Author: mentler
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ACADEMIC XENOPHOBIA
Once upon a time, the French Academy dictated what was defined as Fine Art and what was not. If one did not follow the Academies rules, he was considered unskilled, untalented, and scorned by the Academy. We use ‘He’ here because the official Academy did not admit women. These regulated regurgitated governmental dictums held sway…
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EACH TO THEIR OWN DEVICES
In his book ‘Secret Knowledge’ Hockney and Professor Martin Kemp, discuss known visual procedures of past Masters. This evidentiary material allows the reader to arrive at their own conclusions. There is more than enough scholarly evidence that Vermeer, and many others, used a form of ‘Camera Obscura’ or curved mirror as a visual aide in…
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Post-Card Putti
The Putti Paintings of William-Adolphe Bouguereau pose an openly disturbing question. Are these fluttering Putti, naked Ninos and pre-pubescent young girls Angelically endearing or Bacchanalian? These Images of breast caressing maidens awaiting spoil were typical of the Salon paintings of the era that saw the demise of Academic History Painting Bouguereau is, without doubt, objectifying…
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AND APPLE A DAY
We are often asked the difference between Realist and Representational Art. The image to the left is, of course, a photograph. Photographs are what realist art is compared to. This illustration of an apple is an example of what one might find in a vintage seed catalog. It actually describes the apple in terms of…
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ENTER THE ARENA
COMPETITIONS CAN BE A SEDUCTIVE MISTRESS. Painters are in general an insecure lot that spends an enormous amount of time alone in their studios wallowing in self-doubt. Artists, in general, feel a tremendous need to be accepted by their peers not the mention the prize money which is often substantial. The underlying problem is that…
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THE JURIES STILL OUT
To Salon or not Salon_This famous painting ‘Le studio de l’artiste’ by Courbet was rejected by the French Government, as were many of his paintings. Courbet never won the prestigious Prix de Rome. He along with Corot and Millet are considered the founding fathers of Realism. We all remember their names but we remember very…
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The Great White Debacle
Several types of white oil paint are available to the Painter. Lead based choices are Lead Carbonate, Lead Sulfate, Stacked Lead White, Flake White, Cremnitz White, Flemish White, Lead-based Foundation White. The non-lead whites are Flake White Replacement, Zinc White, Titanium White, Lithopane, Non-Lead Underpainting, or Foundation White and Transparent White. The three main workhorses on…
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THE ALCHEMY AND CRAFT OF PAINTING
One should make it a point to know as much as possible about their craft. Many Painters are fascinated by the materials and techniques of the Old Masters. The methods or procedures used are far more relevant than the materials. The materials available today are far superior to those used in Renaissance and Barque periods. Some…
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Utrecht Oil Paint Review
PROSPECTUS: Utrecht has been carefully handcrafting Utrecht Artists’ Oil Colors in its Brooklyn, New York, mill for more than 50 years. These fine oil colors are prized by professional artists around the world for their brilliant color, buttery texture, outstanding lightfastness, and excellent long-term performance. High pigment concentrations guarantee superior tinting strength and remarkable vibrancy…
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Williamsburg Oil Paint Review
PROSPECTUS: Dedicated to handmade integrity, Williamsburg Handmade Oils are crafted by skilled American artisans using top-quality pigments from around the world. Each of the more than 170 colors in the line possesses a unique consistency and texture — some are slightly gritty, while others are extremely smooth. This is what makes Williamsburg Handmade Oils so unique and…