Category: Books / Videos / Blogs / Pods

Faux Finishes, Part 4b: Soft Surfaces

7/3/2023

"I'm back from my trip to Baltimore, and it looks like I got out of Dodge just in time! It's a beautiful city with lots of great murals and art museums and historical architecture. Stay positive, curb your guns and be kind to others.
Here is part 4b of my Faux Finishes Blog posts. scroll back through the blog for earlier posts on Faux Finishes (and much more) or search the Blog by category" -RQ

Here is another one of my favorite books from my library...

Soft Surfaces
Visual Research for Artists,
Architects, and Designers
by Judy A. Juracek

Modeled on the successful Surfaces (1996) book, this stunning collection of photographs catalogs how hundreds of varieties of textiles, grouped by structure and surface treatment, look up close and in interior and exterior applications such as window treatments, upholstery, awnings, tents, and floor coverings.
The book is tailored to research needs in scope and focus, offering examples for architects, interior designers, textile professionals, theatrical and film designers, illustrators, and graphic designers.
Interviews with professionals describe how they use visual research in their work.

1,200 high-quality color images
of traditional and innovative textiles,
in print and on CD-ROM

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"Mastering Layout: on the art of eye appeal" by Mike Stevens.

5/1/2023

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Here’s another one of my favorite books from my library…

"Computers and vinyl technologies have completely transformed the sign painting industry and as a consequence hand lettering and sign painting has become a lost art.
Early in my career I found it very useful to be as versatile as possible and to learn as many painting techniques as I could, to help get me through the lean-times. These skills have come in quite handy in many of my commercial and fine-art projects from billboards, signs and menu-boards to set-painting, super-graphics, logos and mascots.
I have always specialized in custom, hand-painted one-of-a-kind projects, so advanced printing and computerized technologies are not a threat… but rather an opportunity to apply my craft in new and exciting ways – and in doing so
to better serve a diverse clientele.

Mike Stevens’ ‘Mastering Layout' was a vital resource in building my skills with a brush and improving my layouts and designs." -Roberto Quintana

Mastering Layout
On the Art of Eye Appeal
by Mike Stevens

This best-selling book by sign industry legend, Mike Stevens, covers the fundamental principles of layout for signs. It teaches how to see, organize and manipulate graphic elements for unified, legible and visually appealing results. More than 80 illustrations demonstrate before-and-after results of applying the principles. Includes a troubleshooting checklist for isolating, analyzing and correcting layout weaknesses in your own designs.

Long established as a must-have for all sign writers,
this best-selling book covers the fundamental
principles of layout for signs.
Includes 13 handwritten alphabets for reference

and 80+ illustrations with before and after results,
and all the universal rules in font layout.
This technical book is just as appreciated by old hands
in lettering as it is by newcomers.
A real classic.

Mike Stevens provides a detailed, comprehensive
and relatively easy-to-understand overview of
the analytical skills that can be applied to a
Sign Painting or Writer's job.
The fundamental principles in the layout of fonts and characters are conveyed in detail and how several graphic elements are organized into a perfect overall picture.
invaluable sign painting knowledge on 127 pages.

Contents

1) Natural Layout
2) Format: A Design Element
3) Copy Interpretation & appropriate Images
4) Negative Space
5) Line Value
6) Rhythm
7) Selecting Alphabets
8) Color
9) Super Graphics
10) Informal Layout
11) Troubleshooting Your Layout

Michael R. Stevens
Died: April 20, 1989

From Signcraft magazine.
July/August 1989

Few sign artists in recent times have had as much influence on sign layout as sign artist/author Mike Stevens.
Mike Stevens died suddenly on April 20, 1989.
Mike was the author of
Mastering Layout: The Art of Eye Appeal
and
Ninety-Nine Showcards: A Photo Album,
and produced two audiotapes and a video tape.
He recently contributed a series of articles on layout to SignCraft.
Since his death, SignCraft has heard from scores of sign artists — some long-time friends and others
who knew Mike only through his books, tapes and articles.
All mentioned his impact on their work, their business,
and in many cases, their lives.

