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Guide to OPEN Slow-Drying Acrylic Colours

Posted by Jeff Rowley on

OPEN slow drying Acrylics offer a unique set of working properties that represent a true departure from all other acrylics on the market and dramatically expand the range of techniques available to Artists. Formulated with an optimum balance of pigment load and 100% acrylic polymer dispersion producing a paint with a uniquely relaxed set of working characteristics and a versatility that allows artists to explore a wider range of techniques that rely on softening, shading, glazing, and creating fine detail for subjects such as portraiture and landscape painting. OPEN Acrylics remain wet on the palette for prolonged periods without skinning over. They...

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Pinata Alcohol Inks - Details and Usage Instructions

Posted by Jeff Rowley on

Jaquard Alcohol Inks unique formulation allows Artists to work freely on almost any clean, oil-free surface, including: ceramic, glass, metal, plastic, vinyl, acetate, stone, leather, paper, card, sea shells, air drying clay and more. They are acid-free, transparent, highly concentrated, dye-based inks, they differ from other brands because they are Ethanol, rather than Isopropyl, based allowing for a more intense colour, as the dye and binder are more soluble in ethanol than alcohol. Being dye-based they are light resistant, but not light proof, over time, the colours can fade so it is important to keep away from direct sunlight. A final varnish with a good UVA...

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Paper Sizes & Weights conversion

Posted by Jeff Rowley on

A Sizes mm & inches Size Width x Height (mm) Width x Height (“) A0 841 x 1189 mm 33.1 x 46.8” A1 594 x 841 mm 23.4 x 33.1” A2 420 x 594 mm 16.5 x 23.4” A3 297 x 420 mm 11.7 x 16.5” A4 210 x 297 mm 8.3 x 11.7” A5 148 x 210 mm 5.8 x 8.3” A6 105 x 148 mm 4.1 x 5.8” A7 74 x 105 mm 2.9 x 4.1” A8 52 x 74 mm 2.0 x 2.9“ A9 37 x 52 mm 1.5 x 2.0“ A10 26 x 37 mm 1.0...

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Tips for mixing Daler Rowney FW Pouring Mediums & Inks

Posted by Jeff Rowley on

FW Pouring medium unsurprisingly is a new Pouring Medium produced by Daler Rowney specially optimised for inks, formulated to use with their Aquafine Watercolour Inks and FW & System3 Acrylic Inks. The wide range of colours and FW Pearlescent shades provide some exciting pouring possibilities. Mixing With FW, System3 or Aquafine Ink Step 1 Select your ratio, FW Pouring Medium can be used with FW, System3 or Aquafine Inks in a ratio of 1 : 1 (Medium) with up to 3 : 1 (Ink). Step 2 To assist with the mixing process transfer just half of the FW ink portion into cup containing the FW Pouring Medium and...

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Black! Black!- A short guide to some of the blacks and their uses

Posted by Jeff Rowley on

A short guide to some of the blacks available in Oil, Acrylics & Water colours. IVORY BLACK (AKA Bone Black)  A general purpose, most commonly used, stable black with brown undertones and excellent tinting powers.The name derives from traditional method for obtaining it: by roasting elephant tusks, which obviously isn’t the case anymore.LAMP BLACK (AKA Carbon Black)  Opaque, permanent & light-fast it has a bluish tint, ideal for producing a variety of cool blue greys.One of the oldest pigments, made of pure carbon originally from the residual soot of burnt oil lamps. MARS BLACK A denser, more neutral black with...

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