Fun New Items!

AND… Goodbye…

Au-revoir-eolin

Art materials are ever subject to the whims of the corporate almighty, and now the bell tolls for our friend Aureolin Yellow. Production of the pigment ceased some time ago, and it seems that artist’s paint manufacturers have tapped into their final reserves. We would like to take a few moments to say some words and reflect on the life of this unique pigment.

Aureolin (sometimes spelled “Aureoline”) was first introduced to the world in 1831 by German chemist Nikolaus Wolfgang Fischer. He dubbed the concoction of potassium cobaltinitrite “doppelsalz.” Two decades later came the second independent synthesization by chemist Edouard Saint-Evreand, which spurred the widespread use of Aureolin in artists’ paints. The pigment has the designation PY40. It is commonly employed in watercolor and oil paints, less so in acrylic.

Aureolin, also referred to as Cobalt Yellow, is a warm, transparent, non-staining yellow. The color boasts a strong, green-grey leaning hue at full strength. A golden undertone becomes beautifully apparent in washes and glazes. It mixes strongly but lifts well, and was originally blended with Prussian Blue for Hooker’s Green. These qualities quickly made Aureolin a valuable pigment for portrait and landscape artists alike, and it became a welcome substitute for Gamboge (which is less lightfast and also a toxic laxative).

Although Aureolin has enjoyed a plethora of use, its legacy has been plagued by contradictory data. Varying accounts have praised or scoffed at the pigment. To some, it is only viable for oils, others claim superior handling in watercolors. How the pigment is processed, both in the refinement stage as well as which additives the paint manufacturer chooses to include, may alter the integrity (lightfastness) of Aureolin over time.

The term “fugitive” (referring to colors that fade rapidly) cannot be universally applied, as Aureolin’s lightfastness is directly affected by how the paint manufacturer incorporates the pigment into their binder. There are a variety of additives that manufacturers put into their paints, things to control wetting, drying time, and so on. Based on the disparity of permanence in Aureolin between manufacturers, it is likely that certain proprietary additions react adversely with Aureolin over time. For example, the offerings from Winsor & Newton and Daniel Smith list Aureolin with lightfastness ratings of II, which the American Society of Testing and Materials deems “Very Good.” For reference, the scale goes I (Excellent), II (Very Good), III (Fair), IV (Fugitive).

It should be noted that in the tube, Aureolin, like some other pigments, can build up pressure over time, so old tubes should be opened slowly, with the business end pointed away from the handler!

Regarding current availability, Winsor & Newton has discontinued Aureolin. It is yet to be seen if the pigment will be discontinued by other manufacturers as well. We still have some inventory for the 14ml and 5ml sizes by Winsor & Newton. So it’s not yet too late to come and try this historic pigment for yourself.

Workshops at Art Central

Be Sure to Reserve Your Spot!

Join the “Golden Poppies” class at Art Central where children will learn to paint our state’s favorite flower with a soft pink background. This is the first of many courses Meagan Robbins will be offering throughout June and July. Meagan specializes in the arts, especially working with young artists and providing space for children who are interested in learning art or expanding their creative outlets. 

Weekly Classes

This is a watercolor class designed to let you jump in and try out this engaging medium through experimentation. As we progress, we will experience and develop the basic techniques of watercolor painting and realize the characteristics of the medium.

This class is designed for beginners and for those with watercolor experience who wish to expand their knowledge of painting in watercolors.

This is a class for those who love imagining ways to further their visual expressions. We are mostly watercolor-based but branch out into other media. We discuss all elements but mostly color and its interactions, and we explore composition, intention, and process.

This is an explorative acrylic painting workshop, meant to expose the ideas in your mind and express them on canvas. Artists of any skill level are welcome to join. We will find patterns in our mark-making, and explore our creativity as we slowly recognize images in our creations.
–Required supplies: canvas or gesso board and your favorite big and small brushes. 
-Rachel will supply primary colors and black/ white. If you have a favorite color you’d like to paint with, please bring it! All other supplies can be purchased from Art Central. 

Want to better understand every body? Come draw with Rachel and work on style, proportions, and loosening the fixed perspectives we have on art and ourselves. A live, clothed model will pose from 1-20 minutes over a 2 hour period. Bring your mark-making tools, sketchbooks and your friends!  Veteran figure drawer? Pick up some toned paper and white conte or charcoal from Art Central.

STARTING IN JUNE…

NEW! Ardella Swanberg’s specialty is watercolor but she is interested in how other media interact with it. So in this class, she proposes to MIX IT UP! explore using watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and any other water-soluble media. Each media has unique characteristics. Some play well with others and some don’t. Let’s find out what they do. We can paint watercolor over gouache, add pastel or charcoal, or even acrylic. We will work small on different surfaces to find out what works best. Bring your favorite media and she will supply the rest.

Only Two Spots Left! Woodblock Printing – starting June 14th!

NEW WOODBLOCK PRINTING SERIES
-Join The Central Coast Printmakers in exploring the very interesting and varied world of hand-made prints. In this series, you will be learning the process of carving and executing the ancient art of woodblock printing. All ages are welcome and no prior experience is necessary to attend these workshops.
-Some members will also be attending each of these workshops to join in and help you along the way. If you enjoy the workshops and printmaking, we’d like to invite you to become a member of the printmakers.
-Maryanne Nucci and Tricia Reichert will be teaching these workshops.

Meagan is offering 3 classes – all will use 8×10″ canvas and acrylic paints. Each painting will include some type of sparkle/glitter at the end. “The reason I like to incorporate glitter is to give students the freedom to create designs with glue before bringing them to me. We add glitter, shake off the extra, and reveal their very own sparkly design and individuality.”  All paintings work on strengthening a steady hand, along with learning the correct techniques of layering and mixing colors. 

Join local artist and Art Central Staff Spencer Poulter in an hour-long children’s art class, with new lessons each week! Supplies not included in class fee, check our events calendar for specific lessons and required materials lists, all supplies available at Art Central!

Discovering Italic Calligraphy with Mary Lou Johnson

Learn the basics of Italic Script using a Pilot Parallel Pen. (2.4 mm suggested size, available at Art Central) Upper and lower case letters will be reviewed and demonstrated. Italic letters are fun to write and are a great choice for many creative projects. We will explore the versatility of the Pilot Pens featuring a broad edge. Bring your favorite short quotation suitable for lettering a weathergram.

Casual Pointed Pen with Mary Lou Johnson

An easy introduction to cursive style lettering with a pointed pen. Practical guide to lettering capitals and minuscules will be the focus of the class. Suitable for those new to a pointed pen and great review for those who are experienced with Copperplate and pointed pen. 

Bring a few blank envelopes for tips and tricks on envelope addressing.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Expressive Collage and The Art of Drawing with Chantelle Goldthwaite have been cancelled.

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Call for Artists – We want your Western Art!

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Workshops and Demos in the Area

HAPPY PAINTING!!