University Art - Newsletter

The Community Artist

University Art Newsletter Vol. 6 Issue 4, April 2007

ART ORGANIZATIONS SPOTLIGHT

The spotlight shines on the Society of Western Artists in San Bruno this month. Originally called the “Society for Sanity in Art” in protest to the advent and popularity of abstract/ non-representational art the club changed its name to the current Society for Western Artists in 1939. They are the largest club devoted exclusively to the representational arts west of the Mississippi. Their monthly meetings are held at 300 Piedmont Avenue, Room 500, San Bruno Ca. 94066 Call (650)588-5771.

COMING SOON

Eileen Hill: Artist and Teacher
2/10 - 4/15/2007
Triton Museum of Art
1505 Warburton Ave
Santa Clara. (408) 247-3754

Tom Lynch Watercolor Workshops
4/26 - 4/27
University Art Center San Jose, 456 Meridian Avenue.
95126, $175.00 for both days. Drop off or mail your check ASAP, still spots available!

Bob Semans, Fundamentals of Drawing
University Art Center San Jose.
Monday Mornings 9:30-12:30.
Call (408) 377-8562 for details

TRIVIA AND STUFF JUST FOR FUN

For those who think that our “troubles” in the Middle East are a modern phenomenon, in actuality our “troubles began just after declaring our independence from Britain. Corsairs from Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, the infamous “Barbary Pirates”, brought our seafaring trade to a standstill, capturing our merchantman and their sailors. The sailors were held for years as captives in dismal conditions, while the pirates ransomed their freedom. Hostilities “officially” broke out in 1801 when Tripoli declared war on us!

ASK BRAMSCHANDOZ

Q: Aren’t all artist grade oils linseed oil based?

A: Most artist grade oils do use linseed oil as the primary vehicle, but that can vary from color to color and brand to brand. If you look on the side of the tube , the vehicle / binder information is usually printed just above or below the pigment numbers. Safflower oil ( also called “carthame or carthamin) is often used as a replacement for linseed oil but it may also be used in conjunction with linseed oil as the binder. Some purists do not like their oil paints with anything other than linseed as the vehicle and this can limit the palette that is available to them to paint with. When in doubt, check the label!

JEFF'S TIPS

This month I have another “oldie but goodie” compositional tip for you. Many times when laying out a drawing or a painting (particularly a still life) there is a tendency by many artists to draw the objects individually, unmindful of their actual position in space. This can make for a “flat” looking piece of art. Be aware of what things are closest and farthest away and more importantly how they overlap/ relate to each other in the scene. This little step makes a huge difference in your work.

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