Art Materials (Encaustic- Back to Photography)

Hello Reader,

A friend of mine found an article written on encaustic and photography and it lead me to think:   their is a lot of interest out there on this subject, but it is often riddled with ill advised, incorrect, or misleading information. Unbeknownst my friend and many others, those aforementioned issues often lead to frustrations in the studio; or at least waisted art supplies. Never-the-less, I still like to read these articles in order to point out those issues, either to those who published the article in the first place, or at least to those interested in the process. If you trust your source, then the you can trust that the information is correct; but, if you are unsure about the info, it never hurts to get a second opinion.

I will also comment that some of the inconsistencies/misinformation may be that the articles are limited to how much information they can offer and thus edited down to fit the perimeters of the publisher. Whatever the case may be; I will reiterate, it is important to do your research and look at multiple resources. These types of articles, if anything, do peak the reader's interest in a subject less known. As for the specific article I am speaking of read it from Freestyle Photographic Supplies on Photography and Encastic and for more information on encaustic and photography read my posts on: Fusing Photographs and Inkjet (Supplement to Fusing Photographs). Later I would like to add some tips on types of cameras to use; because, that is what we all have to begin with.

Thank you for reading,
Jonathan Parks

P.S. What to look for in camera options- the basics.

SLR
Single Lens Reflex, I am talking about your classic options here; this is real film. First off, real film offers much that digital still hopes for; even those super high mega pixel digital SLR cameras. Second, you can always scan your film and retain some of the film like qualities, such as high speed film's grainy attributes. Third, pick a good camera to suite your needs; that doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money. The Olympus OM1 (pictured above) is ridiculously cheap these days, and in my opinion one of the great SLR's. It is lightweight, compact, huge range of lenses and accessories, along with dozens of other reasons. Of course like anything, there is something better (or different); like the Nikon F2 series (one pictured here). Considered a classic and even a collectors item to some, it still holds it ground on the market- so to speak. What makes it nice: interchangeable viewfinders for one. It is big and it is heavy, sometimes a good thing; think of binoculars, heavier binoculars offer more balance than small ones when your hands are shaky. But wait, their is even better; here are a few: a lieca, medium format, or rangefinder- many options if your willing to pay and to go the long yard.

Digital
Digital does offer convenience, you don't have film (rather a memory card), you don't have to scan negatives, you can edit you images fast because you can skip the steps of developing. But encaustic requires real paper and it is always exciting to go completely traditional- but if you are like me buy them both- you cant lose.

Hello Everybody!

It has been a while since my last update; things have been busy to say the least. Got back from Taos, where New Mexico's Americorps launched this year; if you are wondering- the launch was just a formal matter. Anyhoo, here are some pics from that trip- enjoy, and if you have any long awaited curiosities about any art supplies or encaustic questions go ahead and ask. Otherwise I am working on a few.

Enjoy the pics
Jonathan Parks

Will Be Back Soon

Hey folks,

Sorry, I have been in meetings and trainings for this 2nd year. I will be back soon; so stay tuned.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Parks

?

I am thinking.

Random Ramblings (Echo Amphitheater, Abiquiu NM)

Art Materials (Encaustic)

I wanted to take a moment and mention R&F's relatively new 40 ml blocks of encaustic paint. Compared to their 140 ml and 333 ml the price sometimes seems more accessible; however, don't be fooled- like most things in life bulk costs less.

Regardless of the price, the smaller blocks can be helpful- especially if you only use a specific color every once in a blue moon. For example, I have had the same lump of red for about seven or eight years, if only they had these darn things then. Well they have them now, so if your not sure about a color buy small; however, if you are sure buy bulk. I just hope this isn't going to lead to higher costs in pre-made encaustic paint; if so, there is always making ones own.

Thanks for Reading
Jonathan Parks

Also read Art Materials (R&F Handmade Paints, "Encaustic Compatible")

Art Materials (Sanding)

Hey Readers,

Sand paper, emery cloth, sanding sponge, mica, silica, which one-what one. Sand paper is a pretty familiar item, but there is more than meets the eye. First, standard sandpaper (I don't even know why they still make it), basically what you call it- sand on paper; but, don't get fooled- they often call the other stuff sandpaper too.

