Sarah Jane Conklin

Words of Wisdom from Gerhard Richter

2/12/2017

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People 8 Words of Wisdom From Gerhard Richter on His Birthday The great artist turns 85 today. Sarbani Ghosh, February 9, 2017
German artist Gerhard Richter laughs in front of one of his artworks at the Fondation Beyeler on May 17, 2014 in Riehen near Basel. Photo Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images.
Gerhard Richter, born February 9, 1932, is a driving force in the art world, and one of the most expensive European artists alive. His works walk the line between paintings and photography, one of the most important developments in art in the past century. He has never really adhered to a specific style or movement; nor has he stuck to a single medium. Richter has made art that is aware of its own limitations, and played with the idea of chance in photography and painting. His impact on the art world is undeniable.
Recommended Reading Etel Adnan on Exhibiting With Gerhard Richter and the Politics of Landscape Painting By Emily Nathan, Jan 18, 2017 On the occasion of his 85th birthday, here are some inspiring quotes by the ground-breaking artist. Gerhard Richter, Abstraktes Bild (610-1), 1985. Courtesy of Phillips. 1. On the purpose of art
“Picturing things, taking a view, is what makes us human; art is making sense and giving shape to that sense. It is like the religious search for God.” Gerhard Richter, Cage Grid (Komplettes Set), 2011. Courtesy of Phillips. 2. On the nature of reality
“I don’t mistrust reality, of which I know next to nothing. I mistrust the picture of reality conveyed to us by our senses, which is imperfect and circumscribed.” Lot 8, Gerhard Richter, Vierwaldstätter See (Lake Lucerne) (1969). Courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd. 2015. 3. On painting and passion
“One has to believe in what one is doing, one has to commit oneself inwardly, in order to do painting. Once obsessed, one ultimately carries it to the point of believing that one might change human beings through painting. But if one lacks passionate commitment, there is nothing left to do. Then it is best to leave it alone. For basically painting is total idiocy.” Gerhard Richter, STRIP (926-2) (2012). Courtesy of Wako Works of Art, Japan. 4. On having an artist community
“Contact with like-minded painters—a group means a great deal to me: nothing comes in isolation. We have worked out our ideas largely by talking them through. Shutting myself away in the country, for instance, would do nothing for me. One depends on one’s surroundings. And so the exchange with other artists—and especially the collaboration with Lueg and Polke—matters a lot to me: it is part of the input that I need.” Gerhard Richter, Achtzehn Farbtafeln (Eighteen Colour Charts), 1966. © Gerhard Richter. 5. On truth
“Since there is no such thing as absolute rightness and truth, we always pursue the artificial, leading, human truth. We judge and make a truth that excludes other truths. Art plays a formative part in this manufacture of truth.” Gerhard Richter, Abstraktes Bild (725-4) (1990). Courtesy Sotheby’s London. 6. On art and religion
“Art is not a substitute religion: it is a religion (in the true sense of the word: ‘binding back,’ ‘binding’ to the unknowable, transcending reason, transcendent being). But the church is no longer adequate as a means of affording experience of the transcendental, and of making religion real—and so art has been transformed from a means into the sole provider of religion: which means religion itself.” Gerhard Richter Düsenjäger (1963). Courtesy of Phillips. 7. On artists
“Now there are no priests or philosophers left, artists are the most important people in the world.” Gerhard Richter, Kegel Grid (Cone), 1985. Courtesy of Phillips. 8. On art itself
“Art is the highest form of hope.” Follow artnet News on Facebook. Share

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Sarbani Ghosh

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Water Mixable Oils.

