Using Daniel Smith's Iridescent Paints

I recently purchased a few Daniel Smith's iridescent metallic paints. The metal colours are superb in certain context.  They have a shimmering effect that stands out beautifully in right context.  Some of these colours are made from mica pigment, thin transparent particles coated with highly reflective metal oxides, according to Daniel Smith.

The use of the shimmer is great for depicting sand and obviously metal.  In my case, I've used them to paint the cover the writing on old books or gold on tea cups.

Here are some of those iridescent metallic colours.

These metallic iridescent colours reflect light beautifully.

These paint colours lean more on the opaque side. This depends on how thick you apply the paint.  For effective results, these iridescent paints are best applied on top of a layer of other colours.  Otherwise you can apply multiple layers.

The texture of these colours is different. They feel a bit "plasticy" and slimy.  The paints do not dilute as well as other paints in water.  Like many things, you only have to get used to it.

Like all good things, moderation is advised. I suggest that these paints be used sparingly as not to have a "gimmicky" look to the painting.

My favorites are the iridescent antiques which are darker and moodier. Enjoy them!

I'd be interested in knowing how these iridescent colours are viewed by traditionalists.

This week's artist find is Xavier Swolfs:

Have a great week,
Danielle

Travel painting kit

Summer season is upon us and many people will be travelling and may want to bring with them a small painting kit.

Traveling is about packing light and simple. The size of the basic kit depends on how much space you will have during your trip or even you plan on painting while on the plane.  The kit can change from trip to trip or remain very compact. One thing that I've learned is that you want to stay with brands that you are familiar with because it takes a while a get used to different brands such as paper.  The essential elements of a painting kit includes:

Small palette: my Mijello palette which was bought for travelling appears small compared to my studio palette, but it is quite cumbersome when sitting in a plane as I've learned from experience. However, it is my go to palette for other travel plans. For extra compact, I purchased this Cotman palette (right) and replaced the paints with my favorite brands.

Travel brushes: There are a number of options here that depend on how much space you have. The important thing is that you want to protect the bristles of your brushes.  For travelling, Escoda makes some beautiful very compact brushes in their own cases to protect the hairs. I have a very lovely set of these that I can vouch for. If you have more space, you can bring your regular brushes and wrap them in a case with a long stick or use a sushi matt with elastics.  I have friends who use the waterbrush (photo on right). I am not a fan of these.

Water container:  When travelling on a plane, I like to use a very small water bottle but remember to fill it up with water after you have cleared security.  You can also use a collapsible water bucket.  Sometimes, you may have the luxury of bringing a large plastic container.

Watercolour paper: there are two main choices for this, there are the favorite watercolour blocks which are glued on all four sides, eliminating the need to wet and stretch the paper before painting. Most importantly, the glue prevents the sheet from curling and buckling during painting.  Blocks come in all sizes. You can also use small pads which are as practical but come in very compact sizes.  Alternatively, you can cut your paper and bring only what you think you might need.

With a small watercolour paper pad, I have a travel kit that fits into a very small make-up bag that I can carry anywhere, even my purse if I have the desire to paint while having a coffee at Starbucks.

So why go through all of these products..... because I love watercolours and want to paint whenever I have the time, regardless of where I am.  It is also great to pass the time when on planes.

This week's artist find is Pat Weaver

Have a great week,
Danielle

Using Granulation Medium

A number of suppliers make a medium that increases the granulation of colour. This product will cause colours, which usually give smooth washes, to granulate to a greater or lesser degree depending on the pigment. Generally the modern pigments, prefixed by ‘Permanent' or ‘Winsor' will be most affected by the medium. For colours that are already known for being granulated, such as French Ultramarine, this product enhanced the granulating effect. This property can be very useful for some subjects including clouds, beaches, fog and more.

You can use the granulation medium in two ways:

• you can add a few drops, instead of water, when you dilute your paint
• you can add it directly to the paper before the paint.

For maximum effect or colours that are not responding well to a small portion of the medium, wet the desired area of paper with the medium and then make a washes using the medium instead of water. Apply it and leave to dry. All granulated washes dry flatter, if this occurs, as the wash dries keep disturbing it with a brush. This will prevent the wash just flowing into itself and levelling out.

Some colours such as yellows and oranges do not seem to granulate much with the granulating medium.

I have not found any warning related to using this product with your good sable brushes.

Granulation is also increased by the roughness of the paper and by the absorbency.

As with all techniques any new method needs practice. Unfortunately, as with all water colour washes it can never be guaranteed to get exactly the same results every time.

Today's artist find is Emily Read: 

Have a great week,
Danielle

Being a self-taught artist

Have you ever felt the need to explain or defend what it means to be a self-taught artists?

A self-taught artist is normally defined as someone who has no post secondary education in art but is learning and practicing art on their own.

There are many types of self-taught artists. Some just explore with the paint and develop their skills on their own. Others use various resources such as books, videos, online courses and videos, etc. to learn and practice their art. With today's electronic world, it is easier and easier to learn about creating art and receive feedback. I do believe that critique is essential for growth. This can be obtained in numerous ways. Art Tutor gallery comments is often a safe means of seeking constructive feedback. There are also numerous workshops for those interested.

Learning from others is critical. A teacher will stretch you further than you can go by yourself, they will expose you to things you might never find on your own. They will expose you to a different levels of thinking. Also, there are certain learning environments that are impossible to create on your own.

Luckily there are a number of self-taught artists who have extensive fan bases and are able to make a living through their art. It’s not easy, but it just goes to show that it is possible to become a successful artist without having a degree or “formal training”. This by no means implies that formal art instruction is not necessary altogether. It is very much an option for those who have the time and money to do it.

What's your reaction when asked if you have a formal art education?

This week's artist find is Amy Lewandowski

Have a great week

Danielle