So, to make this easy- buy the emery cloth, or sand wet, or typically the black sandpaper. Emery and the black stuff are recommended; but with caution (the black stuff can kinda stain when you use it wet). Emery cloth is just like it sounds- something on cloth-- a.k.a. the black stuff on a tough cloth material- it simply lasts longer.

Additionally, there are sanding sponges: I love these things- different grits, easy to hold, last (as long as you sand away from corner and areas that would otherwise tear the sponge), and you can wash them off.

I'll update this with brands and whatever else comes to mind a bit later.
So thanks for reading,
Jonathan Parks

Art Materials (Sakura: Pigma Micron Pens)

Hello Readers,

Pigma Micron Pens made by Sakura- ultra-fine point to brush-like. These things have been in my entourage of drawing materials for as long as I can remember. With years of use I have personally witnessed the effects of time with them, and I have to say: are my most used and favorite materials. I particularly lean towards the ultra fine point ones over the brush like pens because I have found the brush points have a streaky look when areas are colored in; not to say that the fine ones don't- just that they are less noticeable.

Well, if you haven't used them, then buy one. And a couple of friendly tips: the points bend easy (they don't need a lot of pressure to draw a line) and don't write over white-out or waxy like surfaces because it can and most likely will clog it permanently.

As always- thanks for reading

Jonathan Parks

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

Louise Bourgeois

From the NY Times: Louise Bourgeois, the French-born American artist who gained fame only late in a long career, when her psychologically charged abstract sculptures, drawings and prints had a galvanizing effect on the work of younger artists, particularly women, died on Monday in Manhattan, where she lived. She was 98. read more.

Art Materials (Hard at Work with Encaustic)

Hi visitor,

I have been hard at work adding photos to my Encaustic Resource Pages- so needless to say I have not had much time to write on Art Materials. BUT, I have added a few brands to my list- so in the meantime, look at those links and I hope to write about them soon.

Thanks fur readin'
Jonathan Parks

Art Materials (Encaustic)

Hello Reader,

This week I am making this post extremely short because I am hard at work taking photos of tools and techniques for the Encaustic Resource. If you work with encaustic, are starting out, or are simply curious-stay tuned. I am also doing my best to update and share on social networking sites such as Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/parksartworks) twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/ParksArtworks) so check that out too.

Thanks for Reading and Following
Jonathan Parks

Sharpe's Longclaw

Hello Reader,

I would like to take a moment and share a link in support of a worthy cause.  Visit 10,000 Birds to read about the efforts to save Sharpe's Longclaw. I particularly like supporting that which supports one of my favorite subjects (birds); and even though I can not at present financially support such an effort- just simply sharing this info goes a long way.

As alway thank you for reading

Jonathan Parks

Jasper Johns Encaustic Flag Painting

Sold for 28.6 million dollars, nice to see encaustic get so much attention, and of course it doesn't hurt to be a painting by Jasper Johns.

Americorps week

The Encaustic is Coming!

The Encaustic is Coming! The Encaustic is Coming! The Encaustic is Coming!.......Ok, it came.

Hey encaustic painters- or interested parties,

It has been a little while since I've been able to paint (encaustic of course), with moving around and all that crud; but now its here (insert diabolical voice). So, what does this mean? Well first off I will finally be getting around to adding those much needed photos to my Encaustic Resource Pages AND I am thinking about some video tutorials (we'll see) BUT most of all- painting.

Tune in and thanks for visiting,

Jonathan Parks

Art Materials (Encaustic Safety Precautions)

Hi Visitors,

I made an extensive update to my encaustic Tools and Techniques page concerning safety. Check it on on my Encaustic Resource Pages or follow this link: http://parksartworkstoolstechnique.blogspot.com/2009/04/safety-precautions.html

Thanks for reading
Joanthan Parks

Art Materials (Manfrotto)

Hello All,

I want to take a moment and talk about support, tripods and monopods to be more specific, and it is Manfrotto's turn in my list art materials.  It is important to have a sturdy support for many reasons; from photographing wildlife to shooting slides. I have continued to use their products for the past ten years; a tripod setup for shooting slides of my artwork and a monopod for when I go on a hike.  Yes there are other brands of camera supports (Gitzo for one) that will do the job, but for price and quality, Manfrotto is hard not to pick.

