Why Acrylic Paintings And Techniques Are Superior To Others
Why Acrylic Paintings And Techniques Are Superior To Others
Many artists use acrylics with a grayish or grayish-blue hue as an undercoat because this adds depth to the finished work. If an artist uses this technique, then he can have a number of paintings in various stages of completion, thus fueling the synergy of his work: Work A, for instance, may be nearing completion and lacks only the addition of shadows to the subject, while Work B has the requisite background but needs the foreground fleshed out more, while Work C is in the first stages of underpainting as the artist searches for just the right colors to bring out the richness of the projection final appearance of the work. It is a system that prolific artists use and it works well for the artistic temperament, as inspiration strikes at various times and rarely does a painting become the entire focus of an artist’s day, start to finish.
Acrylics do offer the advantage of a fast drying time, so that an artist paints and waits perhaps thirty minutes for a layer of average thickness to dry. If the paint on the palette dries out quicker than the artist likes, he may construct a simple wet palette, consisting of a flat-bottomed basin, a layer of wet paper towels, and a piece of parchment on top, as the parchment is slow to absorb water and thus is used as the keeper of the workspace palette, that is, the particular paints unique to that individual painting. The paints may stay wet as long as a few days. As the layers grow in complexity, the paint seems to reveal little by little the artistic vision until at last, the finished work stands. Now comes the final drying time, and then the work is ready for shipping or placing in the gallery to be admired and purchased by a lucky someone. The timing of the marketing of a piece is key and if the general timeframe of drying is known, then the artist and client alike will have a general idea of when the acrylic painting will be completed. This makes for a pleasant client and artist relationship on both sides.
At the mundane end of the scale, acrylics do not have the overwhelming fumes that oil paints exude; in a closed environment such as a studio, this will be important to the artist and client as well, as they do not breathe in the pungent aroma. A further plus is that acrylics clean up with water, rather than solvent, likewise less smelly for the studio environment. All of these advantages point to acrylics paint being the best, most effect way to bring a piece of art to life.…
Acrylic Techniques – Using Watered-Down Paint
Acrylic Techniques – Using Watered-Down Paint
If you are an abstract artist you can achieve some really beautiful results using watered-down acrylic paint. This is a techniques that I have been using for a number of years and I have sold many paintings using this painting technique.
The result depends upon how liquid you make the paint and of course your choice of colours but it can resemble ‘marbled’ paintings as well as swirling seas and sands.
So first of all you need to decide which colors you wish to use. You can check another of my articles on basic color theory if you wish to know which colours go best together.
Once you have decided this you need some empty plastic bottles in which to mix the paint. Make up at least 5 different colors to give the painting some variety. It is a good idea to test the colors first on a spare canvas to check that they go well together. Have a good variety of contrasting depths of colour.
Water down the paint in an approximate 1 part paint to 1 part water mixture. You will really need to test this out to see what gives the best results. If you make the paint too dilute then it will just run into the centre of the canvas. If you make it too thick it will not mix well with the other colors.
When you have mixed the paint, pour it onto the canvas in an approximate pattern of how you want it to look. Once you have put all of the colours on the canvas, use a spatula or something similar to make sure all of the paint joins and that no canvas shows through. You can then slightly tilt the canvas to get some patterns into the paint. Keep tilting in various directions until you have a pattern you are happy with.
If you have used too much paint and it is all pooling in the middle, you have a couple of options. First you can pour the paint off one corner of the canvas. This can give some interesting results so it is not like you are wasting the painting. You can keep the paint for another time. The other is to use a syringe to take off some of the paint. Leave the painting to dry at least overnight before varnishing it and edging it.
This is a great way to make beautiful abstract paintings especially if you make a great choice of colors.…
Why Buy Contemporary Art?
Why Buy Contemporary Art?
Some people are scared of contemporary art. They look at a painting, sculpture, or installation, and they don’t know what it means. Sometimes, they don’t even know what it’s about. Since the unknown is scary, they become afraid of the contemporary art itself.
However, there are many reasons to buy art to showcase in your home or office, and very few reasons to be scared of it. Once you understand the contemporary art movement, you’ll be able to avoid fear and instead enjoy this medium of expression.
