Here's the YouTube link to my introduction to soft pastels... (It's from my Instructional DVD, "Painting Water with Pastels".)
www.youtube.com
IF you like what you see, my DVD is available through Cheap Joe's Art Stuff for $24.99. Here's the link for that as well...
www.cheapjoes.com
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
What pastel supplies do I use?
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For me, the best out there is Unison Soft Pastels (www.unisoncolour.co.uk/). They are hand made in England, distributed in the US by Jack Richeson & Co (www.richesonart.com)... and can be purchased at various art supply companies. But I prefer to buy from my favorite local (North Carolina) business, Cheap Joe's Art Stuff (www.cheapjoes.com).
Because the pastels are hand rolled, they are wider in the middle and thinner at ends. Extruded pastels, like Rembrandt, are all the same width and also have a coating on surface that should be rubbed off before using. Even if you cannot afford to move to Unison Pastels, consider buying a couple of darks and lights in this brand to supplement your extruded pastels. Your paintings will be better.
As far as surfaces I work on, I use professional pastel products that have a toothy surface. They hold the pastel and I don't need fix in the end. My two favorite products are Jack Richeson & Co. Premium Pastel surfaces and Colourfix Pastel boards (www.artspectrum.com). The JR&C boards have a LOT of tooth and can take lots of pastels... and their gator foam boards can be washed off if you have a dud painting. The Colourfix boards are great for plein air and have more colors to choose from.
For more on all of this, use the links, or better yet... get my DVD, "Painting Water with Pastels" (www.cheapjoes.com).
Labels:
Carmella Jarvi,
Cheap Joe's Art Stuff,
Colourfix Pastel Products,
Jack Richeson and Co.,
Pastel painting,
Unison Soft Pastels
Posted by
Carmella Jarvi
at
10/13/2009 10:14:00 AM
Friday, October 9, 2009
Get this book!
(Everyone faces the challenge of juggling their passion, career, family, etc., etc... But, when we're self employed it can be more difficult... the sands of time move quickly when I'm looking at ALL the things I could or should be doing;-0)
I do love the business end of art as well as my studio practice. If you've followed my work, you know I'm involved with the Arts & Science Council's 'Artist as an Entrepreneur' Institute as well as being a huge fan of Creative Capital out of NY.
I am highly recommending a brand new book to any visual artist who is not totally happy with their art career... The Artist's Guide, How to Make a Living Doing What You Love by Jackie Battenfield. She's a talented artist who HAS supported herself/family with her art and she's an excellent teacher of the business end of art. She's a regular member of the Creative Capital Professional Development team and her book is excellent! (Remember I've attended a half dozen of these workshops and I am still getting inspired by her new book... AND I can read it at my own pace!)
Here's a link to get more info and order your own copy... www.artistcareerguide.com
Labels:
Arts and Science Council,
Carmella Jarvi,
Creative Capital,
How to Make a Living Doing What You Love,
Jackie Battenfield,
The Artist's Guide
Posted by
Carmella Jarvi
at
10/09/2009 09:28:00 AM
Monday, October 5, 2009
A peek in my studio...
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To left is one of these 7x5" gems, And around again, finished. See my website, www.carmellajarvi.com, for more info about this work and Red Sky Gallery reception.
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Posted by
Carmella Jarvi
at
10/05/2009 04:23:00 PM
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