Monday, November 28, 2011

Top 10 Art Supplies For A Beginner Artist




Every artist has different needs for their work, But I have made a list of the top 10 tools that a beginner artist needs or would ask for Christmas or their birthday. This list would also apply to what a beginner artist needs to start basic drawing techniques.




1. Paper, Illustration Board, Canvas

There are different surfaces for various media, such as pencil, pen, markers or paint. To begin with, I suggest using inexpensive copy machine paper. A ream of #20 bond paper is available at office or art supply stores. Latter on you can purchase more expensive drawing surfaces for your finished works of art.



2. Erasers

There are a few different kinds of erasers out there. I'm not referring to the eraser that comes with a pencil. There are different shaped pink erasers used for light pencil marks. I prefer a kneaded rubber eraser because it can be shaped to erase small areas by kneading it like a piece of clay. And best of all, it doesn't leave messy crumbs.



3. Pencils, Pens, Paste

There are different mediums that are available, and different effects that each one produces. I suggest using a 2B lead pencil for starters. There are artist pencil boxes that have a full range of leads that start with 2H lightest (hard lead) to darkest 6B (soft lead). The most used pencils for a beginner artist are 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B. Soon the artist will want to experiment with other media such as, colored pencils, pastels, pen and ink



4. Pencil Sharpener

Keep your pencils sharp so your drawings are sharp. An electric operated sharpener is the best, but the old fashion crank-handled or hand-held type works just as well.



5 T-Square, Triangle and Ruler


The T-square runs across the straight edge of your drawing board and gives you consistent parallel lines. With the triangle you can achieve perfect right angles or can simply use it to create straight lines. Together they can be used for measuring and adding perspective to your work. Rulers are needed to make sure your drawings are at custom or standard sizes.



6. Cutting Knife

Used for cutting out tiny areas, making straight cuts using a metal ruler to cut excess substrate from you works of art.



7. Drawing Table

An adjustable drawing table also called a draftsman's table is to help make the artist comfortable when in their drawing position. For some artists working on a flat table works just as well. You can also create an alternative to the adjustable table by using a piece of wood approximately 18"x24". It can then be propped up with your legs or some books on a table to any angle you wish.



8. Lamp or Light Source

To create your best art you need the best light. Position the lamp or yourself in the right spot so you don't cast a shadow on your art work. There isn't a more important piece of art equipment to add to your art supply than a good artist lamp. When you have great lighting in your work space you can get a full appreciation for color, contrast, and composition. The best light source is outside light. So when setting up your work area be sure to be close to a window.



9. Chair

Being comfortable either at your desk or at the beach is so important. You want to be relaxed but not too comfortable that you'll fall asleep. Being in the same position for a long time can hurt your back or lose circulation in your legs, arms and even hands.



10. Light box

A light box will help the artist see through 2-3 sheets of paper at a time. It helps the artist to outline their rough sketches into fresh lines on a new sheet. It also allows you to change the position of your artwork when retracing to devise an enhanced composition.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Buying art supplys online is the way to go!

All your great art supply's are not at your art store anymore!

I still love to go to my local art supply store. To go down each isle and look at all the different mediums and substrates. It really gets your creative juices going. But when you know what you want and time is not a factor, buying online is easy and a lot cheaper for your wallet.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Ott-Lite Review

Since elementary school my eyes have always been sensitive to light. Especially looking at a blank white piece of paper. The glare of those florescent bulbs gave me a headaches!
Then I had those 100 watt bulbs at home on my desk where I did my homework. I was better off out in the bright sun with sun glasses on. Needless to say when the ott-lite came out I saw the difference at my local office supply store I knew this was good and I had to have it like needing a perfect office chair to be comfortable in. They were pretty expensive when they first came out and I believe most of the cost was in the light bulb. Today they are reasonably priced! Natural light source. I have one on my computer desk & on my draftsman's table!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Corel Draw 15 Software Review

I have used alot of different software programs since 1995 when Windows 95 came out.
And have used several different programs within some of the best desktop publisher/ sign companies that are out there.

Out of all the programs I used Corel Draw comes out on top!
I've been using Corel since it was Corel 4 in 1998! Now I'm using Corel 15.

Comparing Corel Draw to Adobe Illustrator I can honestly say that I could produce any task 2 times faster than anyone using Adobe. I think of my program as a game of chess. The less moves to get what you want in less time wins! :)

Corel is very user friendly and easy to use. And not to mention maybe  six to seven times cheaper!
Save up to 30% more on Corel 15 here!

Stay tuned because I'm making a video on you tube to compare how it takes less steps to draw a box with a gradient color than using Adobe.
Also Corel Draw gives you lots of free tutorials and a book that doesn't speak Chinese.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Free Marketing Online 101

I have learned that advertising has changed in the past 10 years, 3 years & 1 minute!
It's a whole new ball game out there. It's not about advertising in your local newspaper or join your local Chamber of commerce. Although these outlets do get your name out. It is nothing compared to the free advertising that is available online!

Marketing Online 101
I want to explain to you what just 10 min. per day or night can do for you and your business.
Even if you don't have a business, these steps will help you have a larger online presence.

There are hundreds if not thousands of networking sites that are available for free.
Below are my top 10 networking sites that has pushed me to the top of all search engines.