Related:

Signs, Totems & Super-Graphics
http://www.artandsoulproductions.com/signs-totems--super-graphics.html

SignCraft
http://web.archive.org/web/20230323231908/https://www.signcraft.com/

About Us
In 1980, we published the first issue of SignCraft Magazine from our commercial sign shop, laying out the pages on the same drawing table we used for sign sketches and proposals. Our plan was to create a way to share ideas and information that would make signmaking easier, more creative and more profitable. Computers were not yet involved in sign making, so the focus was on hand painted, sandblasted, carved and cutout signs and lettering.
In the years that followed computers changed the sign industry (along with the rest of the world!) Our coverage gradually expanded to include cut vinyl, digital prints and CNC routed signage.
Nonetheless, SignCraft’s intention has remained the same: To give those who make signs the information, ideas and inspiration that helps make their signs more effective, their work easier and their business more profitable.
The November/December 2020 issue marked the final print edition of SignCraft Magazine after 235 consecutive issues—more than 5000 articles and over 20,000 idea-packed photos. Our articles are now delivered online to our members.
Join today:
You’ll get ideas and information you can’t find anywhere else. Over the past year, SignCraft readers received over 100 articles, over 150 time-saving tips and shortcuts and nearly 1000 inspiring photos.
You’ll be in touch with shop owners who understand the work you do. You’ll visit their shops and watch videos of techniques and time-saving shortcuts.
You’ll can use the online Sign Pricing Guide pricing calculator–where you can price everyday sign work in just three clicks, with pricing based on the overhead level that fits your shop.
You’ll have full access to SignQuote Pro app, a web app that lets you price even more types of signs with even more flexibility of substrates and shop rates
Join today and find out why thousands of sign professionals around the world depend on SignCraft to make their signs and their businesses more successful!
Call: 800-204-0204 | 239-939-4644 | Fax: 239-939-0607
E-mail: orders@signcraft.com
US Mail: SignCraft, PO Box 60031, Fort Myers, FL 33906.

http://web.archive.org/web/20220120180400/https://www.signcraft.com/about-us/

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The Science of Vision / Neuro-Scientifically Challenged

4/3/2023

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One of my favorite topics,
besides Painting, Color, and Light,
is “Perception”.
Not only because I am a visual artist,
but also because I am a visual artist with a very special advantage when it comes to creating a 3D illusion
on a 2D surface, since I only ’see’ out of one (myopic) eye,
I am already half-way there!
(or maybe 1/3 way there, depending on how one
measures these things.)

This post will be the first of many on The Science of Vision
and Visual Perception, including illusions, optical effects, atmospheric effects, anatomy and much more.
I always think it best to start with the basics. So here are two excellent Podcast-Video-Blog-Things to start with:

The Science of Vision,
Eye Health & Seeing Better
Huberman Lab Podcast #24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObtW353d5i0

AND

KNOW YOUR BRAIN:
PRIMARY VISUAL CORTEX
https://neuroscientificallychallenged.com/posts/know-your-brain-primary-visual-cortex

Related:

For a really deep-dive into ‘Visual Perception’ check out this guy’s Blog!

"Mr. Gurney has an AMAZING! daily Art Blog that I encourage all-ya-all to visit daily. He’s been doing it for years and his archive is deep and educational and FUN!
My ‘Research and Development Department’ here at Art & Soul Productions are throwing a fit right now because I’m sharing this with you (They’re all so competitive and secretive about their sources!)... and ‘Legal’ insists that I not use the terms ‘borrowed’ or ‘lifted’ or ’steal’ when referring to all the great stuff I have gotten from his blog, but they say ‘Influenced by’ is a much safer term (if less accurate).
More on the ‘Gurney Journey’ later." -RQ

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Faux Finishes, Part 4: Surfaces!

3/20/2023

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Here is another one of my favorite books in my library...

SURFACES
Visual Research for Artists,
Architects, and Designers
by Judy A. Juracek

Looking for images of architectural materials?
'Surfaces' offers over 1,200 outstanding and vibrantly colorful visual images of surface textures--wood, stone, marble, brick, plaster, stucco, aggregates, metal, tile, and glass--ready to be used in your designs, presentations, or comps, as backgrounds or for general visual information.

