If you are interested in purchasing these splendid canvases go to the French Canvas web site and enter code number 04200905. You will get a 5% discount on your purchase. The next phase of the project is the priming. After the canvas is totally dry sand lightly to remove the fuzzy fibers that have lifted on the surface of the fabric. Lay … [Read more...] about French Prime Time, Egyptian Style
Pigments: Historical and Modern
There is a distinct difference between modern day pigments and the natural pigments used prior to the middle of the 1700s. In the past, artists had apprentices who ground the colors for them throughout the oil painting sessions. Because they were made by hand, the pigments retained a natural grittiness and consistency with larger particle size. Today's oil paint manufacturers make synthetic colors in huge vats where the end result is exceptional smoothness. Prior to the middle of the 1700, natural pigments came from dirt, minerals, and even plants.
Priming, by Request
Rob, at French Canvas, graciously sent me one of their stretched linen canvases to use as a blog demonstration and to use for one of my Egyptian paintings. I have used their superior products in the past, and because so many people have requested more information about priming techniques, this will be a good way to show how … [Read more...] about Priming, by Request
Baboons and Netherworlds
This stunning necklace is another example of the similar theme as previously posted. This piece is exceptional in its detail and inlay of gems. The lapis scarab is again holding the sun shape. Here you can see the two baboonsflanking the scarab. They are made of turquoise and glass paste with silver. The baboons helped the rising sun come … [Read more...] about Baboons and Netherworlds
Egyptian Blue
Though often lavishly used in decorative arts in Egypt for thousands of years, there is no evidence that lapis lazuli was used as a pigment. The ancient Egyptians invented a different and just as beautiful blue called Egyptian Blue frit, shown above. This pigment consisted of a crystalline compound of silica, copper, and lime. It is thought the … [Read more...] about Egyptian Blue
Dung Balls and Sun Gods
As said before, when delving into a colorful history of any culture, you never know what will be unearthed. This fabulous necklace was found in the tomb of King Tut who reigned in the 18th Dynasty, 1334-1325 BC. The recurring theme in this design is the rising sun-god. The lapis lazuli scarab represents the sun-god, khepri. Scarab … [Read more...] about Dung Balls and Sun Gods
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE PHARAOH’S BLING CAPTIVATES FOR NEW PROJECT Well, it has happened again. I have been captivated by bling. This time however, it is not Rembrandt’s bling, or the Dutch Masters’ bling. It’s the bling of the Pharaoh. For the past many months, I have been dreaming, imagining, planning, and laboring side-by-side with the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. … [Read more...] about FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE