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Framing

Humidity Control for Artwork

Everyone knows it is not wise to hang expensive framed art pieces in highly humid surroundings, but there are times when that is exactly what you want to do.  The perfect art for a bathroom or kitchen might be a limited edition or original art piece.  It may be the only thing you would be happy with in that locale and you have accepted the risk of such exposure.  Fortunately, there are ways that are easy and straightforward to offer some protection for that artwork.

Kitchens and bathrooms are highly humid at times. When humidity is present, it is usually extreme, particularly in bathrooms.  Showers and long soaks in the tub permeate the air with moisture and that dampness can penetrate everything in the room.  Paper and fabric art items are especially vulnerable to high humidity.   So let’s explore some simple ways to limit the amount of moisture that gets into the frame with that precious art piece.

One quick and easy way to help limit the amount of moisture that creeps into an art item that’s in a wooden frame is to install a double dust cover on the back of the frame.  That means simply attach a second dust cover over the first.  When attaching both layers of dust cover, be sure that the adhesive you use fully encircles the frame – that there are no gaps or skips in the sticky surface that holds down either layer.  This will create a much more secure closure.

If you are using a metal frame, dust covers are not usually part of the presentation.  In that case, use packing tape (strapping tape, gummed tape, or wide cellophane tape) around the perimeter of the back of the frame and against the backing material.  The tape will provide a seal that will greatly limit the amount of moisture that gets in or at least slow the penetration of moisture.

Silica gel packs are available from pharmacies as well as archival framing supply centers.  They will absorb and hold excess humidity but are seldom used because of cost and inaccessibility once the frame is complete and on the wall.  You can collect the little packs from other sources (pill bottles and some packaged goods) and recycle them.  Simply slip one or two between the double dust cover on the back of a frame.

There is one last thing you might want to consider, especially if the art is to be hung on a chimney or wall area that will be heated and then cooled quickly.  Covering the double dust cover with a layer of plastic will avoid the instant moisture buildup when the fire’s warmth navigates up the face of the chimney.  Rather than cause a holding place for moisture, the plastic will prevent the paper backing from absorbing the moisture—and that’s a good thing.

Direct sunlight allowed to enter a window and strike a work of art is yet another way humidity can build under the glass.  Outside walls often heat quickly and then cool quickly.  So outside walls and walls illuminated by direct sunlight make poor candidates for high quality art display.  Try to locate your best collectibles on interior walls away from strong light sources.

Outdoor display of art is not wise under almost any circumstance.  But, if you want to put art outdoors, attempt to seal the back as much as possible.  With wooden frames, screw Masonite to the back side of the frame as a more permanent barrier to moisture.  If at all possible, display with protection from direct rainfall and, for safety, use acrylic sheeting as a glazing material rather than glass. Contemporary artworks are often done on materials that allow for safer outdoor display, but, for longevity, outdoor exhibit of art should be limited.

Art Opportunities & Competitions

Opportunities

Sakura’s Intro to Manga for Classroom Instruction on Video

Sakura of America and Manga Start’s Introduction to Manga for Classroom Instruction workshop encourages teachers to utilize manga-comic art to engage students to learn core drawing fundamentals—and employ graphic storytelling to enhance literacy, creative writing and history lessons.  The videotaped workshop presentation is posted at www.youtube.com/user/SakuraColorProducts.  The presentation includes manga and anime history, terminology, and the connection between traditional drawing and the manga-comic style.  A long-time proponent of art education, Sakura’s goal is to assist educators with their efforts to inspire and sustain the interest of their students in learning.  www.sakuraofamerica.com.

Competitions

Second Annual Dali Look-Alike Contest

The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, FL, presents Double Takes: The Dali Look-Alike Contest.  Male and female contestants are encouraged to express and define how they or their work embodies the spirit of Dali.  Submit a one-minute video or appear in person to model your interpretive Dali costume.  This event opens with an art party and screening of video entries at Gallery Live in Ybor City on May 8 and concludes with an awards ceremony and celebration honoring Dali’s birthday at the museum on May 9.  www.salvadordalimuseum.org/doubletakes/.  1-800-442-3254.

Sculpture

The 14^th Annual Washburn University Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition will be held Aug. ’09 through July ’10 on the campus in Topeka, KS.  The contest is open to all sculptors 18 years of age and older who may submit up to three works for consideration, and up to 10 sculptures will be selected through a process of jury review.  Deadline:  Receipt by midnight on May 31. www.washburn.edu/sculpture2009/.