( ...but not to just flat-out copy, without permission or credit, for your Multi-Million-Dollar Video-Game backgrounds!)

Photographed by a designer for designers, the pictures show specific materials and how they change with time, weather, wear, and different lighting. Each section offers general views of the material, a gallery of commonly used or manufactured samples, and hundreds of specimens showing types and finishes in architectural settings. Captions provide information about the physical properties, dimensions, construction techniques, specific varieties of the material, and types and styles of treatments.

Interviews with eight design professionals provide practical advice on how they approach visual research, and a comprehensive glossary of visual and technical terms offers a vocabulary for professional communication. An index of subject matter and materials makes it easy to find just the image you need.

1000 color illustrations

PLUS: this book comes with a great CD-ROM
of screen resolution TIFF files
of every image in the book!

...And here's a Free PDF!

Related:

Capcom accused of infringing artist's copyright in Resident Evil games. June 2021

Capcom “resolves” lawsuit surrounding allegedly stolen ‘Resident Evil 4’ images
By Andy Brown February 2022

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Faux Finishes, Part III: Paint Finishes

2/20/2023

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“Here is another one of my favorite books from my library!...
This book is kind of inconspicuous in that each chapter is rather short and he doesn’t go into great detail, but he covers a lot of ground with good demonstration photos.
The chapter titles are rather terse (but I have added the subcategories to show what is covered).
Once you have some of the basics down in terms of materials and tools, many of the techniques are pretty straight forward. It’s all in the ‘Doing’. Practice, practice, practice!” -RQ

Paint Finishes
by Charles Hemming
A concise 'How to Guide' to faux-finish painting techniques including: Dragging, Combing, Rag-Roll, Sponge, Marble,
Stipple, Wood-Graining, Fantasy finishes, and Trompe l’Oeil.

Step-by-step projects for decorative finishes on walls, along with technical information and methods, make this a complete guide for exploring the many possibilities of paint.
144 pages, Hardcover
Over 250 Illustrations, more than 200 in full color.
Demonstrations by Peter Farlow

Chapters

1. Choosing a Color Scheme
(Color Theory, Use of Color, Off-Hues, Discordant Colors, Color effects with Glazes)

2. Tools & Materials / Trouble Shooting Guide
(Paint Types, Tinting, Equipment, General Painting Sequence)

3. Preparing the Surface
(Old Paint, New Plaster, New or Newly Stripped Wood, Varnished and Waxed Wood, Paper, Fabric, Metal, Tiles)

4. Broken Color
( Color Washing, Shading, Sponging, Stippling, Dragging and Combing, Ragging and Rag-Rolling, Spattering, Antiquing)

5. Fantasy Decoration
(Marbling: Cissing, White Sicilian, Rose, Black Serpentine, Red, Terra Verde, Blue, Floors, Tortoiseshell: Golden,, Auburn, Amber; Porphyry, Wood Graining, Glaze Graining, Bamboo)

6. Finishing Touches
(Lining, Trompe L’Oeil, Picking Out/Accenting, Stenciling, Glass Painting)

Also by Charles Hemming:

“British Painters of the Coast and Sea”

Charles Hemming
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001KE24E0/about
Charles Hemming's enthusiasm for writing and painting began in childhood. On leaving art school he worked as a free-lance writer and artist, exhibiting pictures in London galleries in Mayfair and the South Bank, illustrating books, painting murals and working in other decorative arts in Britain, France and Spain.
He has exhibited pictures with the Royal Society of Marine Artists and is a member of the Guild of Aviation Artists.
He is the author of the award-winning history books British Painters of the Coast and Sea, British Landscape Painters, The Folding Screen, technique books Paint Finishes, the Complete Paint Book, and is a one-time author of the Bluffers' Guides.

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Faux Finishes, Part 1

1/9/2023

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Here is another one of my favorite books from my library...

