There are (36) Comments, Comments are now closed for this discussion?

1. 

   Jennifer commented on Mars 10, 2008, at 4:50 pm.

   Paintings by Fraces Poole
   
   Jennifer,
   I'm sending my latest painting done with Interactive Acrylics. I feel that I am getting the paints to look much like my oil paintings. When I look at this, I can't tell I used Acrylic instead of Oils. Since I have been an oil painter for many years, it probably stands to reason that is the look I try for without even being conscious of it. Notice the smooth transitions on the fruit. I like a more painterly look too, and will try to get my paintings to have more brush strokes but that is another lesson. In the meantime, for those who like the graded tones, Interactive Acrylics can do it for them.
   
   Frances
   
   Too see more of Frances Pools artwork visit her website http://www.fpoolepaintings.com

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2. 

   Jennifer commented on Mars 10, 2008, at 4:56 pm.

   Paintings by Don Simasko
   
   Hello Jennifer,
   
   In your last newsletter I read that you are looking for new artists. I have been using interactive acrylics ever since I first discovered them. I love them. I used to paint in both acrylic and oil, but since I discovered interactive paints, I’ve used them exclusively. I’m attaching a few samples of some current work (Thailand, Taos & Paris). I’d like more information per the newsletter.
   
   Thanks,
   
   Don Simasko
   
   Too see more of Don Simasko’s artwork visit his website http://www.donsimasko.com

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3. 

   Jennifer commented on Mars 10, 2008, at 5:03 pm.

   Paintings by Bobbi Doyle-Maher
   
   Dear Jennifer,
   
   Recently you sent me a small bottle of the Thick Slow Medium to try out. I really like using it and have not seen in on the shelves for sale yet. Could you possibly send me some to use until it's for sale here in "Knoxville" TN?
   I am attaching two paintings that I did using the slow dry medium. It works great.
   Thanks in advance for you help,
   Bobbi
   
   
   Too see more of Bobbi Doyle-Maher’s artwork visit his website http://www.bobbidoyle-maher.com

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4. 

   Jan Blencowe commented on Mars 13, 2008, at 12:29 am.

   Hi Jennifer,
   
   Thanks for this article. I've really enjoyed seeing what others are doing with their Interactive paint. I've been using Interactive acrylics for several months now and continue to be pelased and amazed with all the different effects I can get. Soft and atmospheric for my landscapes and bold for my florals. I purchased some of the binder medium and coat whatever surface I'm working on with that first, I find that it really does help with adhesion. On certain surfaces my initial layer was beading up, but the binder medium takes care of that. So, here's my question can I add paint to the binder medium, so when I'm sealing the surface I'm also toning it? Would I need to add water to the binder if I add paint, if so how much?

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5. 

   mohsen irani commented on Mars 13, 2008, at 2:10 am.

   Hi Jennifer
   Thanks for this. I love all paintings here. but i dont use Acrylic, I like drawig and Oil for painting. i sent 2 image.more image is on my website: www.figurativepainters.com
   Jennifer! what is the best varnish for Acrylic?
   Best Wishes
   M.Irani

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6. 

   Gill commented on Mars 14, 2008, at 1:13 pm.

   Tracey sent these paintings to us in an email.
   
   Hi again,
   
   I have attached a couple of other paintings. The pink frangipani is interesting as I started this as a demo at the Caloundra Art Festival. The left half of the painting is done with Archival Oil and the right half with Interactive. No one could pic the difference.
   
   the rose - Mme. Violet is Archival Oils.
   
   Best wishes
   Tracey

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7. 

   Gill commented on Mars 14, 2008, at 4:34 pm.

   Here are some more paintings from Tracey
   
   I have used Jo Sonja and AM for both. I do all the background and underpainting in Jo Sonja and then all the final layers and glazes with AM. The open Rose background is done with many layers of paint wet on wet and scraped back with a metal palette knife to reveal various levels of underlayers. A lot of fun. The still life is a very large painting and it came 2nd in the Kenilworth Art awards still life section. It is all painted with AM and the background only with Jo Sonja.
   
   Take care,
   best wishes
   Tracey

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8. 

   Jennifer commented on Mars 14, 2008, at 4:47 pm.

