University Art - Newsletter

The Community Artist

University Art Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 2, February 2003

ART ORGANIZATIONS SPOTLIGHT

The Society of Western Artists is the focus of our February spotlight feature. Originally called "The Society for Sanity In Art" in protest to the non-representational trend in the arts, the club changed its name to The Society of Western Artists in 1939. They are the largest club dedicated to the representational arts west of the Mississippi. Dedicated to the furthering of "The Western Tradition" in art, this club actively works in our public schools as volunteers and teachers and welcomes all artists and art patrons who appreciate the representational arts. Their monthly meetings are held at 300 Piedmont Avenue. Room 500 San Bruno, CA 94066. For details call (650) 588-5771.

COMING SOON

Floating to the Surface
An exhibit of twelve emerging Bay Area Artists. Hollis Street Project, 5900 Hollis Street Emeryville CA Through 2/28 8a.m.- 6p.m. M-F or 9a.m.-6p.m. Sat.& Sun.

Airbrushing with Craig Fraser
A one day class on Thursday 2/20 at 5p.m. sharp! To be held at Lowe Painting Company, 226 Phelan Avenue San Jose, CA (408) 294-0347 Advance registration is required as space is limited. Cost is $35.00.

Paintings by Gaylen Hansen
Palo Alto Art Center Through 4/27. Tues. & Wed. 10a.m.-5p.m. &7p.m-9p.m. Thurs. 10a.m.-5p.m., Friday & Saturday 1p.m.-5p.m.

If you have exhibit info that you want to have posted please e-mail at snjbram@aol.com

TRIVIA AND STUFF JUST FOR FUN

Though many people know that Gauguin was a painter few realize he was a sculptor as well. Not only did he sculpt in marble, but he did quite a few wooden pieces too, lightly coloring them with oil glazes. He also worked with a well known ceramicist (Ernest Chaplet) to produce over fifty original heads and figures in glazed stoneware! After a brief stay among the Maori people of New Zealand his sculptures changed to reflect a much more primitive and expressive style reminiscent of the Tiki statues of the South Pacific.

ASK BRAMSCHANDOZ

Q: What is meant by a "camel hair" brush?

A: A camel hair brush is typically a short handled, watercolor brush whose fibers consist of horse/pony, goat, ox, and even squirrel hairs mixed together. The blend of these natural hairs hold a good deal of water and color but not as much as a sable brush would. The brush heads often are dark brown or even black in color with lighter streaks throughout. The brushes need to be kept very wet when in use because they tend to splay open as they dry, making them difficult to work with. They are an ideal, inexpensive beginning watercolor brush.

JEFF'S TIPS

For all you watercolorists out there, here is a great idea for all that dried out color that, over a period of time, occurs in your watercolor palette. As soon as the color starts to dry and crack, remove it, but don't throw it away! A small, multi- compartment box (i.e. the type used for storing floss or buttons) makes a great sketcher's palette. Simply drop the dried colors into the individual chambers wet them& voila, you have a nice "pan" watercolor set.

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