“The Art of the Painted Finish
for Furniture and Decoration”
Antiquing, Lacquering, Gilding & The Great Impersonators
By Isabel O’Neil

'The Art of Painted Finish for Furniture & Decoration: Antiquing, Lacquering, Gilding & the Great Impersonators' comes with 38 color plates, including 80 life-style samples,
and 100 how-to drawings.
Painted finishes can be applied almost everywhere -- on furniture, decorative objects, even the walls of rooms.
This book rescues and re-creates this nearly lost art
and does so with the realistic and practical use
of modern tools and materials.
Generously illustrated, this is a reference book,
studio manual, and art book all in one.
It is indispensable to professionals -- architects, interior designers and decorators, artists, art teachers and students, and furniture designers -- and to all those interested in arts, crafts and antiques.

Table of Contents:
Preface
Acknowledgements
List of Color Plates
How to use this Book
Historical Background
___
Part I) Painting, Antiquing & Distressing: Mediums and Methods
Color
Preparation of Surface:
Basic Tools & Methods
Paint
Antiquing
Varnishes
Distressing
___
Part II) Glazes, Lacquer & Casein:
Old Techniques Updated
Glazes
History of Lacquer
Lacquer Techniques
Casein
___
Part III) Leafing, Gilding and Burnishing: Traditional Techniques
Introduction
Mat Gilding
Antique Patina for Leaf
Burnishing
___
Part IV) The Great Impersonators:
Faux Finishes
Introduction
Bamboo
Porphyry
Faux Marbre
Faux Tortoise Shell
Lapis Lazuli
Faux Bois
Malachite
Six Fantasies
___
Subject Outline
Craftsmen and Students workin the Color Plates
Suggested Reading
About the Author

"Decorative painting is any painting that serves to adorn or embellish a surface with design motifs, decorative accents, trompe l’Oeil and/or painted faux finishes. The techniques of decorative painting are complex and require years of study and practice to master.
This book is based on the course of study devised through years of detailed instruction, research and experimentation at Isabel O’Neil’s Studio/Workshop. This well written book can take an absolute novice through the many levels of skill required for the creation of breathtakingly beautiful finishes.”
-Roberto Quintana

ISABEL O’NEIL
Isabel O’Neil (1908-1981) was an acclaimed authority in the field of decorative arts. A New York-based conservator, teacher, and inventor of painted finishes, she was often called upon to restore painted finishes on antique furnishings. She found great inspiration in the techniques and materials used by European craftsmen.

The publication of her 1971 book, The Art of the Painted Finish for Furniture & Decoration, gave her further acclaim as an authority in painted finishes. Featuring more than one hundred and fifty finishes, it remains the standard for the most comprehensively-written reference and instructional guide on the subject.

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Health Hazards Manual for Artists

12/26/2022

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'Health Hazards Manual for Artists
Paperback - Illustrated'
by Michael McCann Ph.D. (Author),
Angela Babin (Author)

This is the trusted resource for working artists and art students written by the leading authority on these health hazards. Whether you work in painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, woodworking, textiles, computer, or children's art, this is the only reference book that covers all the dangers associated with metals, minerals, and chemicals.

With illustrations throughout, this first aid book shows how to treat injuries and work with proper caution while still being creative. Updates include new ventilation, photo processing, and computer systems. Whether you are a beginner or professional, this is a must for every school, art studio, and home.

About the Author
MICHAEL MCCANN, Ph.D., C.I.H. is one of the world's leading authorities on health hazards in the arts . He was the founder and President of the Center for Safety in the Arts until it closed due to loss of funding in1995, and is author of the distinguished ARTIST BEWARE, the most exhaustive reference book on the subject of health hazards for artists.

Remember!
Always read the Label.
When in doubt, wear gloves.
If you're outside, wear sunblock and cover up.
When you're prepping, wear a good mask and gloves.
If you're spraying, wear a respirator!
If your slinging paint, wear goggles!
The top step is NOT a step! REALLY!
If your dangling on the face of a building or wall, you should probably have a harness of some type on, (or at least handy... for when the 'clip-boards' show up.)
Don't do stupid stuff.
Keep a first aid kit in the truck, and water, and a fan. and salt tablets.
Don't wear sandals or open-toed-foot-things on ladders and scaffolding or planks!
Don't leave your tools lying around (or on ladders, bone-head!)
Don't let other people around you do stupid stuff.
Never say "Hey Guys, watch this!"
Don't smoke (anything!) around volatiles.
Don't pick at anything with your gloves on. (you can usually rub an itch, but be careful!)
Don't text and paint!
(Especially if you should be wearing a harness!)
When you drop your phone, just let it go!
(Don't reach for it, especially at height or balancing.)
Be nice to the crew setting up the rig.
Always check the work of the crew setting up the rig.
Always check a plank and ladder-jack before you climb on it.
When you'r driving your lift around the mural sight, watch out for 'Old-Guys' sitting on buckets!
Don't bleed on the art-work!

