Paint Snob Says: Best Oil Paint Is...

I am a Coffee Snob, a Wine Snob and a Paint Snob
Before my tastes became "refined," I painted with any paint that was pretty. I then discovered the deliciousness of Old Holland, Williamsburg and Rembrandt Oils. But now I have a new favorite!

RGH Oil Paints Are My New Favorites
RGH oil paints are made by artist, Rolf Haerem, for artists. Pure pigments are combined with alkali-refined linseed oil and put through a three roll mill three to five times. RGH does not use extenders in their paints and guarantees their quality.

Why I love this oil paint:

• High Quality
• Hand Made in US
• Professional Grade
• High Tinting Strength
• Butttery Consistency
• Economical Pricing
• Customized Paints
  

You no longer have to compromise paint quality for price. RGH paints are available in over 100 colors made from the purest pigments and finest ingredients.

Buy 37ml, a gallon, or many quantities in between!

Browse other posts about Oil Paint.

Surrealism at Cuba! Gallery

Mysterious, multilayered and muy importante!
Freshly painted surrealist pieces are now in an exhibition at Cuba! Gallery in Melbourne Florida. Alicia de la Campa Pak, artist and Cuba resident, is featured in this two person show. Paintings from her current series, "Jardín Secreto" (Secret Garden), contain complex narratives that are at once beautiful and evocative. This is an exhibit you don't want to miss!

Look for de la Campa Pak in an upcoming Featured Artist post.

Until then: Go See this Show! You have through November 25th.


More Information:
Cuba! Gallery of Fine Art
1900 S. Harbor City Blvd. Suite 124-A
Melbourne FL 32901
(321) 729-8800

Oil Paint : Student Grade or Professional Grade?

Oil Paint Quality
Student Grade oil paints are usually less expensive and of a poorer quality than Professional Grade oil paints.  They are appropriate to use if:

• You do not consider yourself to be a professional artist (now or in the future).
• You really, really want your paintings to deteriorate more rapidly over time.
• You have to choose between eating and buying high quality paint.

Comparison of Oil Painting Changes Over Time
Student Grade Oil Paints over Professional Grade Acrylic Gesso on Canvas:  

BEFORE

AFTER

Observations of a Painting Stored in the Dark for Over 10 Years; Why I don't use student grade paints:

• Background pigment faded and patchy
• Cast shadows have taken on violet hue versus original neutral
• Highlights have dulled
• Edges of objects in shadow have taken on a hard, sharp line 
• Forms have lost 3-dimensionality and appear flattened and without structure

Due to my experience with various types of paint, I can only recommend the highest quality at any stage of your career.  Professional Artists Oil colors are even appropriate for doing studies, in my opinion.  Studies sometimes become an important point of reference in later years.  Furthermore, a study can take on a life of its own and become a painting in its own right.

Please Post Your Comment or Suggestion by Clicking 'Comments," Below.

Business Cards: √ (check)

Business Cards Cheap

9 bucks shipped- no frills, but does the job!

Business Cards Fast

It took less than a week!

• Tuesday, 4:30 pm: I uploaded the completed design for premium business cards to Vistaprint and chose slowest shipping method (21 days).
• Thursday, 1:43 am : Vistaprint email informs my order is shipping early.
• Friday: Order shipped
• Monday: Order received

Image Uploaded for Printing

I had to play around with and re-uploaded my images to get graphics inside the "Vistaprint safe zone" denoted by a dotted line on uploaded image.  This was after I had already prepared document to specifications of  1062x615 pixels and a cut size of 1028x579 pixels.  Other than this inconsistency, the process was easy. 

Business Cards Cost
250 cards is about $25 shipped.
1000 cards is about $36 shipped.

This included these "extras":
Upload of own design (2)
Glossy color on front side
Full color back side

250 cards can be had for about $9 including shipping, without the extras above. 
250 cards (free option) is less than $6 If you allow the vistaprint branding on the back side.

Vistaprint Card Ordering Tips:
Chose slow shipping for savings- it was really pretty quick.
Received a coupon enclosed in my order for 25% off next order plus free uploads.
Continually receive free offers by email- it pays to get on their mailing list.
Vistaprint prints postcards and tons of other stuff too.

Website Launch

Launched latest version of website this month.
Goals:  keep it simple yet professional, make information easy to find, have it visually not too hard on the eyes.

juliesusanne.com

Flaunt It: Business Cards and Post Cards for Artists

OK, None of us is born with business knowledge- but there are tons of resources out there;  I've been reading a couple of great art marketing books.  All of the authors are consistent in their insistence that if we want to make a living using our talents, we must promote ourselves and get our art in front of the public.

Duh?  Yeah, duh!!  Our art DOESN'T speak for itself, it turns out!!

Presenting our most professional self is paramount.  I could scribble my name and number on a scrap of paper, but there is something to be said about the traditional business card. 

HerRealism Fine Art and Design Business Card Draft

Including a graphic that represents my artwork or design service is... how do you say...a no brainer.  Finding a good deal on the printing- priceless.  If you have a local printer you love use them.  Otherwise check out the great online options.  I have seen the products Vistaprint puts out, and they are rather good. 

Although their free card option includes a very small Vistaprint line on the back, it is certainly better than the aforementioned scrap of paper.  Also, much better than the laser printed cards done at home.
However their premium cards are very reasonably priced. 

This week I am sending off my next design (above) and will let you know the turn around time.

In the meantime- check out the great printing deals:

                                                                    

500 Premium Business Cards for $10

50% Off Postcards. Mailing Services Available.



The links above are for products and services I have researched and tried out.  I receive a small percentage of sales from business conducted through these links.  I have not been asked to recommend any product or service in exchange for payment.

The Museum of Censored Art Grand Opening

Censorship Does Not Work in Today's Culture

Spurned by the Smithsonian's most recent act of removing a David Wojnarowicz video from a National Portrait Gallery exhibit in November, the video has received a lot of attention and screenings (see previous posts on Wojnarowicz’ video: click here) .

The Museum of Censored Art Opens its Doors

Now, visitors of the Smithsonian's Hide/Seek exhibit will also get to see the video "Fire In My Belly," by David Wojnarowicz without traveling too far: 
The Museum of Censored Art : Showing Art the Smithsonian Won't  has just opened an exhibit just steps from the National Portrait Gallery. 


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