All About Ultramarine
Ultramarine
The word ‘Ultramarine’ comes from the Latin ‘ultra’ meaning ‘beyond’ and ‘mare’ meaning ‘sea’, as this was how Lapis Lazuli first arrived in Europe.
Spotlight on Ultramarine
Ultramarine Blue and French Ultramarine
I've been wondering about the two Ultramarine for the longest time and decided to finally compare the two. By the way, I'm currently using French Ultramarine.
Difference Between the two PB29
French Ultramarine vs. Ultramarine Blue
The main reason for my choice of Ultramarine over French is that it makes better green. I am very grateful to my great friend Jane Blundell for first telling me this. At the Daniel Smith event we attended last year, John Coglan mentioned the difference between the two versions: French Ultramarine has a bigger particle size and is warmer (redder) than Ultramarine Blue.
French Ultramarine vs. Ultramarine Blue
Happy V-Day
Our Tuesday group exchanges Valentines during the month of February. Here is a sample of a week's collection of treasures.
An Artist Declutters
I am often involved in conversations about clutter, downsizing, minimalism and collecting. Here is one way to work out a solution for space vs. possessions vs. lifestyle preferences.
Especially tricky when living with someone who has another spatial and/or saving stuff sensibility. Here is how one artist handled the challenge:
An Artist Declutters Her Life…And Paints All Her Possessions
How to Build a Frame
Learn how to build a frame for your art. This shadow-box frame is perfect for works on paper, and artist Diane Reed Sawyer takes us through the process from beginning to end.
Building a Shadow-Box Frame
What Colors Make Gray?
Watercolor artist Keiko Tanabe invites us into her studio to learn color mixing alongside her. She shows how subtle neutrals can be — even made with primary colors — and answers a popular question: what colors make gray?
Color Mixing with the Primary Colors
Daniel Smith Grays
A selection of 6 grays created with 3 world renowned Artists: Master Artist Alvaro Castagnet, Master Colorist Jane Blundell, and Master Artist Joseph Zbukvic!
Why so many Grays?
American Watercolorists
Andrew Wyeth was first introduced to watercolor by his father, the famous illustrator N.C. Wyeth, and by one of his father’s friends, Sid Chase. He immediately began looking at the work of great watercolorists from the past, especially American artists who “lifted watercolor from the academic approach of the British and made it something freer,” he explained.
Andrew Wyeth Picks 20 Great American Watercolorists
See, React, Interpret
"It’s my belief that an artist’s job is to interpret what he or she sees, not just to imitate it. Also, an artist should try to express what is felt about the subject, not just what is seen. There are different forms of reality. The observed reality of the subject is one form, but there is also the reality of the painting that results from this observation. This reality is more crucial because it’s where the artist’s voice is heard." Thomas Schaller
There is a great video of him working through the painting.
See, React, Interpret with Artist Thomas Schaller
Rose Madder
The term Rose Madder is most commonly used to describe the colour made from the Madder Lake pigment which is a traditional lake pigment extracted from the roots of the common madder plant Rubia tinctorum.
The History and Production of Rose Madder Pigments
The Not-So-Still Lifes of Watercolorist Dawn Clements
Dawn Clements draws and paints her surroundings, moving from one viewpoint to the next with an intense eye and a sure hand over days and weeks. The works become cumulative, not only as observations but also physically, as the artist adds sheets of paper to incorporate each new area of her subject. Gradually, they grow to become very large pieces, some more than 20 feet long.
The Not-So-Still Lifes of Watercolorist Dawn Clements
How to Photograph Your Artwork
(For Non-Photographers)
Here are the three step you need to do take a photo that does your artwork justice:
1. Start With Good Lighting
2. Make Sure it's in Focus
3. Edit Sparingly... But Do Edit
For more detailed information go to:
How to Photograph Your Artwork
Arts in Embassies program
Submitted by Mary - My friend Betsy Gandy, a painter I know from college days, told me about this program. Her paintings are currently on display at the US Embassy in Guatemala. Registering your work does not insure that it will be selected. If it is selected it is on loan to an embassy who may offer to buy or sell it.
Here is the website and the application procedure:
Arts in Embassies
Thank you, Mary