1/11/2017

I'm often asked, 'what are water-mixable oils?, and 'why do I use them?'. I've been using these oils for 10 years. The solvents were causing headaches and the clean-up was labour intensive. My brand of preference is Lukas Berlin Water Soluble Oils. They are very buttery, and 'behave' like regular oils. The 'medium' has been added to the tube of paint. However, I cannot get the 200ml tubes in Canada. The 200ml tubes are only available through Jerry's Artarama in the U.S. (Apparently, they have a North American Monopoly!) When the dollar is favourable and the sales are on, I end up paying about $15.00/200ml tube. (This includes shipping and customs). Recently, because of cost, I've ventured into the realm of Windsor Newton -Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colour. There has been a learning curve, but out of necessity I've come to accept this option. (Although, Lukas Berlin has a Cinnabar Green that I cannot be without!) Below is an explanation by Lori McNee as to the benefits of these paints that reflect my sentiments.Facts:

Water mixable oils also called, solvent free oils, offer greater convenience and increased accessibility. Especially to people with allergies, home studios, students, schools and those who have avoided oils because of the toxic solvents.
Water mixable oils smell great, just like traditional oils!
Linseed oil is contained in both new and traditional oils.
Water mixable oils are real oils. They are water mixable, not water-based.
The new oils were developed to be used with water in the place of turpentine, mineral spirits or other solvents!
The vegetable drying oils have been restructured in water soluble oils which eliminate yellowing.
Like traditional oils, water soluble oils must dry through oxidation – absorbing oxygen through the air. Once dry, they are just like any other oil painting and should be treated as such.
Like traditional oils, water soluble oil paintings cannot be reactivated with water when dry.
New water-mixable mediums have been developed for water mixable oils: quick dry mediums (my favorite), stand oils, painting mediums and impasto mediums, linseed oils and alkyd mediums.
Traditional oil paints and mediums can be added to the new oils in small amounts of up to 20%-30% and still retain water solubility. Small amounts of traditional oil color can be added to these new paints affect the color or consistency.
The new pigments blend and mix extremely well.
When the new oils are mixed with water, it may at times appear somewhat cloudy until the water evaporates. Although I have read this complaint, it has not been my experience with these oils.
The fast drying mediums allow for plenty of time for blending but still make over-painting easier and faster.
Luminous, transparent glazes can be made by using the water-mixable mediums. Rich, opaque darks are easy to achieve.
Water-mixable linseed oil medium makes the new oil more transparent.
A loaded brush of traditional oils spreads much farther than a brush loaded with water soluble oils. This does not affect the look of the finished piece, only the actual painting process.
Water-mixable paints produce fresh, bright, strong color. It is easier to avoid making ‘muddy’ color.
The new oils are easier to clean up.
Those with limited or no experience with traditional oils adjust to water soluble oils more quickly.
Depending on how thick you paint, the water-mixable oils retain their elasticity and workability for up to 48 hours.
The new oils lack of the glossy appearance of traditional oils, but a final varnish is a quick way to replicate the luster of traditional oils.

Tips:

Take care when drying your freshly painted new oil or traditional oil paintings. Avoid dark or moist areas to prevent darkening or yellowing that is caused by the linseed oil.
Water soluble oil paints are perfect for travel, especially on airplanes. Many airlines restrict traditional and flammable solvents on commercial flights. Eliminating the need for harsh solvents makes water soluble oils easy to pack for painting on location whether by car, plane or horseback.
The plein air painter can keep paint on the palette for long periods of time without the paint drying out. However, finished paintings dry more quickly than traditional oil paintings which make these new paints even more desirable for the plein air painter.
Last summer, I used water soluble oils during my plein air painting workshop in France. I painted on canvas sheets which made my studies of Provence light and easy to pack for travel. In the past, I have also used 300lb watercolor paper with two coats of gesso.
Acrylic gesso should be used as the starting ground for water soluble paints to ensure proper adhesion. For studio works, I prefer to paint on hardboard or Masonite panels for a smooth and rigid support, but I do use canvas and linen at times.
Hog bristles are good for under-paintings, but do not let them sit in water or they become mushy. I often use synthetic bristle brushes for large areas. For fine work synthetic watercolor brushes work well.
The new oils will remain water mixable after these specific mediums are used. Having said that, I have found that it is better not to mix water with the medium because using water makes the mediums sticky and the paint does not flow as easily. By the time I begin to add the oil medium, I usually abandon the water except for brush cleaning between color or temperature changes.
A few drops of linseed oil on the palette restore the paints to their original workable form.
All oil paint should be applied fat over lean to prevent cracking.
Use water to thin the new oils for laying in washes. Build up the oily layers after the under painting is dry.
Just like with standard oils, the new paints can be laid down in many smooth thin layers, called indirect painting or can be applied in a thick wet single layer called direct or alla prima painting or everything else in between.
Drying time is longer when a lot of white pigment or Naples Yellow is used.
The dark passages in water soluble oils sometimes ‘sink’ and lack the glossy appearance of a traditional oil painting. This is easily remedied by a final varnish.
I prefer Cobra water soluble oil paints by Royal Talens. The characteristics of this brand is consistent with their traditional oil color counterparts. They use all of the traditional pigments in their lines including cadmiums and cobalts. These paints deliver brilliant, luminous transparent glazes and rich, mysterious opaque passages to my work.
I use non-toxic Turpenoid Natural on hard to clean brushes otherwise; “Dawn” dish soap does the job. Baby oil is also a good cleaner, followed by soap and water. After, a little petroleum jelly conditions the brushes back to their original shape.
Rubbing Alcohol and a razor blade keep my glass palette fresh for the next painting session.