Any other suggestions?

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“The Mural Artist’s Handbook” by Morgan Bricca

11/7/2022

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Here is another one of my favorite books from my library:

“The Mural Artist’s Handbook”
by Morgan Bricca

Are you ready to try your hand at painting a mural?
Have you wondered how to find clients who will pay you to paint?
In Morgan's handbook you will learn how to build an art business
that is sustainable and fun!

• Find clients
• Develop a site-specific design
• Select the right materials
• Block in a mural

"Morgan has done a great job of showing how she has created
a thriving business from her passion for painting murals!
She gives excellent advise on the ins and outs of working by commission and maintaining your own creative vision at the same time." -Roberto

I particularly like her
“Nature is Home”
Native Bird Murals
series

Morgan has painted fifteen flower and bird murals
throughout Ilha das Flores in the Azores, Portugal
in the summer of 2017.
These murals were mainly hand painted on public buildings and ruins, most near the main town of Santa Cruz,
a town of about 900 residents.
(Read about her adventures with this project HERE !)

In addition to sharing her mural painting expertise
and talent through her “Handbook”
Morgan has an excellent
BLOG
on her website
https://muralartistshandbook.com/blog/

...and a fantastic PODCAST!
“If These Walls Could Talk”
promoting the art of mural making and exploring
best practices for creating successful mural projects!
-Great Job Morgan-
(Check it Out!)
https://muralartistshandbook.com/podcast/

Also

Sign up for her monthly
Newsletter
and receive her latest news and updates
delivered directly to your inbox.

"I really enjoy following this generous and talented Muralista as she shares her creativity and vision for a better world
through mural painting!" -Roberto

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Ian Roberts and the Search for Beauty

10/31/2022

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Are you into landscape painting?
I know I am!
So here’s a link to some of my landscape paintings
and drawings.

’Stunt Road Up Two Miles’ Roberto Quintana, Acrylics on Canvas

Ian Roberts
is into landscape painting too!
Sign up for his Weekly newsletter
and FANTASTIC Video tutorials.

Ian Roberts has been painting for over 40 years.
He attended the New School of Art and
the Ontario College of Art in Toronto.
He also studied figure painting in Florence, Italy.
He now teaches plein air painting in the U.S. through his school 'Atelier Saint-Luc',
named after the patron saint of painters,
in Los Angeles, California.

Each week Ian shares a 5-7 minutes video on some aspect
of composition and how it plays a foundational role
in our painting.
"This Guy really knows his stuff!
(and He shares all the Tricks of the Trade.)
I’ve been following Ian for many years now and I always learn something new from him!" -RQ

He also has an excellent Video series:
“The Search for Beauty”
One artist’s journey to understand beauty
https://thesearchforbeauty.com/videos/

Plus…
He has written TWO of my favorite books in my library!!

“Mastering Composition”
Techniques and principles
to dramatically improve
your painting

by Ian Roberts

(40 minute video included)

AND…

“Creative Authenticity”
16 Principles to Clarify and Deepen Your Artistic Vision

by Ian Roberts

If all that's not enough!
He has also produced several other videos:

Mastering Composition from Photos:
Light & Shadow,

Mastering Composition from Photos: Landscape Painting

Mastering Composition,

Plein Air Painting,

Design,

Color,

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Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

10/10/2022

2 Comments

The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles maintains a FREE database of Los Angeles' Mural History linking artists, murals and neighborhoods.
The foundation of this database was shaped by Robin Dunitz' book "Street Gallery", the first true compilation of Los Angeles public murals.
The MCLA website allows submissions of murals created recently in Los Angeles, forming an ever growing archive joining the historic with the new.

