Art Materials (Alvin Art Envelope)

Hello Reader,

Last time it was Bainbidge Pre-Cut Museum Mats; which brings me to this round- the Alvin Art Envelope. Clear quality presentation, I specifically use this product for those aforementioned mats.

This envelope keeps artwork clean and protected without framing; but, don't buy it if your looking for something that is airtight or completely seals. However, do keep in mind that a flap (typically on the short side) folds under. And it fits perfectly for those things made for the size indicated; just a little bigger to hold that specific size.

Thanks for reading
Jonathan Parks

WHAT IS MISSING?

Hello Reader,

This has been on my to post list for awhile: Maya Lin's, WHAT IS MISSING?

Take a look
Jonathan Parks

Art Materials (Nielsen Bainbidge, Archival Museum Quality Mats)

Hello Reader,

This post involves presentation, important to any emerging or professional artist. Mat board is often part of this process and is often neglected; it is no wonder, considering the cost of professional boards and tools. Pre-cut or cut your own- you pay out your nose either way; also you do not want to forget the mounting board.

This has been on my list for a while now and it could be a long drug out topic; don't get me started on colored mats. I have been using Bainbidge Pre-Cut Museum Mats for several years and I like the 8-ply thick 11 x 14's for 5 x 7 prints because they fit Moleskine's watercolor tear-out pages fairly well. Archival, that is important- which they are, and they come in more sizes than what I mentioned.

Thanks for readin'
Jonathan Parks

Art Materials (Recap: Top Four Favorites)

Hi Reader,

I thought I might recap my top four favorite art materials in case anyone missed out or is new.

Caran d'Ache for their Neocolor II pastels.
 website / my post 

Rite in the Rain for their waterproof notebooks; particularly the one for birds.

 website / my post 

R&F Handmade Paints for encaustic paint.

 website / my post 

Lana for their 300 lb watercolor paper; good for more than watercolor.

 website / my post 

Thanks for reading and voting

Jonathan Parks

For the birds (International Bird Rescue Research Center, IBRRC)

Art Materials (Arrow Professional Fastening)

Hello Reader,

Getting back to featuring Art Materials with a staple gun. If you will, or have built your own support, canvas or doohickey, chances are this product will become a major factor.  A good staple gun can go a long way and it matters what you buy; read further to learn more.

I have used Arrow's products for a long time and it was one of the first tools that I had ever purchased. I even got in a little trouble for telling a professor how to use it (and yes the person was using it wrong). The reason I like Arrow is it's durability and all metal construction; you can also buy replacement parts. Its not that other brands are bad or anything- I just know for a fact that this one will last.

Oh, and this is the tip that got me in trouble: To get proper insertion of the staple every time, slightly tilt the staple guns forward lifting the back end just a little off the surface, putting pressure on the front where the staple exits. If you still get throw back and a slightly raised staple, use your other hand to put more pressure on the head/front by placing your palm on the top, towards the head of the the staple gun.

Thanks for reading and have fun stapling
Jonathan Parks

PS. If you haven't voted/rated Encaustic Tools and Technique, there is still time (Click here to rate) its much appreciated.

Valles Caldera

A recent visit to the Caldera.
http://www.vallescaldera.gov/
http://vallescaldera.com/

Art Materials (Pigments)

Hello Reader,

In continuation, I received my Earth Pigments order rather quickly (I live just one state away) - I can honestly say I have no complaints. Also, you may have noticed it has been longer than usual since the last post, but I didn't want to bore you with useless info. I thought, better yet, I should use what I ordered and then write.

More than often common sense should tell us that adding a pigment to a medium is going to change its richness and darken that pigment; various mediums will offer differing results. Encaustic is no different and is reminiscent of how much rain changes the depth of colors in the southwestern landscape. I am only mentioning this as a friendly reminder when ordering pigments that unless the seller/distributer relays some kind of visual information on how much their pigments will change when combined with a medium, you must make the educated guess to what it might look like. A few tips on pigments are listed below.

*Remember that the medium will change the richness/darkness of the pigment; think about how things look wet.
*Measure by weight not volume when possible, pigment can settle or become compact among other things and it is difficult to correctly measure by volume; weighing will give you exactly what you need to be successful.
*Ventilate and wear a dust mask or respirator when working with pigments; many pigment are inert (basically like dirt), but others like cobalts and cadmiums can make you sick when improperly handled.
*Encaustic also has a few 'non' compatible pigments. Be sure with any medium that it is compatible- usually the distributor will tell you what is and isn't (Read more about encaustic and Pigments).

Art Materials (Pigments)

Hi Reader,

I made a recent order from The Earth Pigments Company where I purchased (obviously) pigments. I have kept my eyes out on new ways to improve upon this subject; however, it would seem that I am improving upon a lot of subjects lately. I also don't want to get to far off the subject of encaustic; outside of the brief Art Materials posts and the random ramblings on my homepage on the environment and birds. Anyhoo, pigments are important and from what I gather are important to a lot of folks who would like to learn more.

The Earth Pigments Company looks to be one of the easier sites I have visited. Although they do not offer a huge line of colors (many earth tones), they do offer MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) on each of their pigments. They also have other info such as recipes and instructions; however, I would like to see them fix their recipe for encaustic- to much temper (if you get my meaning).

Thanks for reading
Jonathan Parks

P.S. I will let you know more when I get them.

Art Materials (Bacteria Fighting Pencils?)

Hey folks,

I was planning on writing about Koh-I-Noor woodless colored pencils; however, perusing their website I found this, http://www.koh-i-noor.cz/stopbacteria/en/introduction. What an idea, since I work somewhere that drool and pencils sometimes gos hand-in-hand, this seems quite amazing.

Needless to say, check it out, and while your at it- look at their woodless pencils.

Thanks for reading
Jonathan Parks