About Acrylic Paint by ArtTalk.com

I subscribe to ARTtalk ArtPourri Tips, and they had a wonderful article about acrylic paint, which is one of my favorite media. The author so very well describes the versatility of acrylics, that I had to share the article. So many reasons to love acrylic paints, with a brief history. 


For original posting of this article, please click this sentence or search ARTtalk Art PourriTips.

Acrylic paints are some of the most versatile and popular art materials for contemporary artists.  They offer so many positive attributes: fast drying time, water cleanup, huge color selections right from the tube (including metallics and texturals), multiple surface preparations for both before and after painting, brushes and other tools to work with, wild creativity, plus a modern history that includes space-age polymer elements.  What more could you ask?

Egyptian ©2007 Angeline Marie, acrylics &
mixed media on recycled hurricane board, 12x16 in.

Acrylic paint was first discovered in the late 1940’s.  In its original state, it was formulated as house paint, but artists began to use it because it dried quickly and offered qualities that oil did not.  Whether rolled on or brushed, the paint was more permanent and impervious to water damage.  That opened lots of new areas of artistic application.

As more and more creative persons used the paints, demands for higher quality pigments and mixes were made.  Several companies that had previously manufactured only oil paints began to enter the market with acrylics.  Today there are many manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, that make acrylic paints.  Any artist has a huge field from which to select the perfect texture, pigmentation and formulation.

Permanence of the surface of an acrylic painting is created by the nature of the material.  Acrylic paints are formulated in combination with a binder that is water based and evaporates after the paint is applied.  This evaporation process bonds the “plates” of color together into a near-plastic surface.  It is far more flexible, stronger and fades less than oil.

Considering the fact that no art material is totally inert, one should exercise care and avoid prolonged contact with acrylic paint, just like oil.  But, having said that and considering the ease of cleanup (water with mild soap), there are huge advantages to using acrylics. No petroleum/solvent contact is a huge leap towards a healthier studio environment.

While the same brushes can be used for either oil or acrylic, those designed strictly for acrylic work do best with acrylic application.  They hold and flow the pigment with certainty.  Their shapes and designs offer great variety of line and stroke application.  When cleaned properly, they will last a very long time.  But one caveat is that you absolutely must clean brushes after painting.  Once set up, the paint is almost impossible to remove.  Accidents, if caught early enough, can be cleaned with regular alcohol, but this does not include completely dry acrylic paints.

A good product for cleaning, preserving and restoring brushes is General Pencil Company’s “The Masters” Brush Cleaner.  This removes oils, acrylics, watercolors, stains and varnishes and helps prevent paint buildup in the ferrule.  It also prevents the hardening and build-up so common with today’s acrylic paints.  “The Masters” also conditions and preserves your brushes to keep them like new. See your retailer and visitwww.generalpencil.com.

Along with a selection of brushes, an acrylic artist might want to consider using some of the soft rubber, wedge- shaped tools for forming, slicing and incising the wet, malleable paint on the surface of paintings.  Sharp-edged designs, scribing and such can be easily done with these tools.

Many artists are taught painting with the understanding that it is somehow cheating or improper to use color straight from the tube or jar.  With acrylics and the choices of color you have, it is almost improper not to use paint directly from the tube.  Why not?  If the color needs some enhancement – make it and you will be that much closer to the result you want.  Jar paint consistency is usually thinner than tube colors.  For muralists and knife painters jar paints offer the exact texture they need.

The surface upon which an artist paints makes a huge difference in the completed work.  There are lots of materials to surface your ground when working in acrylics:  pumice, granular mixes, metallic powder additions and modeling pastes.  It is this variety of surface possibilities that adds to the overall acrylic experience.

Painters can use acrylics in a number of dilutions, depending on the effect they seek.  Water added to pigment will yield a nice wash or watercolor effect.  Thick, creamy pigment can be manipulated with a palette knife to yield delicious textures and dimensions.  Dry brush spot application can add drama to edges, ellipses or light concentrations.

Surface coatings range from matte to high gloss, so you can create or alter for any topical finish you want.  Liquid and thick, jar style coatings are used also for mediums.  Again, this is a versatility few other media offer.

Is there a favorite media you have, and why? If you are a writer, how do you prefer to create your stories, with pencil, on a typewriter or computer? What is your favorite way of being creative?


Watch for Fridays in France....
Smiles, 
Angeline Marie of 
Angeline Marie Fine Art
Facebook Page for Angeline Marie Fine Art
Curious about marketing for creatives and artists? Check out ArtBizCoach.com by clicking on this sentence!

