Month: August 2013
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What to Do If Someone Laughs at Your Paintings
By Marion Boddy-Evans The start of this article came from a disturbing email sent to me by a guy called Tony, who was at art school in San Francisco. He said he has a vivid imagination and sometimes paints “odd things”. The problem was the responses of fellow students, who have laughed at his paintings (most […]
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10 Worst Painting Critiques
It can be tough knowing what to say when a friend asks you what you think about their latest painting or to give a critique. But there are some things you should never say if you value your friendship. 1. What is it? (You’re supposed to know and if you can’t tell, keep it to yourself as […]
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Four Steps in Dealing with Criticism of Your Art
Destructive criticism is not really an issue about the content of the artwork, it’s about deciding what you won’t tolerate from others. This occurs in all kinds of ways, not just art criticism. It comes up anytime someone is being rude or mean, or crossing a boundary. I’m happy to say I figured out a […]
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Painting Critique Checklist
By Marion Boddy-Evans When you’re looking at a painting critically with a view to giving a critique to the artist and, equally, when you’re critiquing your own paintings, here are some of the things you ought to consider: • Size: Remember to take a look at the actual size of the painting and try to visualize it that […]
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How to Critique a Painting
It’s only natural to want people to like our paintings, but if we’re to grow as artists, then we need statements that say a little more than simply “It’s nice” or “I love it” or “I don’t think this painting works”. We need information on what specifically is nice, loved, or isn’t working. Specific, constructive […]
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Is There a Difference Between Gesso and Molding Paste, and Can You Mix in Oils?
From Susan Tschantz It depends on how much texture you want. You can use a thin coat of gesso to mimic plaster texture. But going too thick runs the risk of it breaking and flaking later. The more ridged the support, the less likely this is, so consider painting on a canvas covered panel. These are available through […]
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Should an Oil Painting be Framed Under Glass?
There’s no need to frame an oil painting under glass if it’s painted on canvas, panel, or board. The exception is if the painting is done on paper or thin card, which should be framed under glass to protect the support from environmental damage more than the oil paint. With sturdier supports, the final varnish applied to the painting […]
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Is Painting in the Nude Safe?
From An US University Art Dept Lecturer I used to paint in the nude (though until now I’ve always kept this to myself, figuring people would really wonder about me). It seemed easier to clean up my skin than clothes, and I enjoyed the freedom. I paint with oils, however, and have a warning for […]
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What is the Advantage of Using Liquid White for a Wet-on-Wet Underpainting?
From Susan Tschantz Starting a painting with a layer of Liquid White is part of the Bob Ross Wet-on-Wet Technique®. It’s neither better nor worse than any other painting technique, and has its place in art. Myself, I really love the richness you get with a good, well done underpainting, but that takes more time. The point of the medium-covered canvas […]
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Where to Find a Left-Handed Painting Palette
The only company I’ve found that does produce large left- and right-handed palettes is Richeson, in wood and melamine (Buy Direct). Their ‘normal’ melamine palette has a neoprene thumb insert, which means it’s suitable for holding in either hand. If you know a woodworker, or are handy yourself, you could make one fairly easily using a […]