How much should you plan to spend on a setup? Well a tripod will cost you about $175 - $225, and the head to go with it could cost anywhere from $30 - $200. Prices can go higher or lower depending on where and what you buy, but you get what you pay for. To give you an idea- the grip action ball head I use for my monopod cost around $80 on sale (runs about $100).

Thanks for reading, and remember if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
Jonathan Parks
http://www.manfrotto.com/
http://www.manfrotto.us/
http://www.gitzo.com/

Art Materials (Recycle) "Encaustic Compatible and Noted"

Encaustic Compatible and Noted

Hi Everyone,

Recyling isn't always about throwing things in the bin. Recycling often takes on the definition for reuse; glass bottles are a good example. The double-well bottle (my favorite) is the perfect container for watercolor; clean water in one, and dirty in the other.

Before you decide its time to throw something in that bin, think about what you might be able to do with it.  Recycling isn't a perfect science anyways. Some things reycle easily while others take more effort. Thinking about it another way might just be better for everyone and the environment.

Here are a few ideas for recycling:  Of course, buy bulk whenever possible. Look at how something is packaged; can you reuse the packaging. Don't dump paint and chemicals down the drain; there are ways to properly dispose of waste; check with your local recycling facilities. And if you reduce and reuse- you may not need to recycle much, or anything at all.

Those of you working in encaustic: scrape up the paint that drips all around your painting; waste not, want not (Even if the colors are all mixed up, melting it down will usually give you a funny grayish purple; and you can at least use it for a base coat when building layers). If you reuse items for palette cups (or the palette) make sure that they are stainless steel or at least lead and iron free.

Thanks for reading
Jonathan Parks

Art Materials (Reuse) "Encaustic Compatible and Noted"

Encaustic Compatible and Noted

I recently made a post titled, "STUFF," and spoke about the things that I will be reusing. Stuff is important to many artist; and if you make mixed media art, you know what I am talking about.  Reuse speaks for itself and there isn't much to add (Read, STUFF).If you work with encaustic- embedding is one thing that comes to mind (Read, Encaustic Resource Pages: Collage and Embedding under Tools and Technique).

Artists also reuse material by making Found Object, Construction, Assemblage, Recycled, Upcycle, types of work.  Whatever you call it, it helps to keep STUFF out of our ecosystem and the strain off overworked recycling facilities.

My personal art tends to have reused material in it quite often. I choose to hide the fact that it may be one mans trash; reusing these treasures in a way that serves my concept without looking like the obvious.

Here are a couple of reuse tips: Use old picture frames. A pencil is more than a writing instrument- dowel rod anyone. Scraps of paper can turn translucent in wax- encasutic is great to embed anything from wooden sticks to paper bits.

Thank you for reading,

Jonathan Parks

Art Materials (Reduce) "Encaustic Noted"

Encaustic Noted

This post goes for anything (paint, wood, metal, clay, encaustic, et cetera.), try to use only what you need. Not only will it save you money in the long run, but it will keep waste out of our ecosystem.

Here are a couple of tips to reduce: Don't squeeze your watercolor paint out into a palette. Take care of your brushes (Encaustic folks should have a brush for each color). Buy bulk when you can; it means less packaging. And make sure you can recycle the packaging. Pay attention to sustainable practices; Strathmore for example has wind powered products. And make your art archival; otherwise your work may end up in the dump.

Read more next time: "Reuse"

Thanks
Jonathan Parks

P.S. I suggest a brush for each color of encaustic because this will eliminate the need for solvents and paraffins to clean those brushes. Scrape of the excess encaustic paint on the edge of the palette cup and wipe the rest away. Graduate the brushes for light colors (colors will rub off on hot brushes and white is the most susceptible) to a darker color when those other colors begin to effect the quality. On Encaustic Resource read: Tools and Technique: Brushes, Palette Cups.

Earth Day

Earth Day is April 22th- How does your art impact the environment?

I am an artist and naturalist, I struggle to find the path to environmentally safe art.  Practically every medium has its environmental downfalls; choosing one medium over the other seems pointless to some degree when considering these concerns.  There are ways to lessen the impact; however, these often require financial means that are out of reach for many artists. So, what to do? The next few posts I will be focusing on this conundrum while talking a little about my own work.

