Art Theory

Winegarfineart wrote

on 24 Jan 2010 9:58 PM

There are a lot of great forums on this site, but I feel like it's missing something important.  I would like to petition for a place where artists can discuss theoretical, appplicational and idealogical topics in art.  There is a section for most everything else, including any medium imaginable, but the "Art Practice" forum seems to be lacking.  I feel like the "Technical Q&A" is closest to what I am talking about, but the idea behind this section would not necessarily be a question and answer format, but a discussionary medium.  If one had advice to impart, or something he/she noticed that was interesting about a specific piece of art, it would be proposed therein.  I think we need a forum to discuss intellectual topics that don't necessarily deal with a specific medium or subject.  A forum for the ideas and practice of art and it's theories.

What do you think?

Karyn wrote

on 25 Jan 2010 6:47 AM

Much of that kind of discussion is already happening in "Outside the Studio".  Have you checked out that forum?  Are you thinking of something different than what you see there, and if so, can you be even more specific?

Karyn

Margo5 wrote

on 25 Jan 2010 9:39 AM

Karen, where is "Outside the studio?"

Margo5 wrote

on 25 Jan 2010 9:44 AM

I think it is great and here is your first question.

Does the particular pigment that you use in a painting affect the ultimate drying time of your painting? In other words, do some pigments have faster drying times than others. Also, each manufacturer uses different binding agents. Do the binding agents have an effect on the drying time of your painting? I am particularly interested in watercolor medium, but if it is true for one medium, it may be true for another.

Winegarfineart wrote

on 25 Jan 2010 10:31 AM

I thought "outside the studio" was supposed to deal with non-art related topics.  These topics would be very much art related, but not medium or subject specific.  An example of a topic that would appear in this section:

"How do you "tame" a color?  There are many people who tame, or subdue a color by adding a complimentary hue to the pigment in question, and others who simply place a complimentary shade immediately next to the color in question in order to get an overall subdued look when the viewer sees it from a distance.  I know other people who use a shade of gray, brown, white etc. (I try to avoid these methods) What approach do you use to subdue a color, are there other approaches?"

You see how this topic is not related to any subject, or medium.  It also doesn't seem to fit anywhere else. It is a general art discussion (or what I would call Art Theory.) 

MARGO,  In response to your question...I don't have any input for you on watercolors, but I know that in oils the different pigments do dry faster and slower, and the different mediums can also slow down, or speed up the drying process as well.  It will vary from manufacturer.  You will also find that different substrates and gessos or primers will also effect the drying time.

From what I have noticed, across the board, most Whites dry the slowest, followed by Cadmium paints.  Browns and blues tend to dry the fastest (except burnt sienna...which takes FOREVER compared to burnt umber which dries super fast...depending on the brand.)  All the othe pigments are somewhere between. 

It isn't an exact science, since we are not talking brand specific.

Winegarfineart wrote

on 25 Jan 2010 10:36 AM

Karen,

I just re-read the section description for "outside the studio"  It seems to be exactly what I was talking about.  I earlier thought that the section was dedicated to non-art related stuff.  I guess I should start reading things more carefully!!

Karyn wrote

on 25 Jan 2010 10:53 AM

Margo,

"Outside the Studio" is located in the "Art Practice" discussions.  It can be found here: http://www.artistdaily.com/forums/16.aspx

So glad that this will meet your interest Winegar!    It is a much utilized forum with quite some interesting topics, and a very thorough discussion right now on "Original Art"  Enjoy!

Margo5 wrote

on 25 Jan 2010 11:13 AM

It may be my imagination, but I have begun to suspect that what you have said holds true for oil paints may also hold true for watercolors. It is interesting to know because it can help you to plan a little better.