“The MCLA site can be searched by Mural Location, Artist, Type, or Title.” -RQ

The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 86231, Los Angeles, CA 90086-0231
Phone:
(213) 291-1811
Email:
muralconservancyLA@gmail.com
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/muralconservancy
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/themcla

And here’s the book the collection was originally based on
(one of my favorites)

"Street Gallery
Guide to over 1000 Los Angeles Murals"
by Robin Dunitz (Author)

With a foreword by Adolfo V. Nodal.
431 pages including an index with artists biographies and a bibliography.
A comprehensive listing with maps showing the locations and in some cases a brief description and/or a color photo of the more than 1,000 murals of Los Angeles and its surrounding neighborhoods.

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The Painter’s Craft

9/5/2022

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“Here are two of my favorite books from my library… ”

“The Painter’s Craft”
An introduction to artists’ methods and materials
By Ralph Mayer

The author is regarded with respect by artists in all fields. In this book he concentrates his attention upon the practicing painter, the hobbyist and the student and supplies a unique guide to the crafts of painting, dealing expertly with the ingredients of pigments, carriers and grounds, and the ways in which these materials are applied. It is an authoritative treatment of the techniques of painting, concerning the mechanics rather than the aesthetics of these skills.

Contents:
1) Introduction
2) Color
3) Pigments
4). Grounds
5). Oil Painting
6). Tempera Painting
7). Aqueous Paints
8). Pastel
9) Mural Painting
10) Synthetic mediums
11) Studio and Equipment

When I am asked what to do to learn the basics of mural painting, I say get a job prepping for a good all-around House-painter. Then, after you have been fired from a few jobs, and you have learned how to prep and work with gallons of paint, how to carry ladders and set scaffolding,
and how to fix a few mistakes...
I used to say "get a job as a scenic artist",
but that’s way too old school now.
(I don’t think those jobs even exist anymore!)
So now I just say "...get Ralph’s books." -RQ

Also by this Author:

“The Artist’s Handbook”
of materials and techniques
By Ralph Mayer

Since 1940, when it was originally published, The Artist's Handbook has been indispensable for thousands of practicing artists and art students. The book has remained continuously in print through many editions and has sold more than a quarter of a million copies.

It is, as American Artist Magazine calls it, the "artist's bible," an invaluable reference for the painter, sculptor, and printmaker. During the past few years, however, new art movements and new research have led to many changes in the technology of artist's materials. With the assistance of Mayer's widow, Bena, and his colleagues, Viking and Steven Sheehan, Director of the Ralph Mayer Center at Yale University, have prepared this latest revision of the book, which is now completely updated and expanded.

The Handbook does retain its original, user-friendly format. Mayer intended that this encyclopedic volume be referred to frequently, and he therefore gave specific, practical advice on every aspect of his subject. In addition, he compiled valuable lists for the artist: retail sources for materials, a pigment catalog, a bibliography, and an extensive appendix. The detailed index makes all of this information immediately accessible.

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JOHN PUGH / Narrative Illusionism

8/29/2022

1 Comment

"Pool of Thought"

John Pugh, Trompe L'oeil Artist,
American Muralist, Optical Illusion Painter, has created
more than 200 murals and is considered to be
the leading proponent, authority, and practitioner of
Narrative Illusionism.

JOHN has been creating murals since the late 1970s.
He attended California State University Chico,
receiving his BA in 1983 and the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003. He has received numerous public and private commissions in the United States, Taiwan, and New Zealand.
John lives in Santa Cruz, California.
Visit www.illusion-art.com

John Pugh's murals appear in more than 30 cities throughout the country, including San Francisco, Miami, Honolulu, and Anchorage.
Pugh's work has been featured in publications worldwide, including Time magazine, Artweek, Art Business News,
the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times,
and the San Francisco Examiner.

"Okay, So here is another great book for the library!":

“The Murals of John Pugh: Beyond Trompe l'Oeil”
by Kevin Bruce
A full-color collection of master trompe l'oeil muralist John Pugh's art, alongside detailed analysis - from conception to unveiling - with an emphasis on how his work relates to and enhances its setting. Includes more than 40 full-color photos of the murals depicting architectural, natural, and pictorial settings.
This full-color collection showcases Pugh's most famous pieces, discusses how he revitalized the trompe l'oeil ("trick of the eye") genre into a vital mode of artistic expression, and illuminates the artist's creative process from sketch to finished mural.