Find a Piece that Fits Your Space in your home or office
When you choose to buy art, you’ll have the opportunity to find the piece that best fits your space and your lifestyle before you make your purchase. Contemporary art comes in all colors, forms, and is made out of all sort of materials. Whether you’re looking for a painting, a sculpture, a collage, or something else, you’ll be able to find a contemporary artist who makes what you need.
In addition, contemporary art deals with all sorts of subjects. Sometimes, you’ll have to research a work to find out what it’s about. However, it’s often pretty clear what the artist is trying to say. If you find a piece that says something you agree with, then you can buy a piece the not only matches your decor but your ideals as well.
Get to Know Local Artists
Buying contemporary art is a great way to learn about and even get to know a local, Australian artist. Many of the people who make contemporary art might even live in your city or town, but you may not hear about them unless you go looking for new art for your walls.
Once you start your search, though, you may find yourself welcomed into a community of artists who want to tell you about their work. Most artists are happy to talk to customers, and will explain whatever you want to know about their work, their process, and more. You might even find one of these people becoming a friend.
If you’re looking for a piece that complements your space, suits your personality, and that comes from an artist you can get to know, look no further than Australian art. Find a gallery near you, or look at one online. Be picky, and don’t buy any contemporary art until you find exactly what you’re looking for.…
“No Paint” Decorating Ideas For an Apartment
“No Paint” Decorating Ideas For an Apartment
Living in a rented apartment where your lease prohibits you from making any changes to the wall color makes customizing your living quarters a bit of a challenge. One option that you have is agreeing in writing to return your apartment’s paint color to its original state before moving out; some landlords will go for this. You can, however, decorate your apartment without using paint.
Removable Wall Covering Since you cannot paint your walls in colors that best suit your personality, the next best thing is fabric or starch wallpaper. Fabric and starch wallpaper options have really expanded in recent years, and you can literally find any imaginable print or solid paper that appeals to you and coordinates with your decorating theme. The technique of applying this type of wallpaper is quite simple, and it is totally removable and will not damage the wall beneath. This is a great way to add color and texture to your apartment walls, or to cover up ugly, unsightly walls. You can dress up every area of your apartment, from the entrance to the bedrooms, with removable wall coverings – and never have to worry about forfeiting your security deposit for damages.
ShelvingYou can also fill your wall space up by thinking tall when it comes to shelving. This will have the added effect of creating a visual appeal while also giving you tons of storage or display options. Don’t overcrowd your shelving, but carefully arrange the objects that you wish to display on each shelf. The eye tends to flow over a shelf in a pattern that is s-shaped, so keep that in mind when setting up your items on display.
Folding ScreensYou can also add texture to an area of the room by placing a folding screen in front of a wall. Folding screens can be found in nearly any style imaginable, from chrome folding screens for ultra modern decor to Shoji screens for Asian inspired themes. The folding screen is especially beneficial in a smaller, studio type apartment where space and privacy are at a minimal.
Wall Hangings and MuralsWall hangings and murals are also great for covering a wall without the necessity of painting the wall. There are tons of choices when it comes to wall hangings, or you can create your own with a favorite quilt. Simply attach a sleeve to the back of the quilt with needle and thread, and then insert a rod. Voila! You have an instant wall hanging that will give your apartment a shabby chic appeal.
No-Nail DecoratingIf your apartment lease’s “no paint” clause also contains a “no nails” clause, then you can still decorate your walls. There are some amazing removable wall hooks on the market, some of them made by the 3M Corporation, which will allow you to easily hang most sizes of artwork, prints, and wall art. These hooks adhere to the wall securely without leaving behind any type of icky residue when you …
Lea Kelley: An Abstract Expansionist
Lea Kelley: An Abstract Expansionist
Last month I wrote a brief introductory article about a wonderful Bellingham, Wa. artist named Lea Kelley. She is active in her community, is a delightful and insightful person who has proven herself to not only be a very educated and technical artist, but also as someone who thinks in deep and abstract ways about the world, and our place in it. Kelley has described herself as an abstract expansionist. This is intriguing, so while there are many other things that could be said about Kelley, her art, her philosophy, or her observations, the thing I want to focus on is this idea of being an abstract expressionist.
