Impressions Newsletter
September 2008
Welcome to this “spring” newsletter. With any luck this issue will be published before I return from Australia so forgive me if the news is not as up-to-date as usual. However, although I am writing this letter before I leave to cross the Tasman, I still want to keep you in touch with what has happened at Impressions throughout August as well as let you know what is coming up in the month ahead.The Oil Painting Product workshops led by Charlotte were oversubscribed so we will look at running a repeat of these topics in 2009.
Impressions Regional Art Awards
The 2009 Regional Art Awards are scheduled to take place in the last week of July. Watch our website www.impressionsnelson.co.nz for updates of receiving dates, sections, prizes etc. We (Arts Council Nelson, The Darkroom and Impressions) have some exciting ideas for the next Awards. We need some time to work them through, but as promised we intend to continue to build the Awards each year.
We could use your help - we are seeking ideas for painting sections for the Regional Art Awards. If you have any thoughts, please send them to Lloyd Harwood at Arts Council Nelson (artscouncilnelson@clear.net.nz)
September Special for All Art Club Members
Picture Framing Special
Throughout September
· All full members of the Impressions Art Club will receive a 25% discount on all custom framing* of their own work**
· All applicants of the Impressions Art Club will receive a 15% discount on all custom framing* of their own work**
*Custom framing means that all framing materials and processes are supplied by Impressions and that the framing is completed to stage where it is ready for display.
** Own work refers to artwork that you have personally painted, drawn or collaged.
Hint
Torchon
Continuing in our theme of looking at artist’s tools, this month we look at using a torchon, otherwise named a tortillion, or blending stump or paper stump. These are constructed out of tightly rolled paper. When the ends get too dirty, simply “sharpen” the end with a craft knife and smooth it with your sandpaper block (see “Sandpaper Block” below). The very small ones are so cheap they tend to be discarded once they get too grubby.The most common use of this handy little paper tool is for blending by smudging of soft drawing media such as soft pencil, charcoal and pastel .
ABOVE: Soft graphite was laid down on left, then picked up and applied as subtle shading on the right using the torchon .
Mostly the tips get used, but you can certainly use the side as well. However you can also use it as a drawing tool, by dipping the tip into graphite powder and applying the graphite to the paper, or by picking up soft graphite drawn onto a piece of paper and applying that as a drawing. It works particularly well this way to achieve subtle shading.
Sandpaper Block
When you wish to sharpen or smooth a pencil, graphite stick, hard pastel or other media, a sandpaper block will often achieve what a conventional sharpener cannot. The sandpaper blocks come with a handy ‘handle’ making it easy to control how and where you are smoothing off your media. There are several strips of sandpaper on the block – when one becomes overly soiled, tear it off to reveal a fresh strip below.
Acrylic Painters Take Note
We have been fielding a few requests for information when acrylic paints have not adhered as anticipated. So we have sought additional clarification from suppliers and have compiled a short list of recommendations: -
1. Wipe your canvas with artist turpentine before beginning a painting to make quite sure that the canvas (even high quality canvas) is not affected by grease.
2. An extra coat of gesso is always good practise for readymade canvases, even Museum canvas.
3. Wait 4-6 weeks before varnishing – not two as widely believed.
4. When using Atelier Interactive Acrylics remember that the chemical formulation is different to other standard artists acrylics and be sure to follow Chroma’s instructions for good results. (We have brochures in-store for you to refer to or you can email a request for us to send you one by return email.)
Specifically you should know that: -
a. If you like building up your paintings with multiple layers of thinly applied paint you will find the new Fast Medium/Fixer will help you to do this very quickly;
b. Atelier Interactive by itself remains “tender” after it has dried, but is still curing. Use of Atelier binder medium between coats of paint will toughen it up quickly. If you want to cure paint quickly, use a hairdryer or direct sunlight – it needs dry heat to cure and become tough.
c. Binder medium, Impasto Gel and Modelling Compound all promote fast drying, although thick applications do naturally take longer to dry.
d. Visit www.chromaonline.com for more information.
Mapua Painting Group “On Show”
The Mapua Painting Group was initiated earlier this year by artist Lisa Chandler. The group is comprised of artists of all levels of experience and interest and has been a great success. I felt that it was time to present the Group to everyone so that you can learn more about it. So, to coincide with the Nelson Arts Festival, Group members will be painting in-store throughout October at set times. You are welcome to pop in-store, meet the artists who are painting, and learn more about the Group. While you are here, take a look at a selection of their works which will be displayed in the window.
Focus Group
Our first Focus Group evening will be held in-store from 7-8pm on Thursday 16th October. Names of Art Club Applicants and Members who indicated an interest in being involved will be put into a hat, and about ten names drawn out. When ten people have accepted the invitation to come along, we will confirm the details with those people. Our intention is to ask the group questions to evaluate our product range and service, to get a cross-section of input into what you – our customers want from us. In this way we hope to stay tuned-in and providing the best service and product range we can, within the confines of what works well from a business stand-point.
Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of our newsletter. I hope you have found something useful to you, and remind you that I am happy to include information about impending exhibitions, classes etc. So please do keep me in touch with what is happening in your art-world if you would like me to help you spread the word.
Best wishes for an enjoyable and productive month ahead.
Glenys and the Team