"River of Mercy"

“For more than three decades, world-renowned trompe l’oeil artist John Pugh has engaged and captivated the public with large-scale mural projects in spaces across the world, including San Francisco, Miami, and New York, as well as Taiwan, Mexico, and New Zealand. His “trick of the eye” murals cleverly fool the viewer into seeing a modern facade’s broken wall revealing Greek columns or a woman reading in a cafe. But Pugh’s paintings also capture the imagination and engage the mind. Within a framework of artfully rendered illusionary space, he orchestrates layers of historical, social, and mythical commentary that challenge the viewer to find deeper levels of meaning.
With a body of work now exceeding 200 murals, Pugh has been instrumental in revitalizing the trompe l’oeil genre, turning it into a legitimate and vital mode of artistic expression that is both aesthetically and intellectually challenging.
In Pugh’s own words: ‘It can link people together, stimulate a sense of pride within the community, and introduce the viewer to new ideas and perspectives.' ”
-Kevin Bruce, (Author of The Murals of John Pugh: Beyond Trompe L’oeil, 2006) is a native Californian born in San Francisco in 1941. He is currently engaged as an art historian and author with a focus on chronicling the contemporary mural. He resides with his wife and fellow mural archivist, Pauline, in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Berkeley, California.

'Light Walk"

1 Comment

How to Paint Anything!

7/18/2022

1 Comment

"How to Paint Anything
The complete Guide to painting and refinishing”
By Hubbard H. Cobb

"So when it comes to painting...
I’m pretty much ‘old school’, and I love books!
I have many books on materials and techniques in my library, but a few are really the most useful because they are well organized and have a lot of good foundational material and are clear and to the point.
This is one of them!"

Contents:
1) paints: general information
2) enamel, clear finshes, and stains
3) specialized paints and finishes
4) brushes, rollers, paint equipment, and supplies
5) paint problems and failures
6) how to remove paint
7) how to paint and finish wood
8) how to paint masonry
9) how to paint metals
10) how to paint the outside of a house
11) how to paint the inside of a house
12) how to paint and refinish wood and concrete floors
13) how to paint and refinish furniture
14) special finishes for furniture woodwork
15) how to paint boats
16) how to paint swimming pools
17) how to paint special materials
18) how to paint anything

"I always say that if you want to be a muralist, the best foundation you can have (while you are learning to be an artist and how to draw) is to get yourself fired from several different house painter’s jobs, preferably by an ‘old-school’ craftsman or two. Learn your materials, how to carry ladders, how to match colors, how to prep, and how to avoid and fix mistakes.
I have learned valuable information from every one of these chapters, for one project or an other." -RQ

1 Comment

‘THE ART OF CHALK’ by Tracy Lee Stum

6/20/2022

0 Comments

Here is one of my favorite books in my library:

‘THE ART OF CHALK’
Techniques and Inspiration for Creating Art with Chalk
by
Tracy Lee Stum

“This is the go-to book for everything from
chalkboard art to anamorphic murals.
From the history of chalk, to how to make your own pastels.
From 'fine-art' to street-painting,
Tracy has it all covered with gorgeous photographs
and contributions from 50 contributing artists!
I highly recommend this book!”
-Roberto Quintana, WFA

In ‘The Art of Chalk’ by noted street painter Tracy Lee Stum takes an inspiring look at the many exciting creative applications for this easily accessible medium. With a historic overview of chalk's origins as an art medium, and how its artistic uses have evolved over the centuries, this book is a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to get creative with this time-honored art medium.

Featuring the impressive work of some of today's most prominent artists and designers, 'The Art of Chalk' explores helpful and inspiring techniques used in typography and lettering, fine art, and the intricate, elaborate, and mind-bending chalk designs known as street art. In the resources section, you'll even find a detailed listing of chalk festivals held around the world.

