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/