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Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Monday, December 30, 2019
What is a watermark?
Todays Art Q and A
Q - What is a watermark?
A - A watermark is some kind of identifier in the form of a logo, company image, symbol or initials used to identify photograph ownership or source. Usually, watermarks are relatively invisible but may be more prominent. Digital watermarks are mostly invisible as a form of acknowledgment of ownership. Watermarks can appear in a wide variety of media from photos to videos and more.
Q - What is a watermark?
A - A watermark is some kind of identifier in the form of a logo, company image, symbol or initials used to identify photograph ownership or source. Usually, watermarks are relatively invisible but may be more prominent. Digital watermarks are mostly invisible as a form of acknowledgment of ownership. Watermarks can appear in a wide variety of media from photos to videos and more.
Sunday, December 29, 2019
What is pinup art?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What is pinup art?
A - Pinup art became most popular during World War II in the form of calendars, magazines, photos, and the like being favored by troops sent overseas. Pinup art featured the likeness of many actresses, models and female celebrities of the day. Pinup paintings by popular artists included Alberto Vargas, George Petty, Gil Elvgren among others. Actresses Betty Grable, Veronica Lake, Rita Hayworth, Jane Russell, and others became the most sought after subjects in pinup photography and art of the 1940s and 50s.
More Question and Answer tips on art and painting.
Q - What is pinup art?
A - Pinup art became most popular during World War II in the form of calendars, magazines, photos, and the like being favored by troops sent overseas. Pinup art featured the likeness of many actresses, models and female celebrities of the day. Pinup paintings by popular artists included Alberto Vargas, George Petty, Gil Elvgren among others. Actresses Betty Grable, Veronica Lake, Rita Hayworth, Jane Russell, and others became the most sought after subjects in pinup photography and art of the 1940s and 50s.
Example of Pinup Art. Art by Mark Valdez |
More Question and Answer tips on art and painting.
Saturday, December 28, 2019
What are some basic tips for drawing for beginners?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What are some basic tips for drawing for beginners?
A - Many beginning artists often try to draw difficult subjects such as a portrait or a complicated landscape. A good starting point for beginning artists is to just draw very basic shapes particular circular shapes such as spheres, curved lines' "S" shaped lines as well as geometric shapes, squares and rectangles and so forth. Another suggestion is to use a negative approach drawing darks with a brush pen to create shapes. Negative drawing is often more visually interesting and exciting in creating art. Focusing on basic shapes and mastering those shapes will make sketching more satisfying in the long run.
More Question and Answer tips on art and painting.
Q - What are some basic tips for drawing for beginners?
A - Many beginning artists often try to draw difficult subjects such as a portrait or a complicated landscape. A good starting point for beginning artists is to just draw very basic shapes particular circular shapes such as spheres, curved lines' "S" shaped lines as well as geometric shapes, squares and rectangles and so forth. Another suggestion is to use a negative approach drawing darks with a brush pen to create shapes. Negative drawing is often more visually interesting and exciting in creating art. Focusing on basic shapes and mastering those shapes will make sketching more satisfying in the long run.
More Question and Answer tips on art and painting.
Friday, December 27, 2019
Is it alright to use a ruler in drawing lines in a painting?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - Is it alright to use a ruler in drawing lines in a painting?
A - Generally I like to hand draw most lines in painting as it always looks more artistic and natural. But there can be exceptions to using a ruler and it depends on the subject you are drawing. The use of a ruler does tend to make your drawing look tighter overall. The use of a ruler is mostly a subjective choice in your artworks.
Q - Is it alright to use a ruler in drawing lines in a painting?
A - Generally I like to hand draw most lines in painting as it always looks more artistic and natural. But there can be exceptions to using a ruler and it depends on the subject you are drawing. The use of a ruler does tend to make your drawing look tighter overall. The use of a ruler is mostly a subjective choice in your artworks.
Thursday, December 26, 2019
What are craft paints?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What are craft paints?
A - Craft paints are acrylic paints that are a lower quality usually less pigment and more binder type of paints. They are a low-cost paint good for crafting projects and simple artworks. Not recommended for fine art painting due to the lack of pigment and strength of color.
Q - What are craft paints?
