University Art - Newsletter

The Community Artist

University Art Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 3, March 2003

ART ORGANIZATIONS SPOTLIGHT

The Society for Multi -Media and Airbrush Artists sounds like a mouthful doesn't it? That is why this group of artists simply refer to themselves as "The Airheads". The club consists of about 60 members passionately devoted to the use, promotion, and acceptance of the airbrush in all forms of artistic endeavor! They can and do tackle everything from automotive designs to portraits. There are no annual dues and no rigidly structured meetings, simply monthly meetings involving demos and group painting sessions, and make no mistake these people are VERY TALENTED. Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of every month at Lynbrook High School San Jose Rm.70 at 7:00 p.m. for details try www.geocites.com/ba-airheads

COMING SOON

Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society presents
Watercolor Café
3/2-3/30 at the Willow Glen Coffee Roasting Company,
1383 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose 95125.
Mon.-Sat. 7a.m.-10p.m. Sun.- 7a.m.-6p.m.

Green Before Spring
Whitney Young CulturalCenter Mansion.
1101 Masonic, San Francisco, Ca.
(415) 346-8323 or zono@iniflex.com
3/10/03-4/11/03 by appointment.

Negotiated Innocence
MACLA (Moviento de ArteY Cultura Latino Americana)
3/13/03-4/6/03
W-Th 12-7, F-St 12-5 510 S.
First Street 95113 San Jose or
www.maclaweb.org

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

TRIVIA AND STUFF JUST FOR FUN

In olden times, European papermakers first got the idea of using wood from a tree as a paper source from observing paper wasps build nests. Papyrus is not a true paper but rather the ends of a reed -like plant that are cut and then glued together. Genuine parchments and vellums were originally made (and in some cases still are), from animal skins. Crane Paper Company of Dalton Mass. is the supplier of the paper U.S. currency is printed on. They also make a printing paper out of old dollar bills called "Old Money".

ASK BRAMSCHANDOZ

Q: Is there a "rule of thumb" for buying brushes?

A: The general answer to this question is the same as it would be for any art supply, that is to buy the best you can afford for the medium you are using. Typically, pure sable brushes are best for watercolor and oils, synthetic brushes for acrylics. If you cannot afford pure sable there are several natural/ synthetic blend brushes that are wonderful for both oils and watercolors. Bristle brushes are also good for oils.

JEFF'S TIPS

One step of the creative process that we frequently skip or outright ignore is the "thumbnail" or value sketch. This takes so little time and can be so vital to the success of our paintings, that it is a wonder that we don't do them more often. These sketches don't have to be detailed or finished, just simple, basic studies showing dark and light values or layers and shapes. You'll be amazed at the change in your work by including this step!

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