PoppyRow

April 23, 2007

For Sale!

Filed under: materials, contemplations — jen @ 9:34 am

So I am usually suspicious longer than necessary for all things concerning computers and the internet. You may be surprised, considering that my husband is a computer programmer, we own at least 4 if not 5 functioning PCs (I lose count!) and I have a website and a blog. I seem rather computer savvy to a lot of my artist friends. But this is because I’ve been of methodically brainwashed for 13 years! Every time Ed sets things up just so, and I’m able to understand and function with relative ease, he changes things! Then I kick and scream and drag my heels, because I don’t want to learn how to do things all over again. Ed patiently explains how it’s better, and will save time, and be easier in the long run. But I know he is just trying to make me crazy. Can nothing concerning computers ever remain stable?!

This brings me to the real reason for this post, beyond the generic PC tirade. (more…)

March 2, 2007

Making the Cut

Filed under: presentation, materials — jen @ 10:50 am

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve run into a lot of artists who insist on attempting to frame their own work. This is often unsuccessful at best, disastrous at worst. If can be difficult to be objective when framing your own pieces, because you generally have a preconceived idea in your head about frame and mat choices.

 

For example, it is very common for artists and lay people alike to feel nervous to use dark wood frames. I don’t know why, but (more…)

February 28, 2007

Less is More

Filed under: getting started, materials, painting — jen @ 4:31 pm

pots-of-watercolours.jpgI am a stickler for a limited palette. I love color, and I’m hard pressed to decide on a particular favorite. So, when buying tubes of paint, I try to have one of everything. Nonetheless, I don’t attempt to use every color each time I paint. That sounds obvious right? But time and time again, I have seen someone struggling as his or her painting progresses, and they frantically begin adding more and more colors. Colors mix, overlap, and create mud when conscious decisions aren’t made as to which ones will best serve that particular painting.

Here’s an analogy. I like pie. A lot. I like lemon, apple, chocolate, pecan, strawberry, coconut cream, and especially raspberry. (more…)

February 27, 2007

Quality vs. Quantity

Filed under: materials — jen @ 9:34 pm

Quality art supplies can make or break your outcome. Without knocking any particular brands, I’d like toplastic-palette.jpg stress this issue. I paint on
Arches Watercolor Paper, often ordered from DickBlick.com or
MisterArt.com. It is a fabulous paper, well known for quality and consistency. I’m sure it’s not the most expensive paper, and it’s by far not the cheapest. But, nonetheless, it’s a professional product that can deliver professional results.

When I am teaching, and students bring something that reminds me of the paper sitting in my printer tray next to my computer, I inwardly groan. (more…)