April Newsletter 2008
Greetings,Welcome to our many new readers who asked to be subscribed when applying to join the Impressions Art Club during March.
March has been a very busy month for the Impressions team. Our celebration was a great success with almost 100 people joining us for the evening on Wednesday the 5th.We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and comments received to date suggest that everyone enjoyed the experience.
Catherine Demonstrates Painting on Watercolour Canvas
Catherine was kept very busy demonstrating watercolour painting on watercolour canvas and Lewis demonstrated how to stretch a canvas. Both had an attentive audience
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Lewis Demonstrates Canvas Stretching
Gareth Evans from Main Art demonstrated the new range of Matisse Acrylic Colours and offered everyone a complimentary Visual Diary with Technical Information included
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Gareth Evans of Main Art shows Charlotte the new Matisse Acrylic Colours.
The following day, Thursday, Gareth ran the inaugural Impressions Art Workshops for us. He was a mine of information about the correct i.e. best use of painting mediums in acrylics and oils, as well as dispelling a several commonly held myths and pieces of mis-information. These workshops were very well received and personally I believe every artist needs to be aware of the information he shared with us.
For example – have you ever been tempted to use house paints? These have an average lifespan of about 10 years after which they begin to flake off. (Jackson Pollock is one such artist whose work is now flaking off the support!) When you are tempted to use materials such as tester pots of house paint, hairspray and PVA – be aware that they are NOT archivally sound and will deteriorate more rapidly than artist products. With art materials available that have been made to proven recipes developed by chemists to meet artists’ needs, why take risks using products designed for builders and hairdressers to use? Artist-quality materials not only last the test of time, but are easier to use as well.
For myself, other than plying everyone with refreshments at our celebration, my key role was to announce the date of this year’s Regional Art Awards (See below), and to launch the Impressions Art Club. For details of the Club go to www.impressionsnelson.co.nz/the-impressions-art-club1.htm . There was an enthusiastic response to the Art Club concept, which we see as a win-win scenario. By members telling us about themselves as artists, we can provide a better service, which makes for a better shopping experience and more resources for you as an artist. Over 130 people share our vision of the Club and have applied for membership to date.
My other very pleasant job was to manage the Lucky Draw, which saw three winners: -Fran Gould won the oil painting artist package valued at over $400 which included a studio easel, a set of oil paints, oil painting mediums, the 24”x36” canvas which Lewis stretched earlier in the evening, and other accessories including palette and sketching equipment. Lois Smith and Diane Johns each won the ½ day plein air painting excursions with Art & About New Zealand worth $65.00 each.
Lois Smith, Glenys, Fran Gould, Lewis (obscured) and Diane Johns celebrate winning the Lucky Draw.
Arts Council Nelson Impressions Regional Art Awards 2008
In Association with the Dark Room
Entry forms are nearly ready to be downloaded from our website. The essential dates to remember are:
-Receiving Days – Saturday 21 and Monday 23 June
Gala Opening and Awards – 5pm Saturday 28 June
Free Mini-Workshops
Throughout April, we will be showcasing equipment and mediums used with watercolours. Each Tuesday from 1.30 – 2.30 pm, Catherine will be available to demonstrate the use of watercolour mediums, watercolour pencils, watercolour brushes and watercolour canvas. Come and try products that you have never tried before. Because these are “hands-on” mini-workshops, numbers will be strictly limited to only six people per session. So if you would like to participate, contact us early to book your place
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The workshops will be held: -
Tuesday 8th, Watercolour brushes – sable, synthetic, goats hair, squirrel
Tuesday 15th, Watercolour Canvas and Watercolour Blocks (paper)
Tuesday 22nd, Water-soluble Pencils – Watercolour, Ink-tense, Graphitint
Tuesday 29th, Watercolour Mediums
Remember bookings are essential. Only a few places left! We are happy to take names for waiting lists.
Impressions Art Club – April Specials
If you are an Impressions Art Club Member (i.e. you have been issued with an Impressions Art Club Member Card having achieved $200 purchases recorded on the Purchase Record Card) then the following specials are for YOU.
Watercolour Mediums – Save 15% on All Watercolour Mediums throughout April.
Gum Arabic – use to increase the brilliance and transparency of watercolours and gouache. Imparts a low gloss and controls spread when over painting wet on wet.
Iridescent medium – mix with watercolours or apply over a dried wash to give iridescent or glitter effects. It is particularly effective when mixed with transparent colours.
Texture Medium - this produces a textured finish for watercolours. It can be applied directly onto the paper or mixed with watercolour first.
Aquapasto – This is a thickening medium for watercolours and gouache. It also reduces the flow and bleeding of washes.
Granulation Medium – this gives mottled or granulated appearance to colours which usually give a smooth wash. For maximum effect, dilute the colour with medium alone. Dilution with additional water will produce a variety of results.