Abstract Expansionism is a term worthy of exploration, not only because it isn’t something we are very familiar with, but because of the implications it carries. It is difficult to pin down exactly what we are to make of the terms, but I think worth a try.
A picture of a maple tree is a picture of a maple tree. It is not an abstraction in and of itself. It represents something real in the real world. Interpreting such a picture is simple. We look at it, we connect with what we know about maple trees, and we move on. To look at a picture that for some reason makes us think of, or reminds us of, a tree is quite another proposition. It requires interpretation.
Interpreting an abstraction requires us to draw on many different things; things like: personal and shared experiences, memories, intuitions, beliefs about the world, emotional highs and lows, betrayals, loves, and our expectations about the world around us. Those sorts of things are like tools that help us interpret depictions that don’t actually look like anything in the real world. We see the figures and colors, we process, we conclude. There is no right or wrong.
Abstractions require us to think. They require that we try to connect with those parts of self that often go unrevealed, or even buried under layers of everyday cares or thoughtless humdrum activity. Lea Kelley has discovered that through abstract art, those underlying aspects, or connections, can be brought to the forefront and thereby translated into real value for each observer, as well as for the larger community that we are all a part of. This expansion of the way we interpret, to the way we think and act, is perhaps one of the ways we can best understand what it means to be an abstract expansionist. To look at a Lea Kelley piece it to experience it. It is an enlivening experience. Her pieces, like her, are both complicated yet simple, challenging yet freeing.
Lea Kelley paints something that she wants to represent, but has absolutely no control over how an observer is going to interpret what is painted. This is something she is comfortable with because it lets others apply, or expand, their own experiences to the art. This metaphoric expansion of art is …
How To Paint A Stone Fireplace
How To Paint A Stone Fireplace
If it appears that your stone fireplace already needs some makeover, then you may have to consider applying a fresh coat of paint on it to give it a refurbished look. The fireplace is normally the focal point of the room and as such, it has to be the best part of the room. Thus, when your stone fireplace is already going on the dreary and old side, then it is imperative that you seriously consider your best options in order to perk up this hole on the wall.
Consider Safety Requirements
Before you even start planning for the repainting of your stone fireplace, it is necessary that you go through the building safety codes to ensure that all important provisions are complied with. When you are planning to apply a fresh coat of paint on your stone fireplace, it is imperative that you take into account the safety requirements for paint materials and other combustible materials that you are going to use on your stone fireplace and the immediate surroundings.
It is also a must that you consult with your home improvement center or paint supplier regarding the use of paint products – paints, primers, etc. – as well as the appropriate tools and equipment for this kind of home improvement job.
When planning to paint your stone fireplace, you have to remember that the removal of paint coatings on stucco, stone and majority of masonry surfaces is extremely difficult. You may have to resort to sandblasting if you need to undo a painting job. Thus, proper planning is extremely critical when it comes to this type of home improvement project. You really have to make sure that you really want to do the repainting job on this hole on the wall and that such home improvement job seamlessly blends with the other design elements of the room. In addition to this, you may also need to do some practice run to ensure that you are doing the job in the right manner.
Paint Color for your Stone Fireplace
One of the best choices would be to choose a paint color for your fireplace that is the similar to the color of the walls. You may also choose a color that is in direct contrast to the dominant color of the room. Whatever your final choice of color, it is highly recommended that you discuss the color options with your paint supplier or your home improvement contractor or consultant. They can help you decide on the tools, paint products, shades, hues and tones that are appropriate for your stone fireplace.
Preparing your Stone Fireplace for the Painting Job
Before you start with the painting job, it is necessary that you protect the immediate sections of the room, and these include the floor and walls and other fixtures that may be affected by overspray and drips. The coverage largely depends on the type of paint that you are using for the home improvement job …
Benefits of DJ Equipment Rental
DJ equipment rental Dallas allows you to take advantage of cutting-edge technology. In addition, DJ rental companies maintain their equipment to the highest standards. You can even upgrade your equipment for future events. Investing in DJ equipment rental will allow you to upgrade your sound and lighting systems and create an atmosphere that will impress your guests. Read on to discover more about the benefits of DJ equipment rental. Then, read on to learn how to select a DJ for your event and how to maximize its potential.
