The Fine Artist's Guide to Tools & Materials: An essential reference for understanding and using the tools of the trade - Softcover

Gilbert, Elizabeth T.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1600583679 ISBN 13: 9781600583674

Publisher: Walter Foster Publishing, 2014

Synopsis

Understanding and using the right tools and materials to create a work of art can make a monumental difference in appearance, texture, permanence, and more. No matter what medium an artist may use, there are many choices to make and things to consider when beginning a new work of art: what kind of surface or support to paint on, what type of brush to use, and how a medium will ultimately look on a chosen surface are just a few of the questions one might consider. The Fine Artist's Guide to Tools & Materials covers everything from pencils and brushes to surfaces and supports to mediums and varnishes, providing fine artists with a quick reference for not only understanding how to use an array of fine art tools, but also how the tools work best. Divided into four sections, this comprehensive resource is color-coded so information can be located quickly and easily. In this first section, artists will find basic information on available tools and materials, including a brief description of each item, what each item is used for, and safety tips for working with specific materials. The following sections specifically cover how to work with tools and materials specific to each medium: pencil drawing, acrylic, oil, pastel, and watercolor. Plenty of visual examples, comparisons, and color photos are included to help readers determine which paints, surfaces, implements, and other materials best fit their style and vision for their art. With its breadth of content and accessible information, The Fine Artist's Guide to Tools & Materials is a must-have for any aspiring or serious fine artist's home library.

About this title

Review:

Gum Arabic
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Watercolor Mediums

Watercolor mediums and additives alter the characteristics of the paint. Whether you want more flow, gloss, sparkle, or texture, a number of products are available to help you achieve your desired results.

Gum Arabic & Ox Gall

• Gum Arabic - Made from the sap of an acacia tree, gum arabic is the binder of watercolor paint. When added to your jar of clean mixing water, it increases the gloss and transparency of watercolor.
• Ox Gall - Ox gall is made of alcohol and cow bile. The medium is a wetting agent that reduces the surface tension of water and increases the fluidity of watercolor. It is particularly useful when working in large washes on hard-sized watercolor paper, as it makes the paper more readily accept paint. Add just a few drops to your jar of clean mixing water to see the effects.

Iridescent Medium
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Mediums

Iridescent Medium - gives a metallic shimmer to watercolor paint. Mix a small amount into your washes, noting that a little bit goes a long way. For more dramatic results, stroke the medium directly over a dried wash.

Granulation Medium - when used in place of water in a watercolor wash, this medium encourages granulation. It is most effective when used with non granulating colors such as modern pigments.

About the Author:

A lifelong lover of the arts, Elizabeth T. Gilbert earned a BA in English from the University of San Diego in 2003, where she also studied art and anthropology. Elizabeth spent the next eight years as an editor, writer, and in-house artist for Walter Foster Publishing. In 2009, she co-authored The Daily Book of Art: 365 readings that teach, inspire & entertain. Currently she is a freelance writer, editor, and artist working in Colorado, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and a mischievous cat.

A lifelong lover of the arts, Elizabeth T. Gilbert earned a BA in English from the University of San Diego in 2003, where she also studied art and anthropology. Elizabeth spent the next eight years as an editor, writer, and in-house artist for Walter Foster Publishing. In 2009, she co-authored The Daily Book of Art: 365 readings that teach, inspire & entertain. Currently she is a freelance writer, editor, and artist working in Colorado, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and a mischievous cat.

About this edition

• Publisher: Walter Foster Publishing
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1600583679
• ISBN 13: 9781600583674
• Binding: Spiral-bound
• Number of pages: 176