Archive for May, 2020

Varnishes are used as a finishing layer to protect artwork from discoloration, moisture, dirt, and UV rays. Which varnish you choose will affect the finished look. A glossy finish will make colors appear more vibrant, matte will reduce glare and soften colors, and a satin varnish will provide a finish somewhere between glossy and matte. Often preferred over brush application, spray varnishes... | Read More

Less is more. At least that’s the idea behind the art of sumi-e, a painting technique whose key aesthetic and spiritual ideals are harmony, simplicity, and clarity. Sumi-e painting is an ancient art form whose name translates to “black ink painting.” It emerged in ancient China and gained popularity in Japan, and its practitioners strive to express the essence of forms rather than their... | Read More

Vinyl and other plastic surfaces can be difficult to paint since they are not porous. So when working with vinyl, it is critical to select a paint specifically designed for that use. Vinyl paint is particularly popular in the automotive and marine field, since it can be used to touch up seats, dashboards, and door panels, but it is also useful in household and craft projects or in any... | Read More

A must-have in most studios, graphite sticks are favored tools for sketching, portraiture, transferring drawings, and much more. This versatile medium is easier to control than its cousin, charcoal, which is messier, more delicate, and often rougher. And it offers a broader range of strokes than its wood-enclosed relative, the pencil. In stick form, powdered graphite is mixed with a binder,... | Read More

For thousands of years, India ink has been used as an expressive medium for painting, drawing, lettering, and tattooing. This permanent ink is traditionally an opaque black—being made of lampblack, a pigment derived from soot—but you can now find it in a rainbow of colors. Modern formulas also often include shellac, which functions as a sealant so artists can safely paint washes over the... | Read More

When you need an adhesive you can use with the least amount of fuss, look to good old-fashioned double-sided tape. While some have a paper backing, others come in fancy dispensers, and some more strongly resemble gel than tape, the job remains the same: to hold fast and take the place of glue, nails, or screws. Whether you are working on a home decor project or scrapbooking your way through... | Read More