   Email from Sharon
   
   Hi Jennifer
   Nice to hear from you. Sounds like you have a wonderful job with Chroma.
   I use Jo Sonja's Artists' Colours and Mediums in my paintings. I have been using the Gel Retarder and Retarder when I paint. I'll attach a couple of paintings to see what you think.
   Sharon
   

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9. 

   kezza commented on Mars 14, 2008, at 5:01 pm.

   Hi Jennifer,
   Thank you for your email.
   I usually use gouache, but now i have been trying out the Atelier Interactive acrylics.
   I am only a beginner, I would like to share with you, one of my first attempts.
   It is slightly built up with modeling compound and impasto gel.
   Any thoughts or comments would be welcomed.
   Kerrie

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10. 

    Paul Hewson commented on Mars 15, 2008, at 4:14 am.

    Paintings by Paul Hewson
    
    Hello Jennifer,
    
    Atelier Interactive paints are just being discovered in the United Kingdom. Keith Norris has been demonstrating their versatility to groups of teaching artists here. Up until now, I have been teaching in watercolour, but after seeing Keith’s inspirational use of these new paints, I feel that I can use them just like watercolour, but with the bonus for beginners that ‘mistakes’ can be simply wiped away, and wet in wet can last all day.
    The first painting is a Pen and Wash of St Mary’s Church Carisbrooke, a scene that probably has not changed for well over 100 years. The second is the Post-box at the end of the road, painted as an oil painting.
    I really am amazed that one paint can be used in so many different ways. I now intend to restructure my painting workshops and use Atelier Interactive.
    
    Regards Paul
    
    To see more of Paul Hewson’s artwork visit http://www.paulhewsonart.co.uk

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11. 

    Linda H. Matthews commented on Mars 18, 2008, at 7:58 pm.

    I am a professional Artist & tutor based in Norfolk England.
    Having been an oil painter & watercolourist for many years, I was
    introduced to Atelier Acrylics, at a Keith Norris Demonstration 3 weeks
    ago in Newark England, and I have been happily playing, sorry
    experimenting, since then and took my work to be framed on Monday. My
    very experienced framer thought my work was in oils.
    I love the pigments, far more natural, and the finish is soft, not a
    harsh plastic coating. I take painting courses at my studio and
    demonstrate to groups, I didn't have acrylics in my program unless
    specifically asked, I have now introduced a 5 day course later in the
    year. See more of Linda's Work at http://www.lhm-artworks.co.uk

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12. 

    Kathy Hodge commented on Mars 26, 2008, at 3:46 am.

    Hi Jennifer,
    
    I'm glad to see this forum, and the examples by Bobbi Doyle-Maher using the thick slow medium makes me look forward to trying it.
    
    I'm really glad I was introduced to the Interactives. They are ideal for working outside, and even look great with a little beach sand mixed in. An old wooden cigar box filled with empty film canisters is perfect for taking just the right amount of paint with me. I use sanded pastel paper by Colorfix and I find it has just enough tooth to hold the paint, while allowing for very fluid strokes as well. It comes in a selection of tones and doesn't buckle no matter how wet it gets. I've also made a sketchpad by buying an inexpensive spiral bound watercolor pad and using the Colorfix primer to coat each page, while leaving it in the pad. You have to wait for each sheet to dry of course, but you end up with a nice pad of sanded paper.
    
    In the studio I've used the black and white Interactives as a base for a large drawing. I started out with a basic sketch in charcoal, then over-painted with the black and white Interactives, which allowed me to be fluid in my strokes make changes easily. The charcoal does mix with the paint, so I will isolate the layers with the Fast Medium when I get the drawing to a more finished stage. While I am still working out the composition it's nice to keep my options open in switching back between using charcoal and paint, and I appreciate the mat quality of the acrylics, which makes the surface accept the charcoal better.
    
    I also used Interactives very successfully as under-painting for several oils which allowed me to speed up my progress, as I was entering a competition with a looming deadline. I found that my over-painting in oils matched the under-painting so well that I could let the Interactives show through, and in fact, lost track of which paint was oil and which Interactives.
    
    They are great for quick studies for paintings too, I've attached some studies that I've done as part of a large series of oils I have been working on for a few years. You can see the series at http://www.kathyhodge.com
    
    I also made a nice discovery in palettes. I bought a "John Pike" palette, which is a basic white-plastic palette with a tight fitting lid. By spraying my colors with the fine water spray and placing a flat wet sponge in the box I am able to keep my Interactives workable for weeks! Acrylic painters probably have figured this out already, by I find it's great for an oil painter who is still getting used to the fast drying time of acrylics on the palette!
    
