Monday, December 27, 2010

Taking Care of What Santa Brought (Your Original Oil Painting)

Christmas Remains, Photo © Toni Ruppert
Santa did good.  Your new original oil painting arrived in time for Christmas.  It was created on quality, fine-art canvas.  Your painting should last for generations with it's original craftsmanship.  To assure this, reasonable care should be taken to protect it as you would any article of value.  Here are my 5 Top Care Recommendations:


1. Protect your oil painting.
Protect your painting from environmental damage like smoke and air pollution. You may have seen before and after images of oil paintings that have been cleaned.  Eliminate any smoking near your oil painting, and limit the use of candles and incense near it. You may prefer to hang it outside of direct sunlight and ultra-violet exposure.

2. Dusting is OK.
Dust your painting regularly. Do not spray anything (like Pledge) on the work. A soft brush, like a paintbrush, may be used to dust paintings. You can also dust with a soft, dry cloth. Additionally, you can keep artwork dust free by using a low power vacuum with a hose and brush attached.

3. Take care when transporting.
When transporting your painting, lay a flat piece of cardboard, mat board or similar firm material over the front and back surfaces.  For extra protection, wrap it in bubble wrap or styrofoam wrap.  Try not to keep it wrapped up for too long because might cause damaging moisture buildup.  Fedex Office carries a medium and large box especially made for shipping/ transporting art.

4. Beware of sharp objects.
Never lean the front or back of a stretched canvas on a pointed or sharp object, no matter how small. This will leave a dent that will mar your work. If you want to lean it against something, lean it on the wood of its stretcher bars so that nothing presses against the actual canvas.

5. Properly frame your oil painting. 
Be sure your oil painting is properly framed.  Oil paintings must be framed without glass. The framing serves to accent and complete the painting and cover the edges of the canvas.  You might need a frame with a large rabbet depth to accommodate large canvas stretchers.  I recommend the online store-- pictureframes.com for their excellent selection and customer service.

Framing Art, Photo © Toni Ruppert

These 5 recommendations are essential when caring for your new original oil painting.

Finally, if the work must change owners, the artist who created the work would probably appreciate being contacted.  She would love knowing of the painting’s whereabouts so she can update the work's provenance records.

Feel free to leave any further questions in the comments. 

The holidays are almost over here, yet with the proper care of your original oil painting--your purchase will last for generations to come. 

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Dance! (Like an Artist)

"The Children's Library", Oil, 24x36,  © Toni Ruppert
We were all dancing to music from the 90’s.  My husband and my girls and I.  This was music at least two of us were familiar with.  Whatever we did, my littlest one would mimic us.

We were dancing and laughing hysterically.  The scene made me think how much music has helped me lately. 

Music has helped me during my long hours at the painting easel.  I have been completing a year-long project for the Markham Public Library(IL) which includes several paintings.

Music from 80‘s R&B singer Chaka Khan, legends The Isley Brothers and contemporary Gospel musicians like The Winans and J. Moss--have me literally dancing at the easel and cause my paint to flow just right. With music like this, my mistakes in my paintings(I do make many) don't seem as gargantuan.
"Drawing/Children's Library", ink, 9x12, ©Toni Ruppert

For example, in my haste to finish my painting, I realized after doing the drawing (shown on this post) that I had no guys represented.  I had no models either.  Oops!

I quickly added some figures into the painting as placeholders.

Luckily, I was using oil for this piece and could easily add figures like this.  I have posted how it looked here.  I quickly called some dear friends who modeled for me that night and I was able to add in the figures.



"Progress/Children's Library", Oil, 24x36, ©Toni Ruppert
With a little help from iTunes -my music player on my computer--and a few extra painting hours, the piece was done.  

Music is an essential addition to my painting routine. 

 Put the music on and start the day is my advice. 

Do you use music in your work?  Has it helped with oopsies?  What are you swaying, twirling, pirouetting or bopping to?  I’d love to hear from you.