BarnT

Watercolour Paper

There are 2 basic types of watercolour paper: hot-press and cold press. It’s easy to remember the difference. Hot-press is smooth with no texture – essentially it has been ‘ironed’ flat by the hot press machine. Cold press has some texture in the surface. The amount of texture and pattern of it will vary with brand. Hot press is great for those who love little details. Cold press is more popular because a lot of painters like the added texture feeling that cold press give. Cold press will also accentuate the granular effect of sedimentary pigments. Take time to experience both in order to see which suits your painting style the best. 
CaveArt300

The Craziest Most Sane Thing

It is crazy when you think about it. Taking ground up colours that are mixed into a medium, spreading them about on a canvas, working so hard sometimes to make a 2 dimensional surface appear to have 3 dimensions – what’s this about? For as long as man could hold a stick of charcoal, there has been art. It’s that need to express thoughts in ways that are unique to who you are. At most basic, it comes down to having a voice and wanting to communicate with others. Artist and art appreciator both stand together and say “Aaaah”, and find meaning and sometimes joy in what was said through the art. We all need a creative voice. Whether that’s how you make a soup, dance a dance, make people laugh, sing your song – we all need to be heard sometime. And if you’ve got that passion for an art form inside of you, it would be crazy not to let it out. In a racing, running, must be-making-money world, it’s likely the most sane thing you can do. (Thanks for the title, Gloria L.) 
2012 GPG show invitation for emailing

Art Shows This Weekend

There are opportunities to see some fine local art this weekend. As well as the Gallery Painting Group show at Byron Library, the Country Creations Artisan tour is on for Thorndale, Thamesford, and St. Mary’s. Great opportunities to get out and enjoy some art!   P.S. If your art group in London Ontario area is having a show, send a poster image to [email protected] no larger than 450 pixels wide at least a week before the event and I will try to feature it in my blog. Sorry, I generally don’t post about solo shows, simply because there would be too many.