Materials Archives - Page 2 of 7

Unusual Textured Gesso Effects

September 23, 2018April 26, 2019 editor 1130 Views

Many people use Masonite or birch boards rather than canvas for painting supports. Usually, artists use boards because they desire a smooth surface, allowing for great detail. But sometimes there

The Color of a Culture

September 23, 2018April 26, 2019 editor 969 Views

Can a culture develop an identity around certain colors? In the case of Indian Yellow, it appears to be the case. Indian Yellow, a beautiful yellow with overtones of vermilion,

Materials Safety

Green Acrylics?

September 23, 2018April 26, 2019 editor 1082 Views

Acrylic paints often contain small percentages of formaldehyde or ammonia as preservatives. These can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, especially if they are using large amounts of polymer medium

Materials Safety

FIREWORKS IN THE STUDIO – DRY PIGMENTS

September 23, 2018April 26, 2019 editor 912 Views

Iron oxide is possibly the single most common pigment used in oil and acrylic paints. Powdered aluminum is used in all the silver, gold, and “metallic” colors. While these pigments

Materials Philosophy Safety

KEEP IT SIMPLE

September 23, 2018April 26, 2019 editor 1014 Views

According to the Chemical Abstract Service, there are now over 50 million chemicals listed in their catalogues. New chemicals are being produced at the rate of 25 per minute. For

Materials Technique

COLOR UNDER-DRAWING

September 23, 2018April 26, 2019 editor 1011 Views

An artist friend in California sent an email with this idea. Historically, charcoal and pencils have commonly been used for under-drawings on canvas. The problem is, graphite can show through

Materials Safety

Should the Hazardous Art Materials Law be Repealed?

September 23, 2018April 26, 2019 editor 944 Views

Recently the Arts, Crafts and Theater Safety (ACTS) people in New York called for the repeal of the labeling of the Hazardous Art Materials Act. This the the law that

History Materials

OIL OF SPIKE LAVENDER AND “VENICE OF THE NORTH”

September 23, 2018April 26, 2019 editor 959 Views

Bruges, in the Flemish region of Belgium, is sometimes called the “Venice of the North”. During the 1400s, it was home to such famous painters as Jan van Eyck, Geerard

Materials Safety

BEYOND CADMIUM TO MORE COLORS!

September 23, 2018April 26, 2019 editor 1719 Views

At one point, cadmium red was thought to be a safer alternative to vermilion (cinnabar). Because of the mercury in vermilion, it was considered the death sentence for miners. However

Materials Product Info Technique

ARTIST DESCRIBES USE OF SPIKE LAVENDER

September 23, 2018April 26, 2019 editor 1189 Views

It is always interesting to hear about the different ways artists use Oil of Spike Lavender. This is a description from one artist who recently wrote us: “Oil of spike