Customer relationship management
A successful DJ rental company will implement software that tracks customer information, calculates the retention rate, and uploads photos. The software will also centralize sales staff information and schedule DJ equipment for their clients. All of these features will make the job of a DJ service in Dallas more efficient and effective. In addition, customers will have an easier time contacting the rental company. And with cloud-based technology, there is no need to jump through hoops to obtain information.
With the advent of rental management software, DJ equipment rentals can streamline and automate their business processes. They will eliminate manual errors and bottlenecks, automate financial transactions, and create a smooth flow from rental quotations to customer service. This software will not only give them a competitive edge in this thriving industry, but it will also give them greater financial control. The benefits of customer relationship management software extend beyond the rental industry to other types of businesses, including AV equipment rentals.
Cost
There are several things to consider when calculating the cost of DJ equipment rental Dallas. While some venues allow DJs to bring their equipment, most do not. Not only is it not a cheap option, but you also might not have all the necessary equipment and might have to pay extra for accessories that are not included. Many experienced DJs will bring their equipment because they know how to use it and troubleshoot any issues.
One factor to consider is the type of event you are hosting. While standard DJ equipment rental is relatively inexpensive, more expensive services will include extras such as lighting and special effects. In addition, a DJ should be insured to protect the event, and a higher price can result from these additional services. Finally, some DJs offer special rates to military members, seniors, and other groups. While these can add up quickly, they’re worth it in the long run.
Choosing a DJ for your event
Getting a DJ is an essential aspect of an event, but you should consider several factors before you select a DJ. First, ensure they have the equipment for the event you’re throwing. Also, make sure to look at their profile and past work to find out what kind of music they can play. It would help if you also looked for someone who would match your theme and attire. Finally, if you have multiple events scheduled, you should consider hiring a DJ who can accommodate several hours …
Precision And Neatness Counts In Geometrical Art
Precision And Neatness Counts In Geometrical Art
What a cool head it must take to produce geometrical art! The neat lines and varying sizes of the blocks of color used would need the planning requisite to making a mosaic piece, all squares and rectangles figured out far in advance to suit the overall view of the design. If not for a straightedge, the precision would be impossible, for these patterns exist in nature, but in the form of fractals, crystal formations that beautify the microscopic world in their mixture of simplicity and complexity. From the elegant angles and swooping curlicues of Islamic calligraphy to the blocked out style of a Mondrian, geometrical art has an appeal all its own.
Cool and clean, the lines appeal to our sense of order as they form the painting into neat segments, each with a varying border within the main border of the canvas. The segments thereby formed may be filled in with color or remain pristinely white in a well-thought out use of negative space. An experienced artist knows that geometrical art does not overwhelm with bold asymmetrical shapes and colors, but appeals more to our intellectual side, the side that depends on order for rational thought. By its very nature, geometrical art guides our thoughts into regimented rows of ideas, each idea leading into the next in an orderly progression. Mathematics in the world of art are used similarly as they are in the world of music, to form disciplined sets in a medium of expression that can too easily turn chaotic.
Chaos is something that geometrical art lacks; in fact, it has often been thought of as the antithesis of expressionism, which has its definitive basis in an artist feeling emotions and expressing them on canvas. Geometrical art uses rationality as a basis for art, solving problems of engineering as the artist fits one segment after another onto the canvas, neither too crowded nor too sparse in their placement. The efficient artist has planned far in advance of the actual painting of the lines and use of whatever color he chooses; he has a grid or similar scheme, measured infinitely and finely to the desired conclusion. Planning pays off as the piece takes shape without the slightest hint of chaos.
When you choose geometrical art as your selection, you are choosing a genre that has roots in antiquity, as the Islamic artists who were denied the depiction of living subjects sought to convey meaning in angles and lines, curves and circles, all from the rarefied world of mathematics. How very successful they were in their designs of mosques and arabesques, intricate tracings that have stood the test of time to our present day admiration. Not only does the arabesque template fulfill the artist’s soul of creativity, it answers the challenge of what to portray when your heart yearns to produce art, but has strictures placed upon it. Art will be produced anyway and it seems to be the nature of the …
Exterior Painting – Preparing Your Home For Painting
Exterior Painting – Preparing Your Home For Painting
Exterior painting of residential homes is a large undertaking and should be completed by a professional painter. However, should you decide to tackle this as a do-it-yourself project there are a few things you should do to make the job look professional. The key to success is in the preparation.