Pastel

The Pastel Society of Colorado will present the 5^th Annual Mile High National 2009 from Aug. 8 – Sept. 27 at the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center in Longmont.  Any artist 18 years of age or older residing in the U.S. is eligible.  Categories include Traditional Pastel (soft pastels, multimedia pieces must be 80% soft pastel) and Abstract & Non-Objective (abstract, experimental work, multimedia pieces must be 80% soft pastel). Juror:  Susan Ogilvie.  Deadline:  June 19.  www.pastelsocietyofcolorado.org/events.html.

Watercolor

The National Watercolor Society will present the 89^th Annual Exhibition from Oct. 10 – Dec. 20 at the City of Brea Art Gallery (CA).  The exhibition is open to all water media artists, paintings must be done on a paper surface and unvarnished, and water media must be the dominant element.  Awards.  Deadline:  June 27.  www.nationalwatercolorsociety.org.

The Artist’s Marketplace

Grumbacher – New Accessories for 2009

Grumbacher has expanded their brands to include essential sundries for the artist’s studio.  From mixing aids to cleaning products, Grumbacher manufactures art accessories with the artist in mind.

Palette and Painting Knives – Grumbacher Palette and Painting Knives are reliable, very easy to use and “must-have” tools for  serious artists:

—Molded from hard-wearing ABS plastic; won’t corrode or rust like traditional metal knives.
—Non-glaring, neutral off-white tone for enhanced color mixing capability.
—Lightweight with excellent balance for all-day use.
—Never deal with splinters from wooden handles or handles detaching from blades ever again!
—10” in length.
—Large, easy to hold handle with convenient indentation for increased control.
—Solvent-safe, easy to clean.
—Can be used with all mediums.
—Perfect for mixing, impasto techniques, and multi-media needs.
—Each knife has the appropriate flexibility for shape and purpose.

Color Wheel – The Color Computer answers problems of color and color harmony at a twist of the wheel!  It really is a “must-have” tool for any type of hobby from scrapbooking to painting, photography or printmaking.  Color is one of the most fundamental building blocks, and this tool really helps generate ideas!

Face up, the 5 colors on the inner disc are the three primaries:  red, blue and yellow; plus there are also black and white.  The colors on the outer rim represent a 12-color spectrum.  By revolving the inner disc and aligning the three primaries, plus black and white, with each of these 12 outer colors, you can see a 50/50 mix of 60 different combinations.  The reverse side of the Color Computer shows the analogous and triadic harmonies.

Brush Soap – This mild soap and conditioner cleans all types of paint from brushes and hands.  The exclusive French-milled formula lasts far longer than cream-type soaps.

See your retailer for the above accessories as well as Grumbacher’s extensive selection of fine colors, mediums and brushes and visit www.grumbacherart.com.

Book Art

Manuscript Illumination

Fairly self-explanatory, manuscript illumination is the art of decoration of text.  The very strictest definition of the term refers to manuscripts decorated with gold or silver.  However, in both common usage and modern scholarship, the term is now used to refer to any decorated or illustrated manuscript from Western or Islamic traditions.  Works of Mesoamerican and Far Eastern manuscripts are called painted, but both are very similar in execution and practice.

Decoration seen in old manuscripts was most commonly the first letter of the first sentence of a paragraph at the start of a new section or chapter.  These letters were adorned with metallic coloration (actual metal finishes in early texts) to draw the eye and concentration to that portion of the writing.  Rather than a monotonous lettering without breaks, the illumination of letters made the text visually stimulating and easier to read.

The earliest surviving illuminated manuscripts are from the period of A.D. 400 to A.D. 600 and were produced most frequently in Ireland, Italy and Constantinople.  These texts are valued for two important reasons:  First, they have value as art history.  Secondly, they display a link of knowledge and intelligence, since the texts have no other illustration.  Were it not for the monastery scribes of the period, much of the literature of Greece and Rome would have perished.  The value of the patterns and textural illumination made the works far more valuable and useful and, therefore, treasured.

The Middle Ages is the period for which there are the most examples of illustrated manuscripts, but there are a large number from the Renaissance, too.  Most of these extant manuscripts are of a religious nature and were created by what was then the most highly educated group, religious leaders and those in monasteries.  Of these, a large number are on papyrus, but most of the surviving manuscripts are on animal skin.  Commonly, the skin of calf, sheep or goat was used to create what was called vellum, the very best quality parchment (skin).