    So thanks for introducing me to Interactives, I speak highly of them to other artists looking for a versatile and quick way to lay down color.
    
    Kathy Hodge
    East Providence, R.I.
    http://www.kathyhodge.com

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13. 

    Bernadine commented on Mars 27, 2008, at 4:14 pm.

    Hi there Jennifer.
    I just wanted to say that I'm loving Atelier's Interactive Acrylic. I adore the vibrancy of the colours and also that they remain open longer. I received a commission from a customer recently which ended up a mixed medium piece in that I used impasto paste, foil and indian ink (Faber Castelle Pitt Pen). The customer was thrilled with the outcome and I'm one happy little vegemite! (Can you tell I'm an Aussie?)
    I've attached the piece which I named "Orient".
    
    Have now decided to enter some pieces in a community art show and can't wait to get started on them.
    
    PS... Am looking for a colour chart. Can you help?

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14. 

    Cara Bevan commented on Avril 19, 2008, at 11:42 am.

    I love Atlier Interactive paints! I'm 19 and I've been using them for almost two years. They have helped me start my own wildlife painting business! They are so fluid and they keep thier colors - even when thinned. The long drying time is a big plus and I can't get enough of them! I've recommended these paints to many of my professional artist friends and they are just as enthusiastic about them as I am. With any other acrylic brand, I would have never made my dream profession a reality. Thank you!
    
    Artist forever,
    Cara Bevan
    www.carabevanartfromtheheart.blogspot.com
    
    This is my most recent (and most detailed) painting. It's titled "Furby".

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15. 

    Ian Bruce commented on Avril 20, 2008, at 12:40 pm.

    Jennifer,
    Sad to say, I have yet to properly evaluate the paint samples that you sent me. I feel that I have to use them all in actual paintings rather than just in color patches and try their mixing qualities. I do like the Permanent Brown Madder though I was suprised to discover that it is redder than Transparent Red Oxide. I love the Viridian, a pigment that is essential to me in this part of the world. I like the Cadmium Yellow Light. It is close to the Lemon Yellow that is a staple for me. I have yet to try the greys. I have never used grey--it goes against the grain for me. I will try them out in Open Portrait Studio to modify skin tones. The Pyrrole Alizarine and Rich Brown I have not yet tried. Here are my plein aire paintings from this winter and Spring and a portrait. Water based paints are a problem when it is so seldom above freezing but I pick my days and go for it!

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16. 

    Gill commented on Mai 5, 2008, at 2:47 pm.

    Here are some images emailed in to us from Tracey Simms
    
    Quilt
    The pattern blocks were painted using Jo Sonja’s Artists’ Colours mixed with Textile Medium after which a glaze was applied to give an aged look and to coordinate with the fabric.
    
    Pot Holder
    This cute pot holder also used Jo Sonja’s Artists’ Colours and Textile Medium for the main design then the highlights were added, using Jo Sonja’s Iridescents and Textile Medium. The easy one hour workshop was lots of fun and ideal for beginners as all participants had never painted before.
    
    Chooky Cushion
    Another appealing piece that was painted in Jo Sonja’s Artists’ Colours and Textile Medium to create this quick and easy project.
    

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17. 

    Kathy Hodge commented on Mai 6, 2008, at 12:49 am.

    I've been very lucky to be chosen as one of this year's artists in residence at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado this spring. I usually bring my heavy French Easel with oil paints when I've worked in the parks, but this time I am going to bring the Interactives. I think it will be more portable and less toxic, but it will be interesting to see how long I can prolong the drying time in the blazing sun of the mesa top, especially since I'm used to working in oils.
    
    This is the kit I've come up with for my trip. I used an old cigar box and filled film canisters with my colors (If you go to a photo lab, they'll probably be happy to give you all you want and if you can find the canisters with the clear tops it makes it easy to find your colors) If the paint dries around the lids, it peels right off. I put a pack of palette paper in the lid. I'm going to bring sanded pastel paper, as I really like the texture and tooth for painting with interactives, as well as some new acrylic canvas paper I'm going to try out.
    