Tune in and Thank you for reading
Jonathan Parks
http://www.earthday.org/

Art Materials (Evans Encaustics, "Encaustic Compatible")

Encaustic Compatible

Hello encaustic friends and interested parties,

How many encaustic makers/companies are out there? Small ones, big ones, artists trying to earn a few extra bucks making paint? If you live more east coast you might be more inclined to order from R&F, but if you're living westward there is a closer option. I came across Evans Encaustics a few-or-so years back and liked this small company (I like small companies). Anyway, give them a whirl; I particularly like the bisque gray color. They also have a nice looking website.

Thank you for reading
Jonathan Parks
http://www.evansencaustics.com/

Art Materials (STUFF)

Hello Readers,

Where on earth can you find a rubber kidney, a big domino, an old view camera film carrier, game pieces, wood pieces, metal pieces, glass, ephemera, antique like what-not, and a tin wind-up chicken all in the same place?  Well first off you may not actually find those things in that combination since I already did; but, you may find something even better or in a stranger combination.

I wanted to take a short detour from my usual type of art materials post and focus on what I think of as, "what else," is art material.  Recently I went on a short jaunt from ABQ to Santa Fe in search of who-knows-what and found it/some/stuff.  Expectations where high and low and what I learned prior to visiting filled my brain with ideas and things to buy.

Recycled, upcyced- whatever you want to call it- there is a lot of stuff out there to make, include in, or just inspire your artwork.  All the, "stuff," I got came from an artist; Laura Stanziola. Just outside Santa Fe is where she made her home into what looks like a overwhelming well organized store/residence. Inside this store I found many wonderful things, and many things I did not buy- for I had a budget.  Gratefully the prices of these many odd things were not excessive, and for the most part surprisingly inexpensive.

Rubber kidney, rubber intestines, and a rubber heart all 35 cents each. Various game pieces for just pocket change. 75 cents for twin wooden sticks- I thought the price could have been a quarter cheaper but I really liked them. Film carrier- so many ideas. Old marbled paper. A Ceder box. And of course the wind-up chicken.

All right the chicken isn't art material; I just wanted it. Besides that, imagine everything that I can make using a rubber kidney.

Thanks for reading,
Jonathan Parks

Art Materials (Enkaustikos Hot Cakes, "Encaustic Compatible")

Encaustic Compatible (DUH:)
Hello Folks,

As planned, Hot Cakes at fineartstore.  This will be brief for I do not use Hot Cakes or much pre-made encaustic any more.  I have occasionally used them in the past and they do have the convience factor going with their included palette cup; but, if you make your own paint or your short on cash, they probably aren't your cup of tea (or cup of encaustic).  Outside of the price I do not have anything bad to say about them, and if you can get them on sale- go for it.

Thanks for Reading (Next time, Evans Encaustics)
Jonathan Parks
http://www.evansencaustics.com/
http://www.fineartstore.com/

Art Materials (R&F Handmade Paints, "Encaustic Compatible")

Encaustic Compatible  (DUH!:)
Hello All,

R&F, what can I say? If you have any experience or interest in encaustic, two to one, you are or will become aware of them.  Pretty much the source for encaustic, but they also make some pretty sweet oil like bar- pigment sticks, supplier of tools, advice, and whatnots.  Aside from what might seem to be or easily could be a encaustic monopoly, R&F is a bevy of information packed into a decent supplier of what you need to tackle this medium.

Choosing a medium to best express yourself and your work is hard enough, then you have to figure out what brand and everything else that goes along with these two things.  R&F has around eighty colors in 104 and 333 milliliter blocks.  As with most paints that have colors in series which differ in price, R&F's encaustics are also priced according to pigments.  Needless to say if you are an artist on a budget, you can always stick to those less expensive colors.  If you need additives such as damar, caranuba, or more beeswax you can get those too; which is great if you want to make your own paint.

As for their pigment sticks, these are great to use by themselves or in combination with encaustic (Click here for tips on pigment sticks).  The difference in R&F's pigment sticks and other oil bars like Sennelier is that they have a higher pigment concentration and less fillers.  Not that I find anything wrong with Sennelier, they are simply different.

If I have any complaints about R&F they are very minuscule, like most places there is an occasional product that seems overpriced, but that it is all made up with service and quality of their products. 

