Antiques and Collectibles

As a contemporary artist I only know too well that oil paintings always need varnishing. Firstly they need protection.

Once varnished the painting has a protective layer over the paint, so it is easier to handle as it can then be cleaned. If the painting is left unvarnished it may easily get damaged. As the painting dries out the oil paint tends to get duller and gives a matt finish. However, you cannot varnish until the paint is completely dry and this can take a considerable amount of time.

I think sometimes you would probably need to clean it first. Ordinary liquid detergent should be quite sufficient to do this. Using only a very small amount diluted with cold water to cover the surface of the picture, rubbing it very softly with a soft soaked piece of rag. Then maybe do the same with clean water, so there is no residue of the detergent used. It then needs to be left to dry thoroughly in a warm atmosphere.

Personally I would like to make clear that it is better to do your varnishing somewhere that has a good dry atmosphere with warmth. If the atmosphere is moist, the varnish often may appear to go into patches of white, which I personally find infuriating.

Now it is possible to get good spray varnishes which dry fairly quickly. A contemporary painter would probably prefer to apply varnish with a brush. Probably a fairly wide, soft brush is best. I would say though that it is better if the varnish, brush and painting have been near heat so there is no damp. Put the painting on a flat surface. I pour some varnish into an old tin lid and then very carefully and gently brush on.

It is tempting to go backwards and forwards and overbrush - not so good - as the varnish tends to create bubbles. Easier if you have a small painting, because you can go straight across from one side to the other. You have to endeavour to get as even and as thin a coat as you can. Tendency is to overvarnish, giving a thick layer and an annoying glossy finish.

If your painting is large it is somewhat easier to divide it into square sections and work laboriously on one part at a time. Once you have applied the varnish do try not to disturb it.

Then you need to find a place to put the picture where, while you are working on it, you can see where the light shows on the varnish. This way it will enable you to see any places that you may have inadvertently missed.

Your picture then needs to be in a hopefully dust free area if possible, with the face side up.
Then you may find that you need to retouch your varnish. Obviously for this you need a thinned down varnish, especially where you may have what appears to be dull parts. Just be careful not to use too much, but it is quite alright to use it on top of half dry paint.

It is fairly usual to think the painting looks dull as it is drying - this is often the result of overpainting layers.

This article was written by Anna Meenaghan of http://annameenaghanart.com

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Art presents itself in many shapes and forms today – to me it is always interesting and gratifying to appreciate other peoples art. You don?t necessarily have to enjoy it personally to accept the hard work that has gone into it and the thought behind it.

As a contemporary artists myself – I find it gives you freedom to express your inner feelings.

If I had a bad day it terribly reflects in my paintings appearing more dramatic. On the other hand I also find it calming to paint seasoned skies.

Art is a very personal thing, what appeals to one person, others despise - the appeal is in the eye of the beholder. As a contemporary painter I find that these days there so many things classified as art which makes it more satisfying. As an idea take spray painting, some people do this but also use stencils. Myself I often really admire some of the spray gun graffiti scene. Very clever youngsters do some amazing creations. Although many people would view this as vandalism.

Just look at pavement artists sketching out their pictures in chalk. This surely is a talent, but one that many passers by can enjoy but yields the artist very little money. Many of us have been to Paris and the “Montmartre” region where the artists set their easels on the pavements doing quick caricatures much to everyone’s amazement and amusement.

More unusual perhaps are sand sculptures which feature in the Canary Islands and I am sure other places. They range from biblical scenes to dragons with real fire breathing out of there nostrils.

Mosaics too are greatly interesting and colourful as these designs can be used on plant pots, walls, gardens etc. and in oh so many ways.

Posters - somebody has to design them so they are thought provoking and catch the eye.

This is a amazing challenge for children too, who are encouraged to do posters for any number of things from road safety to recycling the environment. I love to see what sense can be made of driftwood collected along the beach. I believe a special type of person is needed to do this with a very good imagination and creativity.

On this theme also delightful paper weights can be made from nice pebbles once they are cleaned, painted and varnished. It is also fun searching for the pebbles in different shapes and feeling how smooth they are when you run your fingers over them.

Designing and making your own cards not only brings pleasure to many, but also brings individuality to the recipient.

Papermache is another form of art I have never tried, but I really like the results that people manage to achieve. Decoupage in this day and age seems to be very popular, along with scrapbooking, felting, patch working and needlepoint.

There are so many forms of art there surely has to be something to suit everyone. Help is at hand as there are many workshops running in many crafts stores as well as local schools. Art brings happiness to many people, creating it or enjoying the art of others – it also relaxes you and can make you a host of new friends, so enjoy !…

This article was written by Anna Meenaghan of http://annameenaghanart.com

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Art collecting is an extremely popular hobby today because more and more people are beginning to appreciate the finer things in life, as well as the talents that others want to share with the world! Art collecting is also perceived as an investment because the instability of economies around the world makes investing in various markets extremely risky. There are literally millions of dollars in the art industry as a result.

