A Key Ingredient for Painting

To make a powerful painting I believe you need to form a direct channel from your inner self onto the canvas. Sounds easy – but there are many distractions or “static” that can get in the way of this process. Here are some ways to help keep us directed and not distracted: Technical mastery over your tools and materials, having a clear and organized set up for your process, spending time organizing and preparing for painting, clearing the space around our painting area to include only those images and items that are part of our idea, clearing clutter so we can think, avoiding distractions such as phones ringing, deliveries to our door, and unexpected visitors. Staying centered throughout the day is a big plus. Meditating in the morning helps me. Also, all those non-painting tasks we are required to do during the day such as going to a day-job, child care, household chores, computer correspondence, business details and errands could be accomplished with focus, and good-natured intention. If we practice that we can show up for our painting time already warmed up with a good attitude and focus. For me, its better to stay clear and make the most out of limited painting time, then force myself to paint for long “factory worker” hours without preparation and centeredness.

Reduce Fading of Printed Papers

A recent inquiry came to me regarding the archival nature of commercial papers and other additions of non-fine art products added into paintings. There is something you can do to reduce the fading of printed papers. Golden has two products which both have UV protection, and are made especially to help increase the longevity of inks and other colors. There is a UV Gel that comes in Gloss or Satin. Apply this over the papers. The more layers of this you use, the more protection. There is also a spray varnish called Archival Varnish, which comes in gloss, satin and matte. Several sprays would equal one brush application of the gel, in terms of protection, so I recommend spraying at least 4 times.

Is Abstract America Lost on its Viewers?

Here is a link to a short video on the Abstract America show currently at the Saatchi Gallery in London.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvtDXfCQ0_0

I am wondering what you may think of it. I thought it was extremely well made, and I especially liked the subtle point of view conveyed without any narration or voice over. Perhaps this is just my impression, but it really seemed to be saying that art is not accessible to people, that it is so departed from reality that it has no effect or power anymore. Any opinions out there?