A - Craft paints are acrylic paints that are a lower quality usually less pigment and more binder type of paints. They are a low-cost paint good for crafting projects and simple artworks. Not recommended for fine art painting due to the lack of pigment and strength of color.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
What are the primary colors in art?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What are the primary colors in art?
A - Primary colors in art are red, blue and yellow. Mixed in various combinations primary colors can be used to make most other colors.
Q - What are the primary colors in art?
A - Primary colors in art are red, blue and yellow. Mixed in various combinations primary colors can be used to make most other colors.
Monday, December 23, 2019
What is an undercoat in art?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What is an undercoat in art?
A - An undercoat is the same as a primer coat and is the first coat of paint that is applied to the canvas. The undercoat can refer to the initial coat of paint in a painting for example the undercoat of a portrait.
Q - What is an undercoat in art?
A - An undercoat is the same as a primer coat and is the first coat of paint that is applied to the canvas. The undercoat can refer to the initial coat of paint in a painting for example the undercoat of a portrait.
Sunday, December 22, 2019
What is a primer coat in art?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What is a primer coat in art?
A - A primer coat in art is usually a coat of white gesso that is applied to the canvas and allowed to dry before painting. Most canvases are now prepared this way by companies that sell art canvas. Most artists prefer gessoed canvas as it make it easier to apply paint over he canvas surface and adds texture as well.
Q - What is a primer coat in art?
A - A primer coat in art is usually a coat of white gesso that is applied to the canvas and allowed to dry before painting. Most canvases are now prepared this way by companies that sell art canvas. Most artists prefer gessoed canvas as it make it easier to apply paint over he canvas surface and adds texture as well.
Saturday, December 21, 2019
What is a good eraser to use for pencil sketches?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What is a good eraser to use for pencil sketches?
A - A pencil cap eraser made of polymer works best for basic line erasing and adding negative lines to your drawing. For large and very small areas use a soft, moldable, kneaded eraser for those areas works well and does not leave any excess. Kneaded erasers work great for overall cleaning of large areas around your drawing and is much quicker than a cap eraser. Kneaded erasers work for very small areas that are too difficult for a cap eraser to get to and are more precise.
More Question and Answer tips on art and painting.
Q - What is a good eraser to use for pencil sketches?
A - A pencil cap eraser made of polymer works best for basic line erasing and adding negative lines to your drawing. For large and very small areas use a soft, moldable, kneaded eraser for those areas works well and does not leave any excess. Kneaded erasers work great for overall cleaning of large areas around your drawing and is much quicker than a cap eraser. Kneaded erasers work for very small areas that are too difficult for a cap eraser to get to and are more precise.
More Question and Answer tips on art and painting.
Friday, December 20, 2019
What is the best way to sharpen colored pencils?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What is the best way to sharpen colored pencils?
A - Colored pencils can be a problem to sharpen as their core is somewhat more vulnerable to breakage than graphite pencils. Electric pencil sharpeners can sometimes be to rough on colored pencils and the pencil wax can gum up the shaver as well. Usually, I have found a small, metal, manual pencil sharper works well and provides better control in sharpening.
Q - What is the best way to sharpen colored pencils?
A - Colored pencils can be a problem to sharpen as their core is somewhat more vulnerable to breakage than graphite pencils. Electric pencil sharpeners can sometimes be to rough on colored pencils and the pencil wax can gum up the shaver as well. Usually, I have found a small, metal, manual pencil sharper works well and provides better control in sharpening.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
What are some tips for using coloring books?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What are some tips for using coloring books?
A - Most coloring books are made on rather thin paper so your choices for coloring are usually limited to colored pencils and colored markers and of course crayons. With colored pencils as the preferred medium, you will need to build up layers of color for the best results. You can use both lower grade kids pencils and a small set of high grade colored pencils.
Begin by layering in with the lower grade pencils to create a wash of very light color. Take notice of the light source as well to build color.
Continue to layer in with the lower grade pencils until you reach a build up of color. Next, begin to layer in with the higher grade pencils - with stronger pigment the colors will deepen and you will get better coverage. With smaller areas use circular strokes with the pencil and with larger areas use consistent angled horizontal strokes.