Life, Freedom, and Call to Action

Life is precious, and art is part of freedom. Art is the way my soul sings. Cut the wings of an artist, and you have cut life.


In the last two weeks, freedom is being impinged on a Chinese artist named Ai Weiwei. My heart goes first to Cuba...but this has also hit me. The two hits on my conscious are by coincidence: one by email from Change.org about cyber attacks and a blog post by fellow artist Leslie Nutting.


We in the United States are free by the grace of God and sacrifices made by those who serve. We can speak our minds, hearts, and share them with the media. We can make choices, but those in Cuba and some in China have little freedom. 


Won't you help? 
For more about the artist, please find Leslie Nutting's blog post by clicking on her name. Then, go to Change.org and sign there petition to release the artist. 


If you would like to read the email that was sent to me, scroll under my signature.



You are invited to TWO events! 

Some of my art will be presented at Life Is Art Showcases South Florida at The Shops at Boca Center on April 30th, 2011. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information about The Shops at Boca Center, please visit www.bocacenter.com. For more information on Life Is Art, please visit www.lifeisartfest.org.

The second event is on May 7th at Dharma Studio during Coconut Grove's Second Saturday Art Walk. My art Florida Heat will be on display this evening from 7pm to 11pm. The art and event is friends and family friendly! See you there!

Whimsies for Beth - ©2010 - acrylics on river rocks

Smiles,  Angeline Marie of 

Angeline Marie Fine Art
Facebook Page for Angeline Marie Fine Art

The petition demanding the release of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has nearly 100,000 signatures. 

Here's how we know it's really gotten Beijing’s attention:  For the past three days, the Change.org website has been repeatedly targeted by cyber attacks coming from China that aim to bring our site down, which would keep people from signing the petition.  

Our engineers are working around the clock to fend off the attacks and, for now, the petition is still up. 

We need to let the Chinese government know that illegal tactics from within its borders won't stop the mounting pressure on them to release Weiwei. If you haven't already, please join nearly 100,000 Change.org members and add your name to the petition now. 

To recap: Acclaimed dissident artist Ai Weiwei -- who helped design the famed “Bird’s Nest” stadium for China’s Olympics -- was arrested on April 3rd by Chinese security forces at the Beijing airport. His office and studio have been ransacked, and no one has heard from him since. 

The international art community banded together, demanding his release -- and the directors of more than twenty leading museums (including the Tate Modern, Museum of Modern Art, and the Guggenheim) started a petition on Change.org that has garnered worldwide attention, including in the New York Times, LA Times, and Guardian.  

The campaign has helped to give rise to an international outcry. Political leaders around the world are calling for Weiwei's release and activists have organized peaceful protests at Chinese embassies and consulates. 

Though China is desperate to silence its critics, the pressure to free Weiwei continues to grow. You can help by signing the petition now: 

http://www.change.org/petitions/call-for-the-release-of-ai-weiwei

Autocratic governments know that the internet is a democratizing force, and they'll do everything they can to suppress online activism. Know that we stand with you for change, and that we will continue to fight to make sure your voice can be heard. 

- Patrick and the Change.org team 

P.S. Due to these repeated attacks, our site may be slower than usual or unavailable at times over the next few days. Thanks for your patience. 

Why Talent is Just Not Enough [for Most Artists]

Self Taught Artists 

The term of "self-taught artist" makes me cringe. Most of the artists that describe themselves as self-taught have art that has potential but just seems to fall flat. Looking at the art makes me feel incomplete in some sense: composition, color, balance, or materials. The art could be so much better, so much more, but the self-taught artist cannot see the possibilities because they refuse to come out of their world and explore the work of others, take lessons, read books, watch videos, etc. Even during less technological times, artists still taught themselves and learned from other artists. Talent is not enough, whether it is in art, sports, business, etc

Talent is Not Enough

Talent is something most people consider as you either have it or you don't. Talent is something that makes a skill a little more special - like the difference between me trying to be graceful on a bicycle and someone who just takes the bicycle and makes it look like they are dancing. I might have the skill to ride a bike (Andy calls me "Lacking Grace) - but you can tell that I struggle. I have the skill, not the talent. Andy rides rings around me while waiting for me to catch up to him...he has a talent for body movement and the skill for riding a bicycle. Switch gears: give Andy a paint brush and he might struggle if asked to draw while using a paint brush is easy for me. Skills help bolster talent. Skills and techniques help someone express themselves, whether it be in art, sports, business, etc.

