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There is valuable information in the Society of Decorative Painters magazine, “The
Decorative Painter.” Here are some areas in which you may be interested.
• A Skillbuilder exercise by Maureen McNaughton Gourzong – We all need
a refresher course from time to time about brushstrokes. Look at pages 47-51 in Issue #1 of 2014.
• Here’s
an article from page 115 of “The Decorative Painter” about copyrights. This is important information.
Who Owns the Design?
By
Jay Staten
Copyright questions come into the SDP offices daily. Given the inquiries we receive, it has become clear that
this is an area of confusion for many artists. Copyright governs creative works, such as art, photography, music, performance,
writings, etc. The World Intellectual Property Organization governs all international rights, so no matter where you are in
the world, the basic laws are the same. In the U.S., the moment an original work is created, it falls under copyright protection.
As a designer, the mere act of creating it makes it yours—and that copyright is valid for your lifetime, plus seventy
years.
USING PATTERNS
For decorative artists working with patterns, it is important to remember
that the designer of the pattern owns the copyright. When you purchase a pattern packet, magazine, book, online download,
or class materials, there is an implied grant of permission from the designer to paint the project for personal use, education,
and enjoyment. This falls under the fair use clause of the copyright laws. This is one of the reasons that many designers
request that you sign your work with, “Painted by (your name), from a design by (designer’s name).” The
above scenario does not give you the right to reproduce the work for personal gain or glory, to teach or publish the work,
or create an adoption (derivative) of the work. To use the design in these instances, seek written permission from the original
designer.
DERIVATIVE WORK
One of the most confusing areas of copyright law for artists is the
concept of derivative work. It is defined as “a work based upon one or more preexisting works.” Generally speaking,
if you adopt anything in your painting from another source, it is a derivative work; and therefore, you must seek permission
to use. This includes a part of a pattern, a photograph taken by someone else, something from the Internet, animated characters,
image from a published source, or other media. Recently a painter asked if she could use a drawing from a child’s coloring
book as a pattern for Snow White to create a series of pieces for a charity project. The answer is no. This would have been
a derivative work, and in this case, she would need to seek permission from Disney. Even creating the general image we associate
with Snow White would be incorrect. However, the artist could have made up a completely different character and called her
Snow White, since titles cannot be copyrighted. In addition, just because it was for charity does not give permission to use.
The fact that someone is not creating something for profit has no bearing on copyright.
PUBLIC DOMAIN
Artists may use items that are now in the public domain. To determine
if something is in the public domain, the general rule of thumb is if the creator is deceased, add seventy years to the date
of their passing. If they are still alive, the work is in copyright. Prior to 1976, there are other ways to determine if something
is in the public domain, but this rule is the easiest to follow.
NOT COVERED
Copyright law excludes just as much as it covers. It does
not protect the name of your work, product names, or slogans. In addition, it fails to protect ideas, concepts, systems, or
methods of doing something. In some cases, patents or trademarks may cover some of these areas. In closing, the best rule
is to ask before using. If you are in doubt, feel free to call SDP with questions, or visit copyright.gov.
We are thrilled to announce an exciting new benefit for all SDP members. As you know, we have been hunting
for new member discounts to help you offset the cost of your membership dues, and we have now finalized a deal with the international
online art supplier Dick Blick. Our members can now enjoy a 10% discount off all of their art supplies purchased online including
papers, brushes, canvasses, a huge selection of paints, drawing mediums, studio furniture, and much, much more.
To use the discount, simply enter the code EN1202 at the online check-out. The discount is only available
online, and cannot be used together with any other offer. Certain exclusions may apply. For more information, to see all of
the available products, and to begin using your discount, please go to: http://www.dickblick.com/landing/specialoffer-EN1202.
Thank you for your loyalty to SDP. We hope to bring you many new benefits throughout the year. If there
is something you would like to see SDP do, please email your suggestions to: matthew@decorativepainters.org. You can find information about this and all all of your member discounts online in the Members' Only section
of DecorativePainters.org.
