Author Archives: Muse
charcoal: powdered, compressed, willow and vine
There are three main kinds of charcoal: powdered, compressed, and willow or vine. Powdered charcoal is the most basic type because it is an ingredient in compressed charcoal. Powdered charcoal is well suited to ‘toning’ large areas of a surface, … Continue reading
paints: opaque vs. transparent
The opacity or hiding strength of a paint describes how it interacts with light. Opaque paints are more reflective (not to be confused with “shiny”). They cover and hide what’s under them. Transparent (or translucent) paints allow more light to … Continue reading
artists’ paints: series numbers
Paint manufacturers generally group their selection of artist-grade paints into 5 or 6 distinct series, according to the cost of the pigments used in each color of paint. These series are marked on the tube, generally with numbers (series 1, … Continue reading
paper: what is vellum?
Although most people have a specific idea of what they are looking for when they ask for “vellum,” the term vellum is actually used describe a variety of different types of paper. Some vellum papers are heavy, while others are … Continue reading
how dangerous is oil paint?
People frequently express an unfounded concern that painting with oils is dangerous and toxic. They’d like to experiment with oils but are nervous that oils are environmentally hazardous and a danger to their health. These concerns are based largely on … Continue reading
choosing a sketchbook: binding and perforation
There are three primary types of sketchbook binding: hard-bound, spiral-bound and tape-bound. Hard-bound sketchbooks have a hard cover and a sewn joint, just like a hard-bound book. These sketchbooks generally contain medium weight paper, about 70 lb. Hard-bound sketchbooks are … Continue reading
choosing a sketchbook: paper quality
Along with paper weight and surface, there are a number of additional factors that differentiate sketchbook papers for different uses or preferences. Some papers, advertised as “green” or environmentally friendly, are made of recycled materials or fibers that do not … Continue reading
choosing a sketchbook: sizes
Sketchbooks come in a variety of sizes from very large to very small. Smaller sketchbooks are often hard-bound and sometimes have an elastic band to hold them closed. Sketchbooks larger than 11″x14″ are often called sketchpads and are often spiral … Continue reading
choosing a sketchbook: surfaces and weights
For artists, sketchbooks are essential. They provide an easy place to record ideas, make studies, and experiment with new techniques. Sometimes sketchbooks themselves are treated as finished pieces of art. Typically, however, sketchbooks are personal journals or archives that artists … Continue reading
watercolor paper: weights
Watercolor paper comes in a variety of styles and is generally described by its weight and the quality of its surface. There are numerous weights of watercolor paper measured in pounds per ream or grams per square meter. The papers that are … Continue reading
