Since the time of French artist Edgar Degas, pastelists have been experimenting with a variety of experimental techniques that may employ fixatives, solvents, and mixed-media. One of the most popular solvents that pastelists use, and one that is happily free of health concerns—is water. This makes the application of pastel more difficult and contributes to a less than satisfying final appearance.
The winter 2016 issue of Drawing magazine is here, and it’s all about charcoal. We look at the work of three outstanding contemporary charcoal artists–Mary Borgman, Hilary Brace and April Gornik–and we also learn a bit about the many types of charcoal you can choose from, as well as the history of the medium.
Figuring Out Allegory in ArtFigurative realism and allegory go hand in hand. Allegories — complex narratives built on layers of symbolism — are why works by Caravaggio, Titian, Bernini, Dürer and Vermeer carry resonance and remain intriguing centuries after they were created.Even though the power of storytelling is well known, allegory isn’t always an easy sell in our contemporary world, which may explain why some artists shy away from it.
A little artistic license makes for personality-laden pet portraits.By Vickie NelsonMy two biggest passions are watercolor painting and dogs. I’m enchanted by the animals’ sweet faces and expressive postures, and strive to create unique works that complement each pet’s persona.When creating a painting, I like to begin by observing the subject’s facial movements and nuanced body language.
13 Qualities of Art Papers Every Artist Should KnowThe surface an artist chooses to work on has an incredible and powerful impact on the end result. Each artwork you make on a different surface will turn out differently, as any master artist knows. That means discovering all there is to know about art papers and discovering how to choose the best of the best (for you).
Watercolor is a wonderful medium that can be approached from many different directions, and watercolor artists choose techniques to match their individual needs or intentions. For example, some artists prefer to work on dry paper and allow each applied paint layer to dry thoroughly before applying the next layer.