There are millions of art collectors around the world today, but there are ten top tips that each and every one of them should adhere to, regardless of experience. Beginners and experts alike should pay attention to these tips because they can help an individual infinitely enhance their collection, as well as ensuring that they have fantastic artwork lining their walls in the years to come!

1. Do not buy art if you do not like it! The whole point of art is that it enhances your life in some way. You should be proud to display it on the walls of your home or office, and not so ashamed that you have to hide it away. Buying art purely and simply because it is an investment in denying another individual with different tastes the opportunity to own a piece of artwork that he or she loves, so ensure that you only own art that you actually feel something for!

2. Before investing in any piece, whether it is another to add to your collection or your first piece of artwork, make sure that you do your research. Take a look around the local art galleries and visit as many as you possibly can before settling on one piece. The staff at most galleries will be happy to talk about art in general or individual pieces with you, and every single person that you talk to will teach you something new!

3. When visiting the galleries, be sure to ask whether they have a mailing list. Many of them will have either an email list or a snail mail list, or both, because they actively court business. Adding your name to those lists will ensure that you get to hear about special events that they have as well as openings, which again will help to enhance your art education.

4. Join some of the museums in your local area. Although museums do not offer art for sale, they often release magazine publications at least four times a year. The magazines will give you hints and tips on valuing your art as well as promoting local galleries and publishing interesting articles about collecting art.

5. Search the stands of your local newsagents or art magazines and subscribe. Again, they will publish articles on collecting art and also advertise lectures around the country that may be of interest to the art collector.

6. Do not forget to visit any non-profit art centres that happen to be in your town or city, as well as any art fairs that come within driving distance. There will often be art offered for sale as well as artists and experts that you can talk to that will happily help guide you through art collecting. This will give you access to information that is not available anywhere else!

7. Look up fellow art collectors. They may have joined local galleries and museums or attend the same lectures. Exchanging ideas and information can be a satisfying experience and help you to enhance your own collection.

8. Go to your local library and check out several books on art collecting. Any books on the subject will give you valuable information, hints and tips that can ensure that your collection will be infinitely better than if you went into collecting blind with little knowledge about art.

9. Find out when art critics publish columns in local and national newspapers and make sure that you read them. Although the critics’ columns only reflect their personal opinions, you will soon find a critic that you tend to agree with and can actually use his or her research to find new resources, exhibitions and galleries to tap into.

10. Use the Internet. There is a wealth of information out there just waiting to be accessed, and that information can really help you to build your knowledge base and collection. The Internet will also give you access to the galleries outside of your local area so you have a better market to browse!
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Art galleries usually hold numerous art exhibitions during the year. If you’re looking something special such as pastel landscapes to bring home, there are various art galleries to choose from.They can go to a number of contemporary art galleries such as those found in the Chelsea district of New York City, in the Taos art colony and in St. Ives Cornwall, without paying entrance fees. Entrance fees usually apply in private art galleries, which typically have curators. With the advances in the Internet, it’s now possible to visit galleries from the comfort of your own home. Online art galleries offer easy access and endless browsing time and are, of course, free of access charge.

When you are on the lookout for art, you will discover that it comes in a number of forms. Usually, people go to art galleries to browse or buy paintings. Paintings are one form of art that presents visual features of models, views or scenes. The subjects of these framed art range from still life, people, places and spaces, issues and themes, landscapes to other living things. Artist paintings are usually created with a number of media which includes acrylic paint, enamel paint, ink, oil pastel, oil paint, primer, sumi, tempera, vinyl paint or watercolor. Watercolor paintings or the French aquarelle is the resulting artwork of pigments that are suspended in water. They may be done on paper, leader, fabric, wood or canvas. Oil paintings are the resulting art of slow-drying paint which usually has small pigment particles that are suspended in a drying oil. Its hard-wearing properties are ideal for exterior and interior paintings. Another art category based on art medium is the pastel paintings. Both dry pastel and oil pastel are commonly used on pastel paintings. It is widely used on modern forms of art because of its broad range of color selections.

The task of purchasing art can be very confusing. Here are some tips that can help you in picking out an art from an art gallery:
• Feel free to take your time and explore at your pace. You shouldn’t be intimidated as you don’t have to be an art expert to visit.
• As you browse art, it is advisable to start from the center and work your way around the gallery. People usually get crowded on the far left or right side corner of the gallery. By starting at the center, you can have your needed space taking in the beauty of one frame to another.
• Common etiquette requires you to view the art in quiet with no lout sounds or voices.
• If you would like to photograph a piece of art, you need to first ask permission from the staff.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Art galleries usually have curators that are trained to entertain questions regarding the featured art in the gallery.

Visiting art galleries is an exciting learning experience. While it delights you with a roomful of visual treats, such an experience also introduces you to various forms of art. Going through the local art galleries will be helpful in discovering one’s preferences or taste for art particularly in choosing paintings. Time spent in art galleries can expand your art knowledge in addition to providing you with pieces for your own collection.