Art in progress with artist's feet ©2011 by Angeline

Make Talent Shine

I am a self-taught talented artist (hope you think so, too). I enjoy learning, stretching, reading, and getting critiques about art. Skills and techniques in my arsenal help me express my feelings, stories, desires, needs, frustrations, and imagination. Without those techinques, what I draw may inspire me, but what is drawn may not express the inspiration. 

A mom friend recently wrote me an email that included "[my daughter, age 5, is] learning  technique and would rather draw whatever inspires her at the moment, but she's learning that technique is the foundation so she's quickly coming around [sic]." My reply was to encourage to use technique when she draws whatever inspires her!!! Both inspiration and technique work together to create a better skill set and make talent shine.

Podcast about Fine Art Degrees

There was a podcast about the difference between artists who obtain degrees in art and those who "self-teach." If you care to listen, click here. The link will take to Art Heroes, and there is an "explicit" sticker. If you don't mind an occasional, well placed curse word, the hour will cover my opinion. I may not have an art degree, but Andy and mi Mama can tell you that I am constantly trying to learn more art techniques, art history, and skills. Maybe I am teaching myself, but it is a form of education. 

Your Turn: 

Do you think there are categories of "self-taught" in the art world? What about in other worlds such as writing, sports, and photography? What is something you have taught yourself?

Smiles,
Angeline Marie of
Angeline Marie Fine Art

Seven Facebook Pages

These are Facebook pages that I "liked" during 2010 and thoroughly enjoy. They are not in any particular order. These are the pages that when do post a Facebook update, I usually react with "WOW! What a great idea and resource!" Even if you are not an artist, just the stuff you learn makes these Facebook pages valuable.

1. Kimberly Castleberry of "Just-Ask-Kim"
She knows how to WordPress, Facebook, and other "tech-geek-social-media" things that are beyond me and make them somewhat understandable. I cannot remember how I discovered her, but am so glad that I did!

2. The Crafted Webmaster
This one belongs to Nicole Tallmadge of the podcast 15 Craft Website Tips. She may not be podcasting as often, but Nicole keeps the information flow alive. Great resource for those who blog, make art or crafts, or run an internet business.

3. Stermer-Cox Studio
Margaret Stermer-Cox has posted a new daily drawing every day in 2010. She inspires me! Her art is fun, fresh, and varied and worth a look, not to mention the distraction!!!

4. Talon Dunning
Comic book, fantasy, and graphic art at its finest.

5. Fine Art Tips
Tips shared are for painting, blogging, art marketing, etc., this page is useful for those of us sharing a dream.

6. Art Biz Coach / Stanfield Art Associates
If you are an artist, like this page, NOW. Fantastic content always presented in a friendly and helpful tone. If you do ONE thing for yourself as an artist, get your almost daily dose! Guaranteed to make your dreams start coming true - but only if you take actions.

7. Eldridge Studios
Photographer who shares with a patience to be admired. Stunning photos and how-to-use-a-camera make it a pleasure to see what is new.
Your turn! What do you think should be on my next Facebook list in April? Leave a comment and let me know!

Smiles,
Angeline Marie of Angeline Marie Fine Art

PS: Please understand that this is a list of Facebook pages only. If we are friends on Facebook, it is an honor and a privilege to belong to your friend list. Understanding Facebook rules such as friend list limits, I will not intentionally post your profile in this list. If you have a Facebook page, please let me know and I will like it immediately. After all, both sets of updates (profile and page) are usually different and fun! 

Andy, my handsome handy man, helping with a project, ©2009.

Kim Bernard's the Next Level Encaustic Workshop at The Studios of Key West

Few words can tell how much I learned during the workshop with artist Kim Bernard at The Studios of Key West. The photos will have to speak for me, while my brain continues to fire off ideas. Encaustics have enchanted me...which was never expected when first seeing examples of it the fall of 2010.

I digress...here are the photos in which content belongs to artist Kim Bernard who instructed us. The photos belong to my library for use as memory joggers and reference. These are from the first day of the "Next Level."

Set up of the workshop inside of The Studios of Key West.

Kim gave us a first class encaustic workshop set up of stuff.

Making medium....

Kim's demonstration of a technique.

Making medium part two.

The set up for making medium.

Making of encaustic canvas. Any guess which is mine?

