(Submitted by Wally Lush)
The ferry, like time, waits for no man it seems. Missed the one I wanted to take to Centre Island and walked to meet everyone – and walked, and walked. Got to the Sunshine Center for Seniors and had a much needed coffee then scouted painting locations. I missed the gang that was there – 5 more I hear. But they had a successful day at least. Better luck next time.
(Submitted by Wally Lush)
On a very windy, drizzly, cold morning three of us showed up to make art. We quickly decided that setting up easels in the nasty weather was a bad idea but we could wander and take reference photos. So that’s what we did. Here are a few of them. Perhaps one will become a painting. Better luck next time.
This Friday was very popular with record attendance for a Friday Night Club presenter. It might have been because Linda Montgomery is an award-winning illustrator, a reputable OCAD instructor and a very amiable presenter coupled with the promise of free goodies from Liquitex.
We had a surprise visit by Jacklyn Rosenblat-Gwartzman, proprietor of the celebrated Gwartzman’s Art Supplies on Spadina Avenue in Toronto and a supplier of Liquitex products. She shared the sad news of her father’s passing in February and offered discount coupons for members visiting her store, where they could pick up loot bags.
This evening Linda talked about some new and improved products, namely acrylic gouache and soft bodied acrylic paint, acrylic inks etc.
Softbody
This low viscosity professional acrylic paint gives excellent coverage, a satin finish and high levels of artist-quality pigment for archival brilliance.
It is very versatile and can be used to paint, pour, glaze or print on almost any surface.
While many artists may think soft bodied is just a watered-down version of heavy body, Linda explained that the two paints have compatible binders and have the same pigment load. You just have to choose the right consistency for your project. It only makes sense to choose and softer consistency with some mediums like pouring medium. Conversely, one might be best to use heavy bodied paint when using pastes or heavy gel medium.
Acrylic Gouache
Gouache, body color, opaque watercolor, or gouache, is one type of water media, paint consisting of natural pigment, water, a binding agent, and sometimes additional inert material. Gouache is designed to be used with opaque methods of painting.
A primary difference between water colour and gouache paints is that gouache is more opaque than watercolor. The opacity of gouache comes from the white pigment or chalk that is added along with the colored pigment and binder in order to make it less transparent.
Gouache is very comparable to both acrylic paint and watercolor paint but is its own entity. Gouache paint is opaque but becomes translucent when water is added. While gouache paint is similar to water color paint, it is different in that it’s more pigmented, is heavier, and provides more of a texture when painting
Acrylic gouache provides the most intense colors, a flat, matte effect, no brush strokes, no cracks and no need to dilute.
Superb fluidity and application, all with a permanent, water-resistant finish when dry.
Another feature of the above products was the new squeezable bottle with a spout that can be cut to allow for heavier application of the paint.
Linda answered many questions verbally and with a demonstration and eliciting audience participation. She brought many samples of the properties of each medium and clearly has a penchant for art instruction.
This was not Linda’s first visit to DVAC we hope it will not be the last.
Further information about Liquitex can be found at
(Submitted by Jessie Gordon)
Club member Ingrid Mueller presented the process of using plaster drywall compound to create relief for painting and bas relief works of art. Ingrid showed examples of paintings she has completed and described the process and the materials and tools she uses. She entertained the large audience assembled with her anecdotes of finding tools and materials at rock bottom prices at local stores. She always works on a hard surface, either wood or metal and applies a layer of compound that quickly becomes firm. The material can be carved or added to and is quite flexible in its uses. She demonstrated using various tools to create pattern and design on the image and even squeezed the material from an icing applicator to make spaghetti-like strips. The club members peppered Ingrid with questions ranging from where to get supplies, how to paint on the relief once it is complete and the archival permanence of the finished work. All enjoyed the presentation and look forward to trying it themselves and seeing Ingrid’s next work using this technique.
To see more of Ingrid’s work visit her website at:
http://ingridmuellerart.simplesite.com/
PASTELS – Why not? This question was answered by our guest, Clarence Porter, as he set out to enlighten us on the fundamentals and ease of use of pastels.
Clarence is a professional freelance illustrator and painter. He teaches various courses in the Visual and Creative Arts diploma program at Sheridan. He also has his Pastel Artist of Canada Master Pastelist designation and is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America. His work has been shown in many group and solo shows.
Clarence is an engaging and experienced instructor and organized his presentation in order to fulfill a number of learning outcomes.
Papers with tooth are also called sanded papers. Much like regular workshop sandpapers, they are manufactured for pastel painting and come in a variety of grades.
Clarence prefers Uart, but there are a variety of brands that produce great results. Clairefontaine Pastelmat, Sennelier Pastel Card, Mi-teintes Touch, Colourfix etc. You can also create your own substrate on any surface by applying a pastel ground. Golden Pastel Ground is an acrylic preparation for pastels on canvas and other supports. It creates toothy surface similar to papers used with pastel and chalk. For an even rougher texture Fine or Coarse Pumice Gel can be added. Acrylic Ground for Pastel can also be tinted with acrylic colors.
Pastel painting is making a comeback. It is a fun and vibrant medium that is quite forgiving. So, did Clarence answer the question? PASTELS – WHY NOT? Although there was maybe a half dozen people in attendance who use or have tried pastels, perhaps there will be some recruits in the future.
Clarence Porter has an engaging personality and endeared himself to our DVAC Friday Night Club. You may view his work at the following link: http://www.porter-arts.com/Galleries.html