Avoid scribbling indications as this is much less visually appealing. Continue to add color again emphasizing the light source for a more dimensional effect. Look for any "see throughs" of white and add more color to cover. Add a last layer with heavy stokes to build more color in the darkest areas of the picture. Overall, take your time for best results and don't hurry your rendering.
More Question and Answer tips on art and painting.
Q - What are some tips for using coloring books?
A - Most coloring books are made on rather thin paper so your choices for coloring are usually limited to colored pencils and colored markers and of course crayons. With colored pencils as the preferred medium, you will need to build up layers of color for the best results. You can use both lower grade kids pencils and a small set of high grade colored pencils.
Begin by layering in with the lower grade pencils to create a wash of very light color. Take notice of the light source as well to build color.
Continue to layer in with the lower grade pencils until you reach a build up of color. Next, begin to layer in with the higher grade pencils - with stronger pigment the colors will deepen and you will get better coverage. With smaller areas use circular strokes with the pencil and with larger areas use consistent angled horizontal strokes.
Avoid scribbling indications as this is much less visually appealing. Continue to add color again emphasizing the light source for a more dimensional effect. Look for any "see throughs" of white and add more color to cover. Add a last layer with heavy stokes to build more color in the darkest areas of the picture. Overall, take your time for best results and don't hurry your rendering.
More Question and Answer tips on art and painting.
- What is an easy way to paint rocks in watercolor?
- What is an easy way to paint mountains in watercolor?
- What is an easy way to paint clouds?
- How do you add texture to rocks in watercolor?
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
What is illusionism in art?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What is illusionism in art?
A - Illusionism in art is the attempt to create a shared visual experience between the rendering and the viewer. It is a form of realism which relys on perspective to create the sense of space for the viewer.
Q - What is illusionism in art?
A - Illusionism in art is the attempt to create a shared visual experience between the rendering and the viewer. It is a form of realism which relys on perspective to create the sense of space for the viewer.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
What is a thumbnail sketch?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What is a thumbnail sketch?
A - A thumbnail sketch is a small quick rendering usually in pencil to allow the artist a simplified view of the subject. It can be used as a value study or just as an aid for a larger artwork. Also, thumbnail sketches are useful in storyboard art used in film or television productions.
Q - What is a thumbnail sketch?
A - A thumbnail sketch is a small quick rendering usually in pencil to allow the artist a simplified view of the subject. It can be used as a value study or just as an aid for a larger artwork. Also, thumbnail sketches are useful in storyboard art used in film or television productions.
Monday, December 16, 2019
How do you add salt to watercolor?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - How do you add salt to watercolor?
A - Adding salt is a well known effect in creating texture to watercolor paint. In the example below a small amount of regular table salt was added to allow some of the white of the paper to show. The key when adding salt is to add the salt when the paper is just starting to dry and starts to look shinny. Adding salt when the paper is too wet or when the paper is nearly dry will be mostly be ineffective and the effect will be lost.
Q - How do you add salt to watercolor?
A - Adding salt is a well known effect in creating texture to watercolor paint. In the example below a small amount of regular table salt was added to allow some of the white of the paper to show. The key when adding salt is to add the salt when the paper is just starting to dry and starts to look shinny. Adding salt when the paper is too wet or when the paper is nearly dry will be mostly be ineffective and the effect will be lost.
Example of adding table salt to watercolor. |
Sunday, December 15, 2019
How do you use plastic wrap to create texture in watercolor?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - How do you use plastic wrap to create texture in watercolor?
A - Plastic wrap is an easy way to create some random texture in watercolor painting. The texture effect can be used on trees, rocks, mountains, or even on a sea surf rendering to give the impression of white foam. The example below was just a block of color added to the paper, and while still wet some crumpled plastic wrap was placed on top of the paint. A small book was placed on top of the wrap for pressure and then allowed to dry for about 1 hour. Be sure not to lift the wrap before drying is complete or the lifting effect of the paint will not work.
More Question and Answer tips on art and painting.
Q - How do you use plastic wrap to create texture in watercolor?