 

























































































































Links related to this post:
Angeline's Art

Encaustic Workshop Adventure in Key West 

Encaustic Video

Smiles, 

Angeline Marie of 

Angeline Marie Fine Art

Encaustic Workshop Adventure in Key West, Florida

How art workshop was found...
While Andy and I were enjoying the Boat Races in Key West, November, 2010, we stopped at the historical local bar The Green Parrot. I spotted a very shiny, pretty, and large catalog printed by The Studios of Key West. Being the pack rat, the catalog made it back to the Cypress House Inn with us and then home. 

One my first encaustic paintings, using the iron, December, 2009

Can you see the thoughts fireworks?
Encaustic workshop!!!! Only 12 students allowed? No flight expense? Over a long holiday weekend? Stay at the Cypress House Inn Key West? No snow? Car parked for the weekend, and within walking distance? What if the class is already full (it is November, and it is impossible but the snow birds)?!!! It is more economical to work with books but I miss people....Ok...but do I like the work this artist makes with encaustics?


Decisions and Goals
After quick research from home (thank God for Google), reviewing Kim Bernard's art, philosophy, video, and everything I could find, within a week the class was booked. 


If you are on the goals for 2011 adventure with me (due by 1-31-11), this meets my goals of learning more about a technique, working with other artists, and travelling. This also meets the budget, because there is no car rental or flight required! 


For more about the workshop, keep scrolling down.

For more about encaustic painting, here are some quick links:
Encaustic Hive Blog
My website, with videos
My YouTube Channel, with all videos

Smiles!
Angeline Marie of 
Angeline Marie Fine Art

2 Workshops: Intro and Next Level Encaustics with Kim Bernard

Intro: January 13-14, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm, Next level: Jan 15-16, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

For more information click on this sentence for the TSKW webpage.

Sponsored by Wanderlust Boutique and Gallery

www.kbernard.com

Read an interview with Kim and watch a video of her recent exhibition here.

“My only rule in this workshop is that you don’t try to make a masterpiece on my watch. Try every technique I introduce, experiment and play!”
-Kim Bernard

About the artist: Encaustic is a wax based paint that is kept molten on a heated palette.

Level II: Students will learn advanced skills such as building supports and textures, preparing surfaces, fusing with other tools and techniques, mixing ecaustics with pigments, creating transparent layers and glaze effects, creating monotypes, scraping and scribing, assemblage, stenciling and pour techniques.  

Video Part 2: Encaustic with Gouache

Second video trying the encaustic with gouache technique. Still not what I expected, but this was still fun.


Will I try this technique again with another art piece? For now, probably not....What is your thought on this technique? Should I give this technique another try?


Smiles, 
Angeline Marie of 
Angeline Marie Fine Art

Art Video: Encaustic Painting with Gouache

This video is about three minutes long. It was filmed 12/5/10. The painting is still unfinished at the time of this blog post. 


Actual filming time of this video was about twenty minutes. That just means some editing was done - laugh out loud (LOL) - and that at least a follow up is due to you at a later blog post. 



What did you think was going to happen when applying the gouache paint to the encaustic? 


Note: Did you see the idea contest? I need your help in what I should paint for the theme of "January." You say you have an idea for me to paint? Great! Could you send it to me, please, by checking out the page (click here) on how to enter to win a set of postcards? Of course, you can comment your idea on this blog post. Feel free to share the contest idea with whom you wish, too. Thanks!!!!


Special thanks to JJ, who is thinking of an idea or too and to Bianca M. Bianca submitted the idea of "new beginnings and expectations." 




Smiles, 
Angeline Marie of 
Angeline Marie Fine Art

Angeline's Artistic Stages

Video: Angeline's 3 Art Stages, 2010

When I look back on the "body of art work" from my last ten years, there are some distinct style and knowledge changes in my style of art. When you look at the work by an artist, you want to see growth and change as time passes. Those changes mean that the artist is studying, learning, practicing, and creating. Those changes mean that the artist is truly an artist: no matter what happens, he or she is always searching for ways to learn and stretch.

This speech concentrates on three stages that I have noticed in my art work. I look forward to having more stages...and if you have a better word than "stages," please share!

This speech was one of my first three given at the Florida City Speedway Toastmaster's Club earlier this year (2010). As with most of the speeches, it is between 5 and 8 minutes long (just warning you!). If you saw my last video speech, you would probably agree that my public speaking skills are improving.

If you could not see the video in this blog post, please click on this link to view.

For last video speech posted, go to post "Defining Moment" by clicking on this sentence.

