Studio Materials: The Kitchen Sink!

Inside the Studio of Debby Brisker Burk: Materials: The Kitchen Sink! For mixed media/acrylic painters.

I. The Kitchen Sink--utilizing a wide variety of materials need to serve the following purpose:

• What do you want to say?
• Materials are an extension of your artistic purpose.
• Materials are fun but it's essential to think, sketch, write on this topic. Take photos of inspiring scenes, ask yourself what are you drawn to? Materials and subject matter go hand in hand.
• Be an investigative reporter to your desires, thoughts and dreams on your artistic expression's journey!

II.  Examples of my materials:

• Acrylic heavy body paints by: by Nova Colors, Golden Acrylics, Liqutex Acrylics
• Caran'dache water soluble crayons
• artist pencils, 2 b-6B, charcoal pencils, vine and soft and hard charcoal sticks
• Canvas: heavy duty, unprimed and pre stretched, heavy duty-various sizes eg. Fredrix brand
• Drawing Papers, Strathmore sketch pads,Arches Watercolor paper
• Masterson Palette (for acrylic paint with cover)--covered with trash bags and ties (for storing when not in use) Will last approximately 7- 10 days.
• Mediums: Golden brand:  retarder, open acrylic thinner, liquid glazing gloss, molding paste (extends the acrylic paint)
• The simplest one to start with is Golden's liquid glazing gloss(the use of the many mediums on the market is a subject for another blog!)
• brushes: eg., Simply Simmons, 10,12, 14,16 rounds, Daniel Smith 1", 2" , 3"flats, sponge brushes,  1"-3", plaza brand etc.
•  two easels, 3 folding tables, comfortable chair when not standing
• music!

Considering Edges: Hard and Soft

69X48 Firmscapes I Surf's Up

48X48 Considering Squares Firmscape VII

Abstract Considerations II Sold

Welcome back to the Artrainmaker blog by Debby Brisker Burk
Edges: Hard and Soft 

 What is the difference between a hard and a soft edge in a painting?

A hard edge stops the eye at the end of a shape. Whereas,
a soft edge blends into another shape or area of the painting. 

Picture a square shape of color next to a rectangle, as in the 2nd image above  Considering Squares Firmscapes VII.
A hard edge determines the end of a shape.
  
Conversely, a soft edge bleeds from one shape to another--a soft edge leads the eye from one area or place to another area across the picture plane. Looking at Abstract Considerations II, most edges are soft and blend across the image.
  
Variety is one way that artists choose to employ both hard and soft edges in a painting. Simply put, using both hard and soft edges to lead the view from one part of the painting to another across the surface of the picture plane is often a useful way to express the artist's intent. See Firmscapes I, Surf's up: both hard and soft edges coexist on the picture plane to break up the space and to create interest around the painting.


I hope the above is helpful to art students and artists, too! I appreciate your taking the time to  read.
If you have any questions regarding this blog or are interested in pricing of the two available paintings above, please e-mail: debbybriskerburk@gmail.com


Thanks!
 Debby