A - Plastic wrap is an easy way to create some random texture in watercolor painting. The texture effect can be used on trees, rocks, mountains, or even on a sea surf rendering to give the impression of white foam. The example below was just a block of color added to the paper, and while still wet some crumpled plastic wrap was placed on top of the paint. A small book was placed on top of the wrap for pressure and then allowed to dry for about 1 hour. Be sure not to lift the wrap before drying is complete or the lifting effect of the paint will not work.
Example of using plastic wrap on watercolor. |
More Question and Answer tips on art and painting.
Saturday, December 14, 2019
What is the best paper for portraits in watercolor?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What is the best paper for portraits in watercolor?
A - For portraits in which you want realism 140 lb or better yet 300 lb hot press paper works best. Hot press watercolor paper is smooth and will allow for very consistent layers of paint needed for realism in portrait watercolor painting. On the other hand, if your are more interested in texture and a more painterly approach cold press paper will work well for you.
Q - What is the best paper for portraits in watercolor?
A - For portraits in which you want realism 140 lb or better yet 300 lb hot press paper works best. Hot press watercolor paper is smooth and will allow for very consistent layers of paint needed for realism in portrait watercolor painting. On the other hand, if your are more interested in texture and a more painterly approach cold press paper will work well for you.
Friday, December 13, 2019
What is the best paper to use for watercolor landscapes?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What is the best paper to use for watercolor landscapes?
A - A good choice would be cold press 300 lb cotton watercolor paper. With a better quality paper pigments look brighter and lines and hard edges look sharper in your painting. If your on a budget 140 lb cotton paper is next best. For quick sketches and practice 140 lb pulp watercolor paper will work to get you by.
Q - What is the best paper to use for watercolor landscapes?
A - A good choice would be cold press 300 lb cotton watercolor paper. With a better quality paper pigments look brighter and lines and hard edges look sharper in your painting. If your on a budget 140 lb cotton paper is next best. For quick sketches and practice 140 lb pulp watercolor paper will work to get you by.
Thursday, December 12, 2019
How do you add texture to rocks in watercolor?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - How do you add texture to rocks in watercolor?
A - A simple and easy method for adding texture is to use plastic wrap. Block in some the shapes of the rocks and while the paint is still wet cover the painted area with plastic wrap and press down with a book. Allow the painting to dry for a full hour or it will not work properly. The end result is a random rendering of lines and indications on the rock surfaces and should provide a nice textural addition.
More Question and Answer tips on art and painting.
Q - How do you add texture to rocks in watercolor?
A - A simple and easy method for adding texture is to use plastic wrap. Block in some the shapes of the rocks and while the paint is still wet cover the painted area with plastic wrap and press down with a book. Allow the painting to dry for a full hour or it will not work properly. The end result is a random rendering of lines and indications on the rock surfaces and should provide a nice textural addition.
Example of using plastic wrap on rocks in watercolor |
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
What is a gestural drawing?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What is a gestural drawing?
A -A gestural drawing is a drawing that is rendered very quickly and intended to only capture the basic proportions of a figure, landscape, or object. It is used by artists for various reason including as a value study, a quick sketch for reference or simply for practice study in proportion.
Q - What is a gestural drawing?
A -A gestural drawing is a drawing that is rendered very quickly and intended to only capture the basic proportions of a figure, landscape, or object. It is used by artists for various reason including as a value study, a quick sketch for reference or simply for practice study in proportion.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
What is dry into wet technique?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What is dry into wet technique?
A - Dry into wet technique is where the paint is dry and the paper or canvas is wet.
Q - What is dry into wet technique?
A - Dry into wet technique is where the paint is dry and the paper or canvas is wet.
Monday, December 9, 2019
What is a common method for removing paint in watercolor?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What is a common method for removing paint in watercolor?
A - The most common method for removing paint in watercolor is by simply adding clear water to a brush, going over the area to be removed and then lifting the area with a paper towel. Another method for difficult areas is to use is with a toothbrush with clear water to rub off paint.
Q - What is a common method for removing paint in watercolor?
A - The most common method for removing paint in watercolor is by simply adding clear water to a brush, going over the area to be removed and then lifting the area with a paper towel. Another method for difficult areas is to use is with a toothbrush with clear water to rub off paint.
Sunday, December 8, 2019
What is an easy way to paint rocks in watercolor?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What is an easy way to paint rocks in watercolor?