There are two very important things to keep in mind while you plan your painting project. First, track the weather and do not try to paint when the temperature goes below fifty degrees. It is also important to remember that rain will make a real mess out of your paint project. Also, beware of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will cause the new paint to blister and it may leave marks where the paint has dried too fast. To prevent these problems, try to paint on the side of the house that is in the shade where possible. Take your time, do your preparation steps carefully and remember that the neighbors are watching.
The second thing to consider when painting your exterior is the exterior surface. Different preparation work, paint, etc needs to be used for stucco, metal, masonry or wood. The paint store that you purchase your paint and supplies from should have good advice about the correct products for your project. Any quality paint supply store will have knowledgeable staff that are eager to answer your questions.
Any surface that you are preparing for paint needs to be returned to prime condition before new paint is applied. All surfaces need to be cleaned with a high-pressure sprayer and then left to dry completely. Old loose paint or any paint that has blistered, cracked or is chipping must be removed down to the bare surface. Using drop cloths as you go along will make it much easier to catch all the paint chips and debris as you scrape it from the project. If you are not satisfied with your surface it may be time for a licensed professional to come in and sandblast the area.
Once the surface of your project has been cleared, you will need to look for any cracks, gouges and holes from screws or nails and patch them. Places like corners, seams and where siding and trim meet will need to be caulked. Please note, that where the shingles and siding overlap each other no caulk is needed. High quality caulks for exterior jobs will bond like glue and will be long lasting. Automotive epoxy filler can be used in extreme problem areas even if it is a woodwork project.
Any spots that are a high gloss or really rough will need to be sanded lightly. Paint needs to have something to grab onto as you apply it, so the surface needs to be roughed up slightly.
Prior to painting, make sure the surface is free of dust and dirt and completely dry. Remove any electrical covers, light fixtures, plumbing outlets, house numbers and especially the screens before …
Should I Invest In Contemporary Art, Gold, or Fine Wine?
Should I Invest In Contemporary Art, Gold, or Fine Wine?
It’s not easy to decide whether you should invest in contemporary art, gold, or fine, especially if you’re just starting. Ideally, it’s a good idea to have an investment portfolio as diverse as possible, yet that’s also hard to do when first starting.
Invest in Gold If You Want to Protect Your Assets
Generally, investments in gold are not thought to have that much potential to bring in loads of money right away, but are rather regarded as ideal investments for protecting your possessions. Gold has been, is, and will continue to be for years to come highly valuable. So individuals wishing to withstand economic turmoil can convert their assets into gold, knowing that the price of the precious metal is unlikely to decrease substantially. Gold is considered a fairly safe investment, its value being constantly on the rise, as demand grows and production dwindles.
Invest in gold especially if you have a large quantity of highly valuable assets whose future value is doubtful.
Invest in Contemporary Art If You Want Both Protection And Revenues
Alongside fine wine investments, contemporary art investments are one of the most tricky to pull of. Yet they can be highly rewarding, not only financially, but also spiritually. The thing is you have to enjoy art, and to have an eye that spots good art, the only one which is worth investing in. To invest in contemporary art you do need money, yet comparatively less than with other types of investment, say gold for example. The wonderful thing about art investments is that you can make a lot of money from a piece which you have previously purchased at a bargain. Of course this is easier said than done. Ultimately, having a knack for art is a must if you want to invest in contemporary art profitably.
Invest in Fine Wine if You Are Willing At Any Moment To Drink Your Wine
Generally safe and profitable, fine wine investments are increasingly popular especially in the UK. The revenues from such investments have almost tripled between 2005 and 2010, indicating a healthy market mostly unaffected by the economic downturn. Yet fine wine investing is not easy to carry out: it requires a deep knowledge of wine makers and their bottles, buyers, traders, and insiders. You can invest in fine wine with fewer risks than in most other types of alternative investments, but this only if you’re a wine lover who will be just as happy drinking his own fine wine as selling it (in case the investment goes bad).…