Featured paintings:

Flamingo Ballerina - 2004 - acrylics on canvas - 24 x 20 inches - $350

Deering Estate Palm Trees - mixed media on canvas - 24 by 20 inches - 2008 - $450 

Primitive - encaustic techniques on board - 5 x 7 inches - 2010 - $150

How to Care for Paintings on Paper

I subscribe to ARTtalk ArtPourri Tips, and they had a wonderful article about how to take care of paintings created on paper. As an artist, paper is one of my favorite painting surfaces because of the surprises and versatility of the fibers. It can be challenging to care for and frame a painting on paper, so here is how:

Artwork Preservation: Protecting Works on Paper
For original posting of this article, please click this sentence or search ARTtalk Art PourriTips.

It is a most unfortunate fact that the ultraviolet light produced by any light source can cause a slow, steady decline in the color, vibrancy, intensity and overall appeal of artworks created on paper. While oil and acrylic paints might change colors very slowly, works on paper done in watercolor, for instance, fade at a rate that is in direct relationship to the quantity and brightness of light exposure.

If you expose a watercolor painting done on any professional quality paper (acid-free, archival) to a bright, intense light source, you will see that the colors begin to change and fade very quickly. Since very few of us choose to display our artworks in a strong light, the damage created by the ultraviolet spectrum of the light is usually unnoticed. Because the fading and color changes occur over a long period of time, we tend to grow accustomed to the diminished colors and tones.


There are several ways you can work to protect your paper artworks. It is well known that art that is not on display should be stored properly. This usually means an acid-free, archival folder or print box. But, when it comes time to frame and display these artworks, consider selecting a type of glazing that offers protection.

At this time we are fortunate to have several types of glass that restrict the penetration of ultraviolet light. Common clear glass offers limited protection but is much better than forgoing the use of glass altogether.


Non-glare glass is the next step up the protection ladder and offers approximately 44% blockage of ultraviolet light. It is created by subjecting clear glass to an acid dip, causing a slight frost on the glass. Modern non-glare glass is etched on one side only. This one-side treatment eliminates most of the image and detail softening qualities of old fashioned non-glare glass (etched on both sides).


Conservation glass is very special in that it takes a product similar to either clear or non-glare glass to a new level. Conservation glass is coated on the artwork side of the glass and effectively blocks 98% of the ultraviolet penetration. It reflects back the UV with the coating and prevents nearly all UV damage to artworks on paper. Conservation comes in the same two qualities of glass: clear and non-glare. Cost is higher than traditional clear and non-glare, but the degree of protection is over doubled.


The last type of glass that is available is museum glass, which offers both a nearly reflection-free surface and a very high degree of UV protection. This choice would be best for original works or very costly, collectable items on paper.


Acrylic sheeting is a choice preferred by many photographers because it does not cause any tonal changes in the photographs. Because of the silica content, some glass products do have a “color.” Acrylic sheeting is unbreakable and comes in clear and non-glare. Some manufacturers offer a very high grade of material, which offers moderate protection from UV.


In summary, consider the ground upon which your artwork is created. Coat oil paintings with special products created to help block UV and to preserve the luminescence and shimmer of the paintings. But for paper art, use the glazing material that best suits your application and budget. And remember, art that is displayed can be enjoyed every day. It makes a house a home and shares your style with family and guests.


I hope this article helps those that own paintings and other art work on paper. If you have further questions, please leave a comment.

Smiles,
Angeline Marie of
Angeline Marie Fine Art

PS: At the time of this blog post, there are two 1st and 2nd generation paintings listed on eBay for clearance sale painted by me. Please share if you enjoy the listings. Thanks!

Click on the title of interest:
Cat in Sunlight Original Art Painting

Apple, Bowl, Wine Original Art Painting

To keep up with what is posted in my eBay account, please search for seller artistangeline or just click on my user name.

Angeline Marie using Encaustic Techniques

This video is just to give you a little idea of how I use beeswax. The more technical term for beeswax painting is "encaustics." There are lots of ways and ideas of how to use encaustics.


Some of my completed encaustic paintings are inspired by the book Encaustic Workshop. There are great techniques, ideas, and processes in this book I have yet to try. 


For more information about my encaustic art, please visit my webpage 
Angeline Marie's Fine Art / Encaustic. There you will find other examples of encaustic art as well as the blog posts about each completed piece. 


Thanks for enjoying the video. If you have further questions and/or comments, please feel free to leave a comment on this blog. 


Smiles!
Angeline Marie of
Angeline Marie Fine Art