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All Things Ampersand

Windows of the World

Karen Vernon Karen Vernon | April 12, 2018 | aquabord tips for painting watercolors | 3 Comments

Today we’re going to take a look at my painting “Windows of the World.” It is an 11” x 14″ watercolor piece on Ampersand Aquabord.

The painting, itself, is created from a window seen while in Italy.  Painting this subject is fun and easy.  It has very little perspective to be dealt with and offers the artist the opportunity to play with texture and color flows. Continue Reading >>

Aquabord Basics

Avatar Karyn Meyer-Berthel | January 29, 2016 | Products Tips and Tricks | 0 Comments

Aquabord™ is an acid-free textured clay surface that absorbs watercolors like a fine paper.  If you are not yet familiar with our Aquabord, then here are some basic tips on how it works:

  • Colors retain their purity and vibrancy in a way that even the finest of watercolor papers can never match. 
  • This multimedia panel simulates the absorbency and texture of cold pressed watercolor paper, but allows color to be lifted back to white easily. 
  • It is perfect for watercolors and gouache, but is also ideal for casein and acrylics. 
  • Will not tear, shrink or buckle even under heavy water application. 
  • For best results, it’s a good idea to first “flush out” the surface of the panel with water using a large flat watercolor brush to release trapped air. Once the surface is slightly damp, it is ready to use. Rewetting may be needed as you work. Note that heavy water applications may release more air. Use a blow dryer to dry and also to dissipate air if needed.
  • Seal finished watercolors or gouache with several light coats of spray varnish (or fixative). We recommend the Krylon UV Archival Varnishes.
  • For additional protection against scratches during transport and also ultraviolet light, follow the application of Krylon® spray varnish with Golden® MSA UVLS or Golden® Polymer UVLS varnish. About 4 coats brushed-on, provides a very durable archival finish and is also removable for conservation purposes.
  • Aquabord is available in a 1/8in flat panel for standard framing behind glass and in a 7/8in, 1.5in or 2in cradle for either frameless presentation or for use with floater frames. 
  • As with all of our Museum Series, Aquabord is archival, eco-friendly and made in the USA.
Karen Vernon
watercolor on Aquabord by Karen Vernon

There are some amazing artists using Aquabord for their work; Karen Vernon shares more about how to start on Aquabord in this article:  Unleashing Dynamic Watercolors.

All things Ampersand,
Karyn Meyer-Berthel
Artist & Social Media Specialist
Ampersand Art Supply

Click here to explore the full selection of Ampersand panels and tools.

Current Events with Ampersand Artists

Avatar Karyn Meyer-Berthel | January 14, 2015 | Events | 0 Comments

Upcoming Workshops

Karen Vernon
Heading Home,
watercolor by Karen Vernon

Color Expressions Oil Painting Workshop with Karen Vernon 
January 26- March 23rd, at The Gallery at Round Top, TX

Enjoy yourself in this painting workshop with internationally recognized artist, Karen Vernon.  Learn the basics and beyond in this class.  Students will be introduced to water soluble oils, the safer, more economic method of working in oil.

Watercolor Workshop with Karen Vernon 
April13-15, Murfreesboro, TN

The participants will develop expertise in color management, composition, improve their watercolor skills and experience new materials. This is a fun workshop filled with vital information for achieving more successful paintings and delving into your own creative vision.


Exhibitions

intricacies: an Exhibition of Scratchboard Art by Lisa Goesling
TaKohl Gallery in Chicago, IL
Lisa’s work will be on display through January 2015

Ways of Making:  LINE (group exhibition featuring Lisa Goesling)
Jan 5-30, 2015 at GSU in University Park, IL
This exhibition brings together four artists working in dissimilar ways but who all have line as a primary component in their artistic expression.  

Andrea Pramuk

Luminescence featuring Andrea Pramuk
Jan 8-29 at NSU in Natchitoches, LA
A two person exhibition at NSU’s Orville J. Hanchey Gallery featuring the art of Tony McDonald and Andrea Pramuk

Inside/Outside featuring Lisa Pressman
Feb 2- April 18 Gallery at R&F, Kingston, NY
Lisa’s bold, mature, expressionistic work makes abstract references to landscape, personal possessions and the inner workings of the mind.



All things Ampersand, 
Karyn Meyer-Berthel 
Artist & Social Media Specialist 
Ampersand Art Supply 

Click here to explore the full selection of Ampersand panels and tools.

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