Another Weekend Full of Fun

Last weekend I was able to take advantage of a very unique experience. Michael Mentler did a portrait demo at Asel's for Canson (and showed off his new paint by Rembrandt called Mentler's Mustard). I must say that the only disappointing aspect to this demo was the fact that it only lasted for 1 1/2 hrs. The first half of the demo was devoted to drawing the anatomy of the human skull (Mr. Mentler is so fast that he drew three different versions). Then he painted a monochromatic portrait study from a live model. Each brushstroke was placed with such deft assurance. The painting that is shown in my blog The Weekend was done with pastel and acetone, but Mike Mentler said that you could do the same thing with mineral spirits. I know that he talked about his new paint and I thought he gave a quick demo of the difference in color and opacity between the Naples Yellow and his Mentler's Mustard. He gave us so much information so fast that I am sitting here scratching my head trying to figure out exactly where he used the Mentler's Mustard. I thought he painted a little bit of it out for us to see, but I don't see it on the paper and don't think he used it in this portrait. After he liquified the pastel with the acetone, he lifted out highlights and added more pigment to get the mottling and values.

Mr. Mentler mentioned to us that Ellen Eagle is going to give a pastel painting workshop at his studio in Carrolton, TX, in February. He also mentioned that he is giving a workshop in Woostock, GA, early in December (there may already be a waiting list).

The icing on the cake for all this was the fact that for a very nominal fee, we got the demonstration and several Canson samples as well, including a sample of the Bruynzeel graphite pencils, aquarel pencils, and the Cobra water mixable oil colors by Rembrandt (the last of which I have already tested out as kid friendly with my grandkids).

That was last weekend. This weekend, I got a chance to attend a demonstration at Herweck's by Barbara Jackson on the use of Golden Acrylics and mediums and again, we received a very nice sample packet of paints and mediums. I was especially interested in her explanation of the mediums. Barbara gave very clear and concise descriptions of the products and had examples and samples of each.

If you are looking for more information on your favorite art products, you may want to check out your local art supply shops for demonstrations and workshops. Enjoy the adventure!