When visiting each site simply sign up and or register your business infomation.
Mostly all of the networking site are free but there are of course upgrades that you can do with your accounts to push you to the top of most search engines quicker. But that does not mean it is better.

Key words are the goal with every site you go to. Try to keep it consistant with all of your networking sites.
Start off with your web site and domain name.
What ever you are selling make sure that those key words are always the same.

Take your time and have fun with this.
Once you have a new network up and going, share it with your customers, family & friends via email or Facebook..

Just start with these and you will be doing better than the averge Joe!
Stay with it and Good-Luck!

1) Linkedin

2) EzineArticles

3) tumblr

4) Craig's List

5) Twitter

6) Fubar

7) Facebook

8) Myspace

9) Bebo

10) Frindster

Simply type these names into Googles search box to find the immediate link in!

Express yourself, share your interests, connect with friends, make new friends and much more when you join the social networking phenomenon.

Most social networking websites also offer additional features. In addition to blogs and forums, members can express themselves by designing their profile page to reflect their personality. The most popular extra features include music and video sections. Members can read bios of their favorite music artists from the artist's profile page as well as listen to their favorite songs and watch music videos. The video section can include everything from member-generated videos from hundreds of subjects to TV clips and movie trailers.

Thank you,
Doug Rohloff

Monday, October 10, 2011

ArtBin Art box drawing compartments and art supply's


You just got to have it!
You could probably get away with just using any tackle or shoe box.
It just wouldn't feel the same when your trying to be in the proffessional artistic mind frame. Besides the word ART is on it! You could just go to art class with your pencil box. But it sure would look better if you pulled your pencil box out of your art supply box! No, it's not something you need to be a better artist... But you sure would look better! :))
Draw on Artists!


Buy ArtBin Art Box today and save up to 40% !
CLICK HERE

Monday, October 3, 2011

Sony Cybershot DSCH1 5.1MP Digital Camera

The best used Camera you can buy that is worth the chance!
I am totally happy with my Sony Cybershot DSCH1 5.1MP Digital Camera with 12x "Steady Shot" Zoom.
It also has a video cam function that works great with YouTube.
I have had this camera for over 4 years. I call it my field camera because I only use it to do my grunt work, like going to estimates and the beach.
I do not recommend you bring any camera to the beach. But you have to have some fun!
I have lots of bumps and scratches, dings and bats from swinging and dropping this camera. It has been in both extremes of weathers from below zero to over 120 degrees in my car! I used this camera on a roller coaster and was easy to hide to get it on the ride. Great quality pictures with all the horns and whistles of an expensive camera.
So if you’re looking for a camera that can take a beaten and keep on clicking, look into finding this item.
Save a ton of money buying this used or save up to 40% off a new one. There are only a few more out there that are new. Check the link below to see your price and technical information.


Sunday, October 2, 2011

Art Studio

The studio of a successful artist, especially from the 15th to the 19th centuries, characterized all the assistants, thus the designation of paintings as "from the workshop of..." or "studio of..." An art studio is sometimes called an atelier, especially in earlier eras. In contemporary, English language use, "atelier" can also refer to the Atelier Method, a training method for artists that usually takes place in a professional artist's studio.

The above mentioned "method" calls upon that zeal for study to play a significant role in the production which occurs in a studio space. A studio is more or less artful to the degree that the artist who occupies it is committed to the continuing education in his or her formal discipline. Academic curriculi categorize studio classes in order to prepare students for the rigors of building sets of skills which require a continuity of practice in order to achieve growth and mastery of their artistic expression. A versatile and creative mind will embrace the opportunity of such practice to innovate and experiment, which develops uniquely individual qualities of each artist's expression. Thus the method raises and maintains an art studio space above the level of a mere production facility or workshop.

Safety is or may be a concern in studios, with some painting materials required to be handled, stored, or used properly to prevent poisoning, chemical burns, or fire

Friday, September 30, 2011

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil Set

The first time I used this brand of colored pencil was in 1985 when I worked at the Pearl Paint in Paramus, NJ.
I was working in the pencil and pen isle when I discovered that out of all the colored pencils, "Prismacolor" seemed to be the easiest to work with. They were vibrant in color and laid down nicely on illustration board. Compared to other pencils that were either too hard or too soft. Prismacolor colored pencils are not messy and can be blended in together nicely. As you can see in my rendition of the characters of the Wizard of Oz.

Save up to 40% off the box of Prismacolor Colored Pencil Box of 132, On the link on the side bar >>>


Sunday, September 25, 2011

French Style Full Box Plein Air Easel

Before I get to all the goodies that is in my studio, I wanted to mention another pice of furniture that holds my canvas substrates at the perfect angle. It's the French Style Full Box Plein Air Easel.
I like this easel the best because of it's mobility and how much it can hold.
When I first set this up in my studio I was surprised how much oil paint, brushes and tupintine I was able to fit in the draw and still fold it back up to bring to my next studio setting.

Friday, September 23, 2011

My Draftsmans Table

I recently just did my first video review for the Studio Designs Futura Craft Station artists draftsman table. I showed an up-close review of the table that I use in my studio. I'm thinking that this will help lots of artists and crafters see what the desk looks like in different angles instead of the generic photo that is shown. I also show an idea of how I also use this desk as a light table.




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