When paper came into history, very early books were produced with spaces left unprinted.  These spaces were filled with illuminated initials or decorations in the margin.  More and more automation of the printing process became common, making the hand decorating of manuscripts less desirable.  But, prior to the demise of hand illumination, there were numerous well preserved medieval painting examples.  In fact, manuscripts are the best record of painting of that period.

In spite of the fact that original artworks used as manuscript illumination were costly and time consuming, many were created.  Most were reserved for special books for the very rich, for religious teachings, courtly and legal records and academic uses.  There are many classifications for illustrated manuscripts throughout history, and almost all examples in these classifications are heavily ornamental.  During the later periods in which illuminations were used, color started to play a larger part in their creation.  Sources of colors included vermilion and cinnabar for red, turmeric and saffron for yellow, lapis gemstone for blue, lead for white, carbon such as lampblack for black and plant-based compounds or copper for green.

By the 1440’s illumination had been all but eliminated by the printing process.  Manuscripts were quickly replaced by press-made books because they were much more affordable and easily carried.  So, after one thousand years of recording history, manuscript illumination fell from favor.  Antique shops both in the U.S. and abroad collect and make available single sheet examples of illustrated manuscript pages for collectors and museums.

Heaven on Earth:  Manuscript Illuminations from the National Gallery of Art is on view at the National Gallery through August 2.  The exhibition offers the first in-depth look at rare medieval manuscript illuminations, last exhibited in 1975, from 52 single leaves and four bound volumes.

Art Events

Schedules sometimes change, so call ahead!

Boston – mfafirstfridays are held each month at the Museum of Fine Arts. In the Koch Gallery you’ll find fine art, live music, cash bars featuring a signature cocktail and delicious tapas.  May 1 presents the Uziel Colon Latin Jazz Trio and on June 5 you’ll be entertained by the Andrew Stern Jazz Ensemble.  Visit www.mfa.org, 617-267-9300.

New York City – The Affordable Art Fair 2009 will be held May 7-10 at its new home at 7 West 34^th St.  The fair will host more than 60 galleries from the U.S. and abroad, and new and established collectors will be able to discover and buy paintings, drawings, sculptures, video, photography and limited edition prints priced from $100 to $10,000.  www.aafnyc.com, 212-255-2003.

Bethesda – The sixth annual Bethesda Fine Arts Festival will be held May 9-10 in Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle.  Delight in fine art and craft created by 150 of the nation’s best artists, live entertainment, and Bethesda’s best restaurants.  www.bethesda.org/arts/artsfestival.htm, 301-215-6660.

New York City – Honor Mom on Mother’s Day, May 10, with an unforgettable day at MoMA.  Arrive anytime between 9 and 10:30 a.m. for an elegant private breakfast in Café 2, followed by a guided group tour at 10:30 a.m.  You’ll receive an additional discount at either the Café or Terrace 5 later on in the day.  Space is limited.  Tickets:  212-708-9685 or groupservices@moma.org.

Chicago – The new Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago will open on May 16.  Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, this 264,000 sq. ft. building makes the Art Institute the second largest art museum in the U.S.  It will house the museum’s world-renowned collections of modern European painting and sculpture, contemporary art, architecture and design and photography. For related events, visit http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/exhibitions/modernwing/events, 312-443-3600.

Santa Fe – From June 11-14 the first annual SOFA WEST:  Santa Fe will be held at the brand new state-of-the-art Santa Fe Convention Center. SOFA, with 40 galleries represented, will focus on 3-D artworks that cross the boundaries of fine art, decorative art and design and will include a strong emphasis on educational programs.  www.sofaexpo.com/santa-fe/2009/index.htm, 800-563-7632.

Airbrush

An Aid to Choosing a Compressor

The most common source of air for propelling the airbrush is the air compressor. There are two basic types:  the diaphragm compressor and the piston-operated compressor. 

Designed primarily to propel one airbrush at a time, the diaphragm compressor is the least expensive. There are both small and large diaphragm compressors that develop various air pressures.  The airbrush, as a rule of thumb, uses ½ cubic foot of air per minute (cfm) at 25 pounds per square inch (psi).  Most diaphragm compressors produce this required air pressure, but the larger sizes also emit more noise.  The way the air is compressed can produce a pulsation in the air sprayed, which is not beneficial to airbrush technique because most artists seek a smooth and consistent spray.

Another possible drawback of diaphragm compressors is that with consistent use they tend to overheat, so they must be shut off periodically. However, some models have automatic shutoff switches included that are air operated and therefore the compressor runs only when airbrushing.  Naturally, the convenience of an automatic shut-off adds a bit more to the cost of this compressor.  An additional drawback may be the noise level.  As stated, larger compressors produce more noise, which may pose a distraction to the user.