    I'll post again and let you know how they worked out in the field.
    
    Kathy Hodge
    

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18. 

    Jennifer commented on Mai 15, 2008, at 4:33 pm.

    Wow there has been some really great artwork posted here on Paint Talk, congratulations everyone!
    
    I have recieved a lot of new images via email too, here they are.
    
    The artworks below by Barry Sholder, Ed Rode, Kelby Love and Suzanne Jenne were all painted with Interactive.
    
    Mikel Wintermantel uses mostly Interactive but paints Oils over the top, which as yoi can see is a great technique to use.
    
    I look forward to seeing more great paintings on Paint Talk.
    
    Jennifer
    

19. 

    Jennifer commented on Mai 15, 2008, at 4:38 pm.

    Paintings by Barry Sholder using Interactive
    

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20. 

    Jennifer commented on Mai 15, 2008, at 4:42 pm.

    Paintings by Ed Rode using Interactive

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21. 

    Jennifer commented on Mai 15, 2008, at 4:52 pm.

    Paintings by Kelby Love using Interactive

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22. 

    Jennifer commented on Mai 15, 2008, at 5:16 pm.

    Paintings by Suzanne Jenne using Interactive

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23. 

    Jennifer commented on Mai 15, 2008, at 5:27 pm.

    Paintings by Mikel Wintermantel using Interactive and Oils

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24. 

    Barry commented on Mai 22, 2008, at 9:56 am.

    Mikel, just wanted you to know how great your work is. Great use of color. Can you explain your technique?

25. 

    Jennifer commented on Juin 30, 2008, at 1:04 pm.

    Paintings by Derek Jones using Interactive
    
    Hello - am in the UK and I have used Interactive since their introduction ( got some direct fom Australia by mail order)
    
    I attach a couple of small images - I wonder whether they might be useful in your gallery, thanks Derek Jones
    
    my latest work at
    
    http://derekjonesart.blogspot.com/

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26. 

    Jennifer commented on Juin 30, 2008, at 1:12 pm.

    Barry Sholder using Interactive
    
    Using Interactive real wet. Just a note to share the results of using Interactive with slow medium.
    Check out my blog : http://www.Signandartblog.com
    This was painted on Gessoed cold press Watercolor paper. On this particular painting I did not put down Binder but I usually do. I used a metal butcher tray for a pallette for my mixing. I got the paper wet with water first then mixed my paint on the tray and added a few drops of Slow diectly into the mix and layed down the first wash. Working on a slant I continued in to the siennas and ochres, just blocking in color, then finally ending with some direction strokes of greens to define the direction of the foreground. At this point I ran a few errands. It's always good to get away for a bit. When I got back I felt the siennas and ochres were a bit blotchy so....What else? the fine water mister, and I smoothed things out a bit and added some deeper color for contrast. I took thin sienna and marked where my post were going to be not t o concerned about color, just location. I then started to lay in ochre leaves mixed with white and worked around the post marks. Once dry, I went in with heavy French Ultramarine Blue and Sienna for a deep nuetral and added the posts, working in and out of the yellow leaves. I finished by adding some white squiggly vine shapes here and there and some leaf shapes on the ground following the rows. Hope you enjoy it! Barry Sholder
    

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27. 

    Jennifer commented on Septembre 12, 2008, at 2:05 pm.

    Tobi Kahn
    
    Tobi Kahn is a painting professor at the School of the Visual Arts, in New York City, NY. After receiving his MFA from Pratt Institute, he began teaching and has been at SVA for over 20 years.
    
    Tobi recommends Interactive for any student that wants to paint with acrylics. A painter and sculptor, he finds the color saturation superior and raves about Silver and Copper.
    
    He feels that our micaceous colors have given his work more depth and subtlety, and for Tobi, “the subtler it is, the happier I am.”
    
    When asked to define his work, Tobi states that he is “fascinated by the idea of what makes a space sacred.”
    
    Although abstract, his paintings have their genesis in the natural world, alluding to the land, water and sky. He “eliminates what isn’t obvious, and paints the way things look to me.” The minimal paintings become archetypal landscapes, and by inventing names for these places, Tobi invites “someone to bring themselves into the experience.”
    
    Some of his works are painted sculptural pieces; he uses poplar to build installations and ceremonial objects. He employs 4 studio assistants to help him build and prepare his pieces.
    