Why I use water-mixable oils.

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My NEW Book! Flying Colours. April 13th, 2016

4/13/2016

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Flying Colours by Sarah Jane Conklin | Make Your Own Book

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Flying Colours-An artist's description of backyard birds through her poems and paintings.By Sarah Jane Conklin

4/11/2016

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http://www.blurb.ca/b/7012052-flying-colours

In this charming artistic interpretation about birds, Sarah Jane invites us to re-discover backyard birds through her eyes. Her poems and paintings identify birds by colour and unique traits. Each bird has a dedicated full-page oil painting. Ten familiar birds are featured: Chickadee, Blue Jay, Robin Redbreast, Goldfinch, Hummingbird, Song Sparrow, Cardinal, Piping Plover, Nuthatch and Crow.

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The meaning behind and the benefits of oil paintings of birds.

3/31/2016

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From the Blog: Wide Entertainment. Collection of interesting articles.

Possible meanings and symbols of Bird Oil PaintingsPosted on March 10, 2015Among all the wildlife creatures that are commonly portrayed on any particular painting, birds are one of those animals that can easily capture the attention of viewers and painting enthusiasts. Since this particular animal has a fascinating body structure and very distinctive ability to fly and soar, it is not surprising if many would have the interest and are willing to spend an extra amount of money in order to grab their own animal bird paintings that will be hanged on the walls of their houses, offices and any type of establishments. But apart from its marvelous physical features, there are other factors that make animal bird paintings a suitable artistic product that anyone can invest in.
Known to symbolize freedom and hierarchy, paintings that have bird subjects easily emit this kind of expression or symbol which can give a very pleasant feeling towards any viewers. With the combination of a professional painter’s prowess and the use of oil paints to create such masterpiece, getting the attention of many people may not be as difficult as it may seem. In any given sense, owning animals birds oil paintings will certainly help you get positive feedbacks from your friends, family or business customers.
Apart from being a symbol of freedom and high status, birds are also known to be a messenger from the heavens according to Chinese Feng Shui. Because of this particular symbolism, many Chinese painters have devoted themselves in making animal bird oil paintings in order to show not only the importance of such specific subject to their arts but also to show the connection of such art to their beliefs and culture.

Since birds are classified into different variations, every variation holds different meanings and symbols that are normally tagged to different bird class. For instance, a Phoenix which is known as a mythical bird, symbolizes great strength, toughness, transformation and resilience. Having a bird painting with such specific subject present on the walls of your house may give an impression of toughness and greatness in the eyes of your visitors and friends. That kind of feature will surely be of good help if you are aiming to get positive comments and feedbacks from other persons.
With such different meanings behind bird portraits and paintings, it is not shocking to know if many would search for this particular art product. In order to have the upper hand in terms of finding and buying this particular painting, you can go and search in paintings gallery online store where a wide range of paintings are found. You only need to be patient on your search especially if you are determined to have your own bird paintings. With a positive attitude towards your research, you might get lucky to find animals’ birds’ oil painting for sale which are offered at less than normal prices and grab hold of such artistic products without a second thought.