Happy Painting!
The SDP Staff
Oil Painting Assistant: http://www.mxac.com.au/oilpaint.htmDescription and Abbreviated Review from the Net:
Oil
Painting Assistant is a software program that helps you create successful oil paintings from your own digital photos, scanned
or downloaded images. After you choose the image you want to use, the
program lets you choose the canvas size and orientation
(portrait or landscape) of your painting. At the third stage, the program performs a color analysis of the original picture
and yields the color palette
you can use for making your painting. You can choose which algorithm to use for generating
the basic colors. These can be produced using the oil paintings without mixing them, mixing each color with black or white,
mixing two or three different colors, and so on. Also, you can choose which level of detail you want in your painting. This
can go from very low to full detail. Next, the program allows you to use a grid for sketching the base drawing for your painting.
Finally, you can print the gridded image for transferring it to the canvas. The program will show you an interactive screen
that lets you find out how to obtain any color of the image by placing the cursor over it. A very useful program for oil painters.
Art Apprentice Online http://www.artapprenticeonline.com/index.html This
site offers resources for online painting courses, subscription
to an E Magazine, blog and more. Lessons cover landscapes, floral, still life, wildlife, whimsy, art theory, drawing etc.
While on this site and click on the sample E Magazine. It’s beautiful!
Kingslan & Gibilisco Decorative Arts www.kingslan.comNews, Interactive Classes, Video Clips, Instructional Articles,
Newsletter colored-pencil-studio.com "...everything you need to know about artist quality colored pencils, water-soluble pencils,
and more! Find pictures of pencils, color charts, tips, techniques, and news.”
www.winsornewton.com Suggested by Marian Jackson.
The Art of the Sistine Chapel up
close! Suggested by Alice Goldfuss. http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.htmlTo view every part of this masterpiece, click and drag your
arrow in the direction you wish to see. In the lower left, click on the plus (+) to move closer and on the minus (-) to move
away. Move the arrow
and you will see every part of the chapel. This virtual reality tour of the Sistine Chapel is incredible,
and was done by Villanova University near Philadelphia in 2010 at the request of the Vatican. Villanova is a 10,000 student
Roman Catholic, Augustinian university very near Bryn Mawr College.
Inspiration
Artist’s block? At times I stare at the blank
white drawing pad and I feel I don’t have a new design or painting idea left in me. Other times, the object of my staring
is the computer screen and I don’t know what to blog about…writer’s block. I’ve learned that staring
doesn’t get me anywhere. So what do I do to refresh and gain new inspiration?I like to begin with a short break; a few
minutes walk outside for a new perspective of the world and nature. Something is always blooming in my yard and I look
for any pop of color or contrast (flowers, new-growth green leaves, sky, sunsets, birds, butterflies, rainbows, goldfish in
the pond, etc.). I usually have my digital camera with me for reference photos. I try to take note of texture (tree bark,
pine cones, or smooth shiny berries) and interesting shapes as well as lights and shadows (garden urns, a shovel leaning on
a wheelbarrow, gates, bird houses and baths, a swing or a bench). I try to remember to breathe deeply an appreciate
the fragrances. Even fragrance can spark a painting idea. There is something about just observing and enjoying nature that
clears the mind.Visiting a produce stand or flower market can also be inspirational. One of my favorites activities is going
antique shopping or visiting a flea market. If it is night time or bad weather, there are other activities that can spark
inspiration…looking through magazines and painting books while listening to favorite music or surfing the websites of
museums to look at artwork.Next, I do some of the exercises Mary Jo Leisure, MDA, taught me in a seminar. My favorite and
most productive is sketching thumbnails. I set a timer and sketch 4 or 5 tiny thumbnails (postage stamp size) within a 10
minute time frame of things I saw or thought of. I do no details in these; just shapes, i.e. a ball shapes or clouds indicating
flowers, simple lines indicating stem direction. These thumbnails can be enlarged and developed into detailed drawings of
recognizable objects later…for instance, changing a cone shape into a vase, adding petals inside the ball shape, thorns
on stems, calyxes on the flowers.Ideas for a painting (or writing a blog) can be sparked by any of these activities. I rarely
know exactly what sparked them. Many ideas seem to come “out of the blue”; a complete surprise to me. I try to
jot ideas down just as soon as possible or better yet, sketch a tiny thumbnail. Many of my thumbnails are never acted upon,
others become seeds for paintings or inspirations for a blog.I’m going out for a walk first thing in the morning. Fresh
ideas are just around the corner.Used with permission by Jean Archer MDA – jeanarcher.com
Have You Tried Colored Pencils?