Of all compressors, the one most often used in airbrush technique is the piston compressor.  It comes in a variety of sizes from small to very large.  The larger compressors usually provide higher working air pressures and develop higher cfm. Small piston compressors can be utilized with one or two airbrushes working simultaneously, whereas large ones (5 and 10 HP) can be used to propel multiple airbrushes such as in a classroom setting with large spray equipment that requires a higher cfm.

Most piston compressors come with a storage tank.  The air is compressed in the compressor, enters the storage tank and then travels to the airbrush.  This guarantees a smooth, consistent source of air that can be regulated to the needs of the user.  Within the family of piston compressors there are those that are maintenance free or oil immersed.  Oil goes into the crankcase to prevent the piston from seizing up during operation.

Both types of compressors, maintenance free and oil immersed, are relatively quiet.  But the oil immersed model usually has the lowest noise level, and these are sometimes called “silent” compressors. Because the compressor contains oil, it tends to infiltrate the compressed air.  Therefore an oil trap is required to capture the oil before the air enters the airbrush.  In addition, all compressors, whether diaphragm or piston operated, develop condensation (water droplets) when hot air cools.  This, too, must be removed from the air before spraying, so a moisture trap is also needed.

When selecting a compressor, consider the application.  If you airbrush only occasionally, then a small, inexpensive diaphragm compressor will suffice.  This would apply to hobby painting, cake/pastry decoration, watercolor or gouache painting on paper surfaces, model painting, etc.  Conversely, a custom automotive painter working on automobiles and motorcycles and using both airbrushes and spray guns will require a large piston-operated compressor. This also applies to artists working with acrylics on canvas, ceramists or those working with materials that require a high psi for proper spraying, e.g., lacquers, epoxy paints, and enamels.

In today’s airbrush world, the applications are limitless.  The size of the work can be extremely small or gigantic.  Any type of liquefied material can be airbrushed as long as it can be reduced to a sprayable consistency.  But for the airbrush to work properly, you must have the appropriate air compressor.  A variety of compressors are available from Iwata-Medea (www.iwata-medea.com), Silentaire Technology (www.silentaire.com) and Sparmax (www.sparmax.com.tw).  Visit their Web sites and see your retailer for further information.

ArtPourri

Finalists Announced – The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has announced the finalists of an experimental contest that aspires to bring together South Florida’s diverse community through the arts.  The 45 finalists of the Knight Arts Challenge rose above a field of more than 1,500 applicants. The winners, to be announced in the fall, stand to receive a total of $4 million in matching arts grants.  www.knightArts.org.

USPS News—“Check it out, Man!” - The Simpsons is currently in its 20^th year as a regularly scheduled half-hour series and the longest-running comedy in television history.  On May 7 the Postal Service will release The Simpsons stamps nationwide at a dedication ceremony at Fox Studios in Los Angeles.  Visit www.usps.com/simpsons to vote for your favorite Simpsons character—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa or Maggie—through May 14.

Conservation Award Given — The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are delighted to announce that Tony Rockwell, FAMSF paintings conservator, has been selected to receive the 2009 Sheldon and Caroline Keck Award.  This is given by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works to recognize individuals who have served the field of conservation in an outstanding manner.

Web Site Launched – The Indianapolis Museum of Art has launched www.ArtBabble.org, an online community created to showcase art-based video content. This groundbreaking new site allows visitors to explore works of art online as never before and incorporates cutting-edge technology

Architecture Prize Awarded – Peter Zumthor of Switzerland has been chosen as the 2009 Laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, recognized as the world’s highest honor in the field.  On May 29 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a $100,000 grant and a bronze medallion will be bestowed on the 65-year old architect.

NEA News – The NEA has announced $19.8 million in one-time grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to state arts agencies and regional arts organizations to support the arts sector of the economy.  In July the NEA will announce a second category of grants, one-time direct grants to nonprofit arts organizations, which have seen declines in philanthropic and other support during the current economic downturn.  www.nea.gov/news/news09/nea-announces-first-recovery-grants.html

Arts and Letters Award Winners Announced – The American Academy of Arts and Letters has announced the eight artists who will receive its 2009 awards in art.  The awards will be presented in NYC in May at the Academy’s annual Ceremonial.  The art prizes, totaling $57,500, honor both established and emerging artists. www.artsandletters.org.

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Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 19 No. 7 — May 2009