    Tobi’s paintings begin with a detailed study on handmade Indian paper and his sculptures begin with a 3-d model. He (or his assistants) first apply multiple coats of gesso and sand these layers smooth. An opaque layer of black is next, followed by a layer of modeling compound applied with a brush, creating small, directional marks. He then paints layer upon layer, using transparent colors and washes. These layers create a shimmering, luminous effect and they feel softer than traditional acrylic works.
    
    Tobi is a prolific artist. His work has been in over 40 solo exhibitions and 60 museum and group shows throughout the United States, as well as in Europe, Latin America, and Israel. He has designed and created artwork for interfaith chapels, hospital lobbies and other corporate institutions. One of Tobi’s pieces is a 32-foot donor wall, painted entirely with Interactive. He is actively producing work for two major shows in 2009 consisting of 8-foot paintings, ¾ scale pieces, sculptural pieces and small studies. He continues to take commissions and produce work for galleries – obviously, a very busy guy!
    
    A future issue of Chroma Link will discuss more of Tobi’s process and showcase his installations.
    
    We would be interested to know how other artists are using Interactive, and if any others using it for installations.

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28. 

    Paul J commented on Septembre 29, 2008, at 1:25 am.

    I have only been painting for a couple of years now and I really love these interactive acrylics. I was in my local art shop and they told me about interactive and so I tried them and loved them.
    I have attached a couple of my paintings using interactive and as you can see I do like paintings dogs and these interactive paints are perfect for animal paintings.
    
    Paul J.
    

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29. 

    Jennifer commented on Septembre 29, 2008, at 2:21 pm.

    Colin Rose
    
    I have been using Croma interactive paint for the first time this year. I paint each summer in South Bohemia in the Czech Republic. Last year I had problems with the paint mediums I used drying far to quickly. This summer the temperature was as high as 38 but usually around 28. So I put your paint to the test! Working Plein air, the only problem I had is that the paint film became quite easily damaged, because of the constant reworking, otherwise the paint proved excellent - I usually find I need about 6 hours to complete a painting and usually achieve that in one session. All images are on Panel and vary from the smallest at from 440x360 to the largest at 680x440
    
    More (and larger images) can be found at:
    http://www.colinrose.net/Gallery/2008summercr/
    

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30. 

    nhopkin commented on Octobre 25, 2008, at 2:23 am.

    Hello Jen
    
    I have recently done an illustration of Gandalf the Grey receiving an Emmy. I used mostly chromo acrylic paints plus a little mixed media.
    
    

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31. 

    padilla commented on Novembre 11, 2008, at 12:07 pm.

    Kathy congrats on being named 'artist in residence' at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. What an honor. I teach an annual workshop in that area of the country area and it is inspiring. It is likely your spring dated residency is over now, so we anxiously await your posting of some of the works produced!
    
    Thanks also for sharing an image of your kit. Artists love to see how other artist organize/pack up their gear.
    
    Cynthia Padilla, natural science illustrator: http://www.artinstructor.blogspot.com/
    Chroma teaching artist: http://www.chromaonline.com/chroma/teachers/cynthia_padilla
    
    >>>This is the kit I've come up with for my trip. I used an old cigar box and filled film canisters with my colors....I'll post again and let you know how they worked out in the field.
    Kathy Hodge
    
    
    
    

32. 

    Jennifer commented on Décembre 12, 2008, at 8:22 am.

    We received this email and image from US artist Teaching Artist Judi Russell. Judi often starts with an unconscious drawing, completed with her eyes closed. Her color choices and style lead to a truly creative work!
    
    Hello,
    
    I've attached a painting recently completed using Chroma Interactive.
    It's called "Holiday Blessing" and was painted to celebrate the birth
    of our third grandchild. The father is from Norway, so I included a
    whimsical version of a Viking Ship.
    

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33. 

    espressojoe commented on Décembre 24, 2008, at 11:04 am.

    Hi Jennifer,
    
    I have usually worked in watercolor and alkyds, but tried the Interactive paints a couple of months ago. Acrylics have changed since the 1970s!
    Interactive handle like the alkyds and have that nice non-plastic look to them.
    I attached two recent paintings done with the Interactive acrylics.
    Thanks for this web site; it's a wealth of handy information.
    