Posted:
23 Mar 2011 01:15 PM PDT
One of the hottest new media trends in decorative art is the use of colored pencils. Have
you tried them yet? The results can be absolutely breathtaking. Their wonderful colors and ease of use are very
attractive features for the busy, modern lifestyle.There are several advantages to explore the use of colored pencils.
If you have an hour or so, pick up a pencil and work on a project. When duty calls, put the pencil down, walk away,
and pick it up later on. There is immediate gratification not to be involved in any extended cleanup. Another
wonderful consideration is the portability of the media. They are great to take on vacation or a day trip to another
location.
Supplies
Pencils Quality colored
pencils are produced throughout the world. I prefer Prismacolor because they are a professional product that can be
easily found in catalogues and stores. Replacement pencils can easily be added to your supply, as well as additional colors
from available open stock. They have a soft wax core that responds easily to blending techniques. Invest in the
largest set that is economically feasible.
Papers
Colored pencils may be
applied to a variety of papers and surfaces. I will often use Canson Mi-teintes paper. This paper comes in a wide variety
of colors and will have both a rough and smooth side. Depending on what effect that you wish to produce, identify which
side that you will use for a project and tape it to the support.
Other Supplies
A drawing board will provide support on which to
tape your paper. This could be a piece of masonite or smooth cardboard.
A variety of erasers
will be valuable tools for corrections or various techniques. I love my battery operated eraser.
A quality battery
operated pencil sharpener will make the whole process more efficient. A sharp point is your
best friend.Tortillions are tightly rolled paper stumps that are used for softening or blending colors.
Spray
fixatives are used to protect final drawings.
A large makeup type of brush to fluff away
pieces of pencil that may end up on the surface.
Basic Terminology and Techniques
As
with any means of artistic expression, experience will be your best teacher. Through practice and diligence, colored
pencils will become an exciting new means to stimulate your creative endeavors. There are many exciting techniques and
possibilities to this medium. Practice, have patience, and explore new approaches. Soon, you will make choices
that are correct for your personal means of expression.
Layering
Layering is a basic
colored pencil technique that stacks one application of color on top of another. Move back on your pencil, holding it in the
middle and using the side of the point to apply color. Rotate the pencil point to maintain adequate application of color.
These applications are applied with very light pressure. Multiple applications create a more opaque presentation.
Pressure, again with side of the pencil, can be applied to melt two values together.
Application of layers
1.
Grasp your pencil halfway down the shaft. This will allow the side of the very sharp lead point to create the application
of color. Apply multiple light pressured layers
2. Keeping your pencil very sharp at all times, apply in either
a circular or linear motion.
3. Burnishing a surface is to use pressure to blend color applications
together. A basic way to create this effect is to use added pressure on the colored pencil or a tortillion. The
colors will melt together to create a blended effect. This technique can only be used on the later stages of application.
If you do it in the beginning, the pencil will create a wax resistant layer which will hamper future applications.
I hope you will enjoy working and experimenting with colored pencils.
Please join us at the SDP Annual Conference in Wichita May 16-21, 2011. Some of the most noted colored pencil artists
will be doing make-it take-its at Janelle Johnson’s booth, numbers 229, 231, 233.
See you there!
Article submitted
and written by Mary McLean CDA,BFA,M.Ed.
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