(for 5 bonus points)
50 Down:
Medium that Tracy Lee Stum draws in

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Unfaded Pageant: Edwin Austin Abbey's Shakespearean Subjects

5/30/2022

2 Comments

“Here’s another of my favorite books from my library”…

"Unfaded Pageant: Edwin Austin Abbey's
Shakespearean Subjects"
by Lucy Oakley
Wallach Art Gallery, 1994
8 1/2 x 11", 104 pp.
88 illus., 9 in color
ISBN 1-884919-00-6, Paper

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/wallach/publications/
Unfaded-Pageant.html

This excellent catalogue features 75 items.
Extensive note section for the five sections in this catalogue. A mighty reference. Includes a useful chronology and the following essays:
Abbey and Shakespeare;
Illustrations for the Comedies;
Paintings Exhibited at the Royal Academy;
Costume Designs for Henry Irving"s Richard II;
Illustrations for the Tragedies and Histories.

Chronicles the history of the artist's Shakespearean work, which influenced late Victorian stage productions, and examines his interpretations in the context of late Victorian attitudes towards the plays and the wider context of English art. Contains numerous b&w and color illustrations spanning the range of Abbey's Shakespearean art, including sketches, book and magazine illustrations, costume designs, and oil paintings and studies.
Distributed by the U. of Washington Press.

King Lear, Act I, Scene I (1898)
Edwin Austin Abbey

"The Queen in Hamlet" 1897
Edwin Austin Abbey

See more over here...

The American Artist Who Loved Everything British: Edwin Austin Abbey’s Shakespeare Paintings
https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/abbeys-shakespeare-paintings/

2 Comments

...to Roberto's Blog!

  "Duit-On-Mon-Dai"

  Roberto has been pestering the ‘Marketing’ staff here at Art and Soul for some time now to get together with ‘Research and Development’ to come up with a fun way for him to share all the great work out there of all the many other talented muralists and artists he's been "influenced by" over the years. ‘Sales’ was totally against the idea! ("How could that possibly improve the bottom-line?!"). ‘Marketing’ remains split, as usual ("We need more data"). ‘R&D’ thought it might be a fun way to "show off a little", and to showcase all those great ideas they keep finding out there on the internet. ‘HR’ said it might be a good way to keep 'The Crew' distracted ("Since they are all so bored since Covid hit, and Roberto is spending more and more time in his studio working on all those silly little easel paintings").
'The Crew' said: ’'Sure, We've got nothing else going on …but only if we get to share stuff about technique, materials, and equipment." ‘Receivables’ said: "It obviously won’t make more work for us, so why not!". 'Legal' said: "No Way! You are NOT going to reveal where you steal all your ideas from!" (Although Roberto values their legal advice, He rarely listen’s to their hysterics anyway). So... here we are! Welcome to Roberto’s new blog:
  "Duit-On-Mon-Dai"
     "As the title implies, I will post once a week (on Monday, more or less). Feel free to leave a family friendly comment. Dialogue and praise is encouraged. Creativity, passion and wonder should be expected. Politics and personal grievances hopefully kept to private emails. And please… no Whining! and no sales pitches either (you can make your own damn blog for that).
   I expect to start becoming a little more savvy with all this social media stuff, but for now ‘Bookmark’ my website and check back every once in a while. I hope you will find it interesting. Don’t be too persnickety over my whimsical spelling and creative punctuations either, my Editorial Department is not what it used to be… I am seriously understaffed these days."
Peace and Love...
-Roberto Quintana, WFA

Faux Finishes, Part 4b: Soft Surfaces

"Mastering Layout: on the art of eye appeal" by Mike Stevens.

The Science of Vision / Neuro-Scientifically Challenged

Faux Finishes, Part 4: Surfaces!

Faux Finishes, Part III: Paint Finishes

Faux Finishes, Part 1

Health Hazards Manual for Artists

“The Mural Artist’s Handbook” by Morgan Bricca

Ian Roberts and the Search for Beauty

Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

The Painter’s Craft

JOHN PUGH / Narrative Illusionism

How to Paint Anything!

‘THE ART OF CHALK’ by Tracy Lee Stum

Unfaded Pageant: Edwin Austin Abbey's Shakespearean Subjects

...to Roberto's Blog!

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