A - An easy way to paint rocks in watercolor is with a small 1 inch foam brush. Firstly, block in some basic rock shapes with a light wash of blue. Lift some paint from the shapes to indicate a light source with a paper towel. Let the paint dry completely. With the foam brush, layer in a mix of brown and dark blue over the shapes. Use the edge of the foam brush for lines and smaller shapes. For larger areas use the brush tip flat against the paper. Make sure the brush is only slightly wet allowing for a dry brush technique. Lastly, splatter some paint on the rocks with a loaded toothbrush or small round brush for more detail. Foam brushes are common, cheap brushes and can be found in any hardware or paint supply store.
Q - What is an easy way to paint rocks in watercolor?
A - An easy way to paint rocks in watercolor is with a small 1 inch foam brush. Firstly, block in some basic rock shapes with a light wash of blue. Lift some paint from the shapes to indicate a light source with a paper towel. Let the paint dry completely. With the foam brush, layer in a mix of brown and dark blue over the shapes. Use the edge of the foam brush for lines and smaller shapes. For larger areas use the brush tip flat against the paper. Make sure the brush is only slightly wet allowing for a dry brush technique. Lastly, splatter some paint on the rocks with a loaded toothbrush or small round brush for more detail. Foam brushes are common, cheap brushes and can be found in any hardware or paint supply store.
Example of how to paint rocks in watercolor |
Saturday, December 7, 2019
What are some of the advantages of monoprints?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What are some of the advantages of monoprints?
A - Monoprints do have certain advantages such as being more painterly in its rendering. Also, monoprints are often unique with creative variations occuring with each print. Another aspect that monoprints offer is that it combines various art mediums including printing, drawing, and painting into a single art form.
Q - What are some of the advantages of monoprints?
A - Monoprints do have certain advantages such as being more painterly in its rendering. Also, monoprints are often unique with creative variations occuring with each print. Another aspect that monoprints offer is that it combines various art mediums including printing, drawing, and painting into a single art form.
"The Mix" - folded monoprint on paper by Mark Valdez |
Friday, December 6, 2019
What is wet into dry brush technique in art?
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Can mono prints be used to make abstract watercolors?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - Can mono prints be used to make abstract watercolors?
A - Yes, mono printing works very well in watercolor or other water based nediums. Mono printing can be used with a variety of watercolor techniques to create abstract and non abstract art works.
Q - Can mono prints be used to make abstract watercolors?
A - Yes, mono printing works very well in watercolor or other water based nediums. Mono printing can be used with a variety of watercolor techniques to create abstract and non abstract art works.
"The Spider" folded mono print in watercolor |
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
What is wet into wet technique in painting?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What is wet into wet technique in painting?
A - Wet into wet technique is where both the paper and the brush is loaded with water or similar liquid medium. The technique allow the paint to spread or become more diffused than other techniques.
Q - What is wet into wet technique in painting?
A - Wet into wet technique is where both the paper and the brush is loaded with water or similar liquid medium. The technique allow the paint to spread or become more diffused than other techniques.
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
What is an easy way to paint mountains in watercolor?
Today's Art Q and A
Q - What is an easy way to paint mountains in watercolor?
A - An easy way to paint is by using some negative painting. In the example below the mountains were lightly sketched out in pencil and then the white areas were reinforced by blocking in some paint on the left side and the crevices of the mountains. The bottom of the mountain was washed out with a brush with clear water. A flat 3 /4 inch brush was all that was used for the entire painting. The tree line was added wet into wet for the most part using the edge of the brush Lastly, some lifting with a paper towel was done at the bottom of the mountains for a misty effect.
Q - What is an easy way to paint mountains in watercolor?
A - An easy way to paint is by using some negative painting. In the example below the mountains were lightly sketched out in pencil and then the white areas were reinforced by blocking in some paint on the left side and the crevices of the mountains. The bottom of the mountain was washed out with a brush with clear water. A flat 3 /4 inch brush was all that was used for the entire painting. The tree line was added wet into wet for the most part using the edge of the brush Lastly, some lifting with a paper towel was done at the bottom of the mountains for a misty effect.
Example of an easy way to paint mountains in watercolor. |
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