our canvas fabrics from all over the world. They have themost comprehensive range of these canvas materials in linen, cotton and polyester, and they supply the professional and amateur artist with the best art supports at the most competitive price. Whether you are making a mural, painting or miniature they have thecanvas for you.

5. Deasung, Shanghai, China
Provides linen canvas, wholesale canvas rolls, hemp canvas . If you are looking for the good quality of canvas that is available you should shop for linen canvas. Linen canvas makes for a superior painting surface and its strong fibers hold together and last longer than other materials. A range of canvases is available from the tightest weave, finest tooth quadruple primed handkerchief linen to robust heavy toothed linens ideal for large format works.

June 23, 2013

Top 10 Art Critics to Follow on Twitter

As an artist, opinions and observations of other people regarding your artwork is very important. To be noticed by an art critic is a privilege rather than a threat. A written critiques or review of your work will convey a perspective that a reader who doesn’t go to your gallery or online gallery may not be able to see. Art critics’ serves as consultants of art collectors and enthusiast offering a thoughtful take of the art work that they are eying to buy.
Here are the top 10 art critics that you can follow on twitter where you can have your daily dose of enhanced appreciation of the art they are viewing wherein you can pick up some tips and might eventually catch their attention to review your artwork.

1. @BrianSherwinArt Brian Sherwin
Art critic, curator, and mastermind. Former Senior Editor for the social art site Myartspace and regular Contributing Writer for FineArtViews.

2. @HalFoster1 Hal Foster
Former Los Angeles Times journalist, professor, journalism consultant in the U.S., Japan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan.

3. @polarworld Dr Huw Lewis-Jones
Authors and nice folks. We are Huw Lewis-Jones and Kari Herbert of indie publisher Polarworld, down in Cornwall creating photography and exploration books.

4. @Daichendt G. James Daichendt
Author of the books: Artist-Teacher, Artist Scholar and Stay Up! Los Angeles Street Art.

5. @cmonstah Carolina A. Miranda
She’s smart, she’s funny, and she manages to take the piss out of art world pomp-and-circumstance while maintaining her enthusiasm for art and artists.

6. @lindsaypollock Lindsay Pollock
Arts market journalist who reports for Bloomberg, The Art Newspaper, and others. She’s got the inside track not just on the art market, but the media covering the market. Her recent live-Tweet of the Ai Weiwei panel at the Paley Center on digital activism is topical and dishy.

7. @artfagcity Paddy Johnson
founder and writer of Art Fag City. Johnson’s an instigator, which makes for entertaining reading. Snark aside, she’s ever-present and well informed, mixing in art reviews from her blog and The L magazine with gossipy asides and up-to-the-minute reporting.

8. @TylerGreenDC Tyler Green
Writer and critic on Modern Art Notes. Based in DC, manages to be almost omniscient in the sphere of art media, mired in everything from reporting on endangered land art to scrapping with Jerry Saltz to creating a bracket for The Greatest Living American Abstract Painter.

9. @ARTnewsmag Robin Cembalest
Executive editor at ARTNews. Tweets are a good indicator of where the magazine’s interests lie.

10. @escapeintolife Lethe Bashar
Editor of Escape into Life online journal. Incorporates poetry, essays, and video into the publication’s visually compelling portfolios. For the most part, Bashar keeps his Twitter feed simple and to the point, with a host of links to featured artists.

Source: http://flavorwire.com
http://www.ranker.com

Image source: www.wikipaintings.com

June 22, 2013

Top 25 Inspiring Artists to Follow on Twitter

1. Gemstars : @gemstars
An artist from Canada who enjoys painting, weaver of ideas, and more. Check out her paintings on her twitter profile.

2. Dianne Hendrix : @AlaskaArtist
This artist and photographer is based in Alaska. Lists include art, writing, travel, and more.

3. Rob Sheridan : @rob_sheridan
He is an artist, designer, and photographer from Los Angeles. He is also the Creative Director for alternative band Nine Inch Nails.

4. Tenacious Artist : @tenaciousartist
Artist, music lover, teacher, Cesar Millan Fan, Polio survivor. Cathy F. is from Texas and runs Deutsch Friesenhahn Fin Art. Check in to hear her inspiring words on life, art, and more.

5. Lissa Rankin : @Lissarankin
This artist is an OBGYN and NY Times bestselling author of Mind Over Medicine, physician, founder of the Whole Health Medicine Institute.

6. Labedzki Art : @Labedzki_Art
This Canadian artist focuses on the abstract. Get links to work, auctions, and more. Canadian abstract artist specializing in figurative painting.

7. Natasha : @natasha
She is a painter of whimsical landscapes from Los Angeles. Responses and tips are found on this Twitter stream. Award-winning Artist & Illustrator, writer, speaker and entrepreneur.

8. Matthew Tubbesing : @matubbesing
Everything from abstract to the Blues are discussed in his twitter account.

9. Adelaide Damoah : @Adelaidedamoah
From the U.K., she is an oil painter and a self-described “hermit and social butterfly.” See what she is up to from her tweets.

10. Dan Byl : @danbyl
This painter actually uses eBay to sell his art. Latest works are often featured on twitter. Paints huge colorful fun paintings.

11. Estria : @estria
He strives to have graffiti recognized as a legitimate art form. See his work, along with the works of others by following. USA’s leading promoter of Graffiti ART FORM. Head of national Estria Battle. Art & inspiration from the streets.

12. Mark E. Wade : @MarkEWade
He is a creative thinker form Connecticut. Get inspired by random thought and musings through tweets.

13. Adrianasimo : @Adrianasimo
This Twitter user’s son has autism and doesn’t let it stop him from creating art. See what they are both up to by following tweets.