Ox Gall Liquid – this medium increases the wetting and flow of watercolours. It improves acceptance of a wash on paper.
Watercolour Medium – An alternative to Ox Gall Liquid, it improves flow and wetting. Avoid acid-sensitive colours (ultramarine).
Watercolour Painting Techniques
If you are learning to use watercolours, then try visiting the website shown below, which may provide you with ideas for a range of painting techniques and special effects to try.www.watercolorpainting.com/watercolor-tutorials.htm
New Products In-Store
Matisse has introduced a range of new acrylic colours. We have put all the new colours on display while we gauge their popularity. A few colours have been renamed – but most are new. Have a look when you are next in – there may well be the colour you have been looking to find that wasn’t previously available. We also have Matisse’s new A6 Technical Guide and Visual Diary at $3.95 each. These great little reference guides are invaluable for anyone working in the new extended range of Matisse Mediums. (Guests at our celebration night will have received a complimentary copy on the night.)
We are now stocking Art Spectrum Wax Medium. This is a wax oil medium which when mixed with oil colour imparts a sheen. Those who have tried it since we got it in earlier last month are very enthusiastic.
We have also added Art Spectrum Matt Wax Varnish. This is a satin matt final varnish for oils, acrylics and most surfaces. It is easiest to apply warmed with a lint-free cloth or brush. When dry, buff to desired gloss with a soft cloth. It also works well as a thick impasto medium for oils.
Derwent Blenders – (We have been waiting on these for quite a while – but at last they are here!) They used for blending pencil work. These are great or getting into those tight corners in detailed drawings. So we now carry both the Burnisher and Blender in stock.
Derwent Burnisher and Blender
Inspirational Thought for the Month
Extracted from “How to Create Your Best Paintings Ever” by Mary Whyte in the January issue of American Artist: -“Know Yourself
"If you don’t feel strongly about what you’re painting, neither will the viewer. A seemingly little idea for a painting can be made into a big idea solely by your emotion. The difficult part for many artists is knowing what they truly want to paint, what it is that makes their heart sing more than anything else...“Your best work may actually be right in your own back yard...almost all of Vermeer’s paintings were done in the corner of his studio with the light coming from the same window to the left. Forget about which subject matter will win sales. Instead set your sights on finding what really matters to you. If you feel strongly enough about what you’re painting, your emotions will resonate with the viewer, and that alone will get their attention.”
(American Artist is just one of a number of art magazines available at Impressions.)
Painting Excursions and Weekends
Ever thought about treating yourself to a painting excursion or week-end? Well now you can. Catherine and Dave Kent have established Art & About New Zealand which offers a range of painting excursions in the local area. If you enjoy painting, our picturesque scenery and being pampered, this is a great idea. This is a wonderful gift idea for a friend or family member too.
Weekend Art Escapes in Kaikoura – A range of courses will be offered throughout 2008 from the fundamentals of drawing through to life drawing, painting the sea, boats water and reflections. All this is offered at the scenic Holmwood Art Gallery in Kaikoura by artist Karen James. Karen has been painting for 25 years and in that time has won numerous awards. Email heaven@homewoodhill.com For information about either of these painting opportunities, pick up a brochure in-store.
Exhibitions
“Endless Horizon “ Art from the Farewell Spit Residency 2007.High School Hall, Takaka, Golden Bay. 19 - 27 April 2008. 10am - 4pm.
This is an exhibition of work of 12 artists' experience of the residency which was made possible by the collaboration of the Arts Council and the Department of Conservation. The work created is diverse in content and media which includes painting, photography, quilting, weaving, 3D sculpture, jewellery and poetry. It brings together, in a collaborative way, the individual response of the 12 participants.
The exhibition promises the viewer a unique insight into this precious World Heritage site.
Road Works
The new street-scaping in Croucher Street is progressing nicely, thanks to the great weather we’ve been having. However, we are about to lose the car parks directly outside the shop as the footpaths and car park are re-configured. Please remember that there are car parks available in the Petrie Car Park – access is off McGlashen Avenue behind the Redwood Stables Tavern. There is a handy walkway from the park along the Queen Street end of our building between Classique and Copper Frog. The car parks include 15 minute, 30 minute and 2 hour parks. So you should usually expect to be able to find a parking space available.Studio Available to Rent
Located in the Port Hills, Nelson, this purpose-built artist’s studio has been used for teaching art classes, and is now available to rent. Apply to Elizabeth O’Connor, 39 Mt Pleasant Avenue, Nelson. Ph 548 1488.Closing Thoughts
This newsletter has been much longer than most – reflecting how busy the month has been. Now that we have finished the shop stock-taking, things should settle back into a more predictable pattern again. I start a new series of art classes to develop my personal skills and to take on new art challenges for the year ahead. I wish you well with your personal challenges – and remember to enjoy the process!