SARA J. CHAMBERS ARTWORKS

"The best work is not what is most difficult for you; it is what you do best." (Albert Camus)

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#1 Making Pumice Boards

#2, PT1: FRAMING PASTELS

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BIG TIP:  Sara's formula for a bold, textural approach to pastel or oil stick

SARA'S PUMICE BOARD FORMULA:

1 part gesso or acrylic color** (tinted as you prefer)

1 part extra fine pumice*

1 or 2 parts water (I replace some of the water w/ matte medium)

Apply with a foam brush, using 1 to 5 coats, according to preference. Go different directions each coat.

 

TIP:  I prefer Masonite boards, called "shower board", which is smooth and brown on one side and white on the other. I put 3 to 5 coats of the mixture on the brown side.

You can also apply this mixture to canvas--I use gallery wrapped canvas for my oil stick paintings--paint the edges, also.

Can be applied to paper for painting pastels--thin with more water.  It only takes one or two coats for this to work.

TIP: **I buy my acrylic color from Utrecht (1-800-223-9132)--used to be colored gesso. It's now called "regular pigment load artists' color." This is really thick paint--like soft butter, so you may need the greater amount of water.

TIP:  *Pumice I get—J.E. Moser's pumice stone, 2f and 4f. I obtained this from Woodworker's Supply: 1-800-645-9292. Other brands are ok.  I mix equal parts of this for the grit.

TIP: To apply to paper--make the mixture thin enough to flow (2-3 parts water). Dampen the back of the paper as well as the front by misting before you apply the mix.

TIP: To apply to boards, either canvas or masonite: use the lesser amount of water, depending on your gesso.  Liquitex is runnier.

TIP: You can use white gesso or matte medium, and tint it before or after application. Disadvantage--it takes a lot of color to get a medium value, rich tint--probably not as good as straight colored gesso or acrylic.

Write me if you have questions: sarajchambers@yahoo.com

Or call: 575-430-6148

 


 

"True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist." - Albert Einstein

 

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