14. Dr. Paula Hudson : @DrPaulaHudson
Are you an artist who wants to get in touch with the art loving community? Then follow Paula who specifically began the Twitter account to meet artists.

15. Jaime Lyerly : @jaimelyerly
Tweets are often art focused. Visionary Artist, Shamanic Reiki Energy Healer & Play leader @ Expressive Goddess. Tips for Inspired Living.

16. Annie Strack : @AnnieStrack
In addition to being a writer for “Art Calendar Magazine,” she is also a professional maritime artist. Tweets are often on daily life. Artist Workshops Instructor, Official Authorized USCG Artist, Author, Art Business Consultant

17. Arthur Rau : @arthurra
From Dublin, Ohio. He tweets on modern and contemporary art, theory, design, and more. Tweets are usually on random items.

18. Donna Bernstein : @DonnaB_Art
This artist enjoys using horses as her subjects. She also works in paintings, sculptures, and more.

19. BJ Katz : @BJKatzART
This artist has a wide variety of interests including healthcare, hospitality, spirit, and others.

20. Swarez Art : @SwarezArt
This contemporary artist paints abstract and modern works of art. Tweets are often on random thoughts.

21. Alison Jardine: @alisonjardine
A professional artist in Dallas, originally from England. Currently in a project with Sony & Flavorpill to photograph life in the Dallas arts.

22. Carmen Renieri: @RenieriArts
Freelance visual artist, art collector & entrepreneur. Always looking for new ventures and opportunities.

23. KathyOstman-Magnusen: @KathysArt
Painting, Poetry, Sculpture, Figurative Artist, Goddess, Erotica, Fairies, Mermaids, Politics, Obama fan.

24. Stacy Alexander: @ARTISTstacy P
Professional writer/Visual Artist

25. Teresa Freed: @TeresaFreed
Artist, Website Designer and Marketing Coach. I work in Pastels, primarily landscapes and some portraits.

June 21, 2013

The Best Art Websites and Blogs of 2013

Large Paintings 3 by curseFROpurse www.deviantart.com — Large Paintings 3
by curseFROpurse
www.deviantart.com

deviantArt.com
Since August 2000, deviantArt.com has empowered artists all over the world by sharing inspirations and ideas. This is the largest social media for artists and art enthusiast wherein you can share your insights and knowledge to other artist. It also serves a platform for a variety of new and established artists where they can promote and share their artwork to fellow artists and art lovers.

behance.net
It is another great online platform for artists to showcase their work and for art enthusiasts to discover and experience variety of artworks. Members create their portfolio on this site to get feedback from more experienced artists and art lovers. Aside from online discussions, this community also brings art events around the world where members come in contact with each other up close and personal.

Gallerytoday.com
Launched in 2003, GalleryToday.com offers original paintings created by artists to customers in any part of the world. While other online galleries offer cheap reproductions, this website is known for their quality paintings that are created by the artist of the customer’s choice and delivered right to their doorstep in perfect condition. Their blog sites offer a lot of tips and insights written by great artists and art enthusiasts.

by Judith Brisson www.saatchionline.com — by Judith Brisson
www.saatchionline.com

Saatchionline.com
Saatchionline is derived from the renowned Saatchi Gallery in London. It aims to promote new talents to a greater audience to empower them and enable them to showcase their work to art lovers around the world. It is also a paradise for enthusiast where they can easily purchase an artwork online to be delivered to them anywhere in the world. The website truly lived up to the legacy of the Saatchi Gallery in London.

Art.net
It is a virtual community where various artists share artworks and create galleries for other artists and art lovers to see. It is also a support group for new artists where they can learn tips and suggestions from other more experienced artist on how to improve their craft and help them promote and sell their artwork in different ways.

Newbloodart.com
Founded by Fine Art Graduate and art tutor, Sarah Ryan, she aims to uplift new artists to create income from their work by giving the general public access to their art. And of course, the easiest way to go is through the internet. She also conducts talks in schools and write blogs to inspire and help aspiring and new artists on how to promote their work and launch their careers as an artist.

June 21, 2013

ECommerce Software For Artists To Sell Art Online

Buying and selling online has increased popularity over the years because of convenience for both the buyer and the seller. For artists who want to put up an art gallery online, a good Ecommerce software is vital to create your total art store online. Here are some of the best Ecommerce software that you can use to start your online business rolling.

Volution
It offers a variety of website designs and tools for your website. It also provides excellent hosting options, payment options and shopping cart tools. The software also create large amount of traffic to your website by integrating it to eBay and offers great marketing features.

Shopify
Shopify features a customer information menu wherein you can organize advertisements and inventory. One of the easiest Ecommerce software to use. It is also known for the simplicity of tools for creating and designing websites. It also offers marketing tools to help bring traffic to your site.

Bigcommerce
This application is very easy to set up and to use. It also offers a variety of tools, from administrative controls to design tools, which will help you get your online art gallery up and running. It has been consistent as one of the leading Ecommerce software for years.

Shopping Cart Elite
Loaded with features that will allow you to set up and manage your online art store with ease. With great design options and extensive marketing tools, this user-friendly software will surely make your website busy in no time.

Ashop Commerce
Also known for its powerful management tools, Ashop Commerce also offers website design tools and templates to choose from. It features a simple interface that is easy to use. It boasts with advanced security tools and payment options. Marketing tools are also available to draw attention to your website.

Pinnacle Cart
With its powerful marketing tools and management features, you will be selling boatloads of your artwork in no time. It provides unique template designs that will suit your personality and your products. And with its superb marketing tools, attention will be at your website 24/7.

3DCart
This Ecommerce software also features a variety of designs for your online store. It offers easy to use managing tools and inventory controls so you can manage your website as smoothly as possible. Although some reviews shows some imperfections of this software, generally it can still run your online business effectively.