As always, Thanks for Reading (Next time Hot Cakes)

Jonathan Parks

http://www.rfpaints.com/

http://www.sennelier.fr/en/home.php

http://parksartworkstoolstechnique.blogspot.com/2008/11/paintpigment-sticks.html

Art Materials (Encaustic Compatible)

"Encasutic Compatible"
Hey folks,

I would like to take the next couple of posts and get back to encaustic- so I'm going to be writing about a few places you can get your supplies and other stuff along with my own experiences with them.  Tune in soon for R&F Encaustic Paints.

Thanks for reading.
Jonathan Parks
http://www.rfpaints.com/

Art Materials (Sketch Book Finale: Lanaquarella, Encaustic Compatible)

"Encaustic Compatible"
Hello all,

My finale in sketch books will be in making your own, and in making your own you will need quality paper. It would take forever to delve into the many intricacies of book making and paper, so instead I present a quick synopsis. In binding you can not lose with the traditional Japanese stab binding. And depending on your technique and/or medium, your choice in paper changes.  When it comes to making a good sketch book I believe you can not lose with watercolor paper.  Watercolor paper can be very different when it comes to brands, weights, or types and offers the ability of various mediums from gouache to pencil.  If you only use pencil and maybe very light painting you can easily get away with a lower weight paper, 140 lb (300 gsm), but, if you can't stand the warping, wrinkling, and indentations that are accustomed to lighter paper, I would recommend 300 lb (640 gsm) paper.  This finally brings me to Lana, a top pick for paper, sure other companies make great paper (Fabriano, Arches, Strathmore, etc.), but we all have our favorites and Lana is is one of mine.

So give Lana a try, I don't believe you will be disappointed.
For info on paper suitable for encaustic go to Watercolor Paper

Always, Thank you for reading,
Jonathan Parks
http://www.lanapapier.fr/
http://www.cartieremilianifabriano.com/
http://www.arches-papers.com/fr/
http://www.strathmoreartist.com/
http://parksartworkstoolstechnique.blogspot.com/2008/11/watercolor-paper.html

Art Materials (Strathmore Artist Papers)

Hi everyone,

Continuing on with sketch books- I thought of mentioning one of my favorites- Strathmore 400 series.  Ok, I know this really isn't a sketch book; however, some of us don't use sketch books or even, "sketch."  So for those of you looking for a drawing paper of various size, etcetera:  I particularly like this series because of its cream color.  But if your not into the cream color and prefer white, Strathmore make pretty decent paper all around.  You should also check out the wind powered series.

Thanks for reading
Jonathan Parks
http://www.strathmoreartist.com/
http://www.strathmoreartist.com/fineArt_drawing.php

Art Materials (Moleskine Watercolor Books)

Hello all,

Well as promised I am continuing on with sketch books; this time Moleskine.  I particularly like the large (5.25" by 8.25") watercolor notebooks with there heavywight paper perfect for painting and drawing; not to mention the simple and plain design.
-
Also you can get it with perforated pages (or not)- I have both.  It comes with 30 (60 if you count both sides), 200 gsm, cotton, cold-pressed, acid-free pages.

So, check'em out
and thanks for reading
Jonathan Parks
http://www.moleskineus.com/
http://www.moleskineus.com/reporter-large-watercolor.html

Art Materials (Rite in the Rain Sketch Book)

Hey Folks,

I would like to talk a little about sketch books and particularly this time: Rite in the Rain products. Are you someone who sketches outside or travels with your sketch book? Ever worried about your notebook or sketch book getting wet? Well, Rite in the Rain has many styles of note/sketch books available. The best thing is you don't have to worry about getting them wet or even, literally working in the rain.

Unfortunately I don't believe you will be able to paint watercolor on this paper, but if you only use pencil- you can't beat it.

Next to come- more on sketch books/papers.

Always, thank you for reading

Jonathan Parks

http://www.riteintherain.com/

Art Materials (Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive)

Hello All,

It has been awhile since my last Art Materials post- so, for the first week back I thought I would keep it short and share a product from Lineco. I have been using Lineco's neutral pH adhesive for awhile and I have found that it is quite reliable, much like other products they make. So if your not sure about archival polyvinyl acetate (PVA), try Lineco.

Thank you for reading.

Jonathan Parks

http://www.lineco.com/