Blog is: Wild Entertainment. (Unfortunately I'm not sure of the author.)

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Cholchester Weekly News

3/18/2016

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http://www.trurodaily.com/Colchester-Weekly/2016-03-17/article-4469203/ABOUT-ART%3A-It-feeds-my-soul/1

ABOUT ART: 'It feeds my soul'
Published on March 17, 2016
This painting by Sarah Jane Conklin is entitled To the Point. The artist says she paints because "it feeds my soul."
Submitted photo
There's deep meaning and peace in artist's creativitySarah Jane Conklin is an artist originally from St. John's, NL, who lives in Fall River, N.S.

She is one of the sweetest and most talented artists one could ever meet. Conklin is featured in the book ‘From Land and Sea, Nova Scotia Contemporary Landscape Artists' by Truro author Dee Appleby (Nimbus publishing, 2009), and her paintings are full of vitality, much like her personality.
This artist creates motion and mystique through deliberate entanglements of brushstrokes, rich colour contrast, the chance effect of impasto, and the innate luminosity of oil paint. Each of her paintings exudes it's own energy and excitement.
How did you start making art?
Being creative has always been part of who I am. In the early 1990s, I was fortunate to be an ‘at-home' mother. In the evenings when my husband came home from work, I took the opportunity to take community art classes. I started out with drawing, then slowly made my way through all the mediums, watercolour, acrylic and oils. Now I've settled on water-soluble oils and it's part of my passion to discover something new about them everyday.
Why do you make art?
I paint because it feeds my soul. It's my happy place.
What role does the artist have in society?
Artists are an integral part of our society, from the houses we live in to the buildings we work in to the clothes we wear. How we each live our lives is a reflection of our own creativity. To stifle that, is to stifle individuality. Everything we touch that is manmade, has had creative input.
Which artist has inspired you the most?
Tom Thompson, Helen Galloway McNicoll and Jeanie Edmonds Hancock.
What work do you most enjoy doing?
I most enjoy doing waterscapes. Recently I've dabbled into little birds. I'm having fun with those!
What do you like about your work?
I like that viewers feel that they can imagine themselves in my paintings and can escape for a brief moment into my world.
What was your favourite or most inspirational place?
I love any place near water. I grew up next to a river in Newfoundland. I lived and currently live in places built around water. I'm drawn to it wherever I go.
Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?
In my humble opinion, the most successful ‘paintings' come down to four elements which are line, shape, colour and value. They begin as strong abstracts. We are drawn to subject matters that excite us, but what usually draws us to a painting is the impact of ‘lights' and ‘darks' and how they are arranged on the canvass-the composition. Once that has sparked our attention, it's only then that we see the ‘image'.
Is there something you can't live without in your studio?
I could not paint without my mirror. I have a 4x6 foot mirror behind me that I refer to throughout the painting process. The mirror provides a sense of distance and perspective that I cannot get up close. I see elements more objectively.
Where do you sell your work?
Currently, I'm represented by the Teichert Gallery, Halifax (formerly Nova Scotia Art Sales and Rental) The Sweetest Little Gallery at the Wellington Bakery, in Wellington, and the Peter Lewis Gallery in St. John's, Newfoundland. My studio is always open to visitors by appointment.
Where else can we find you?
www.sarahjaneconklin.ca
Twitter: @sjconklinart
Facebook: Sarah Jane Conklin Fine Art
Email: sarahjaneconklin@gmail.com

Janice Guinan is a local artist who passionately believes in the importance of visual art. Her About Art column appears each week in the Truro Daily News. Guinan also writes a weekly column for the Colchester Weekly News. Both can be viewed online at www.trurodaily.com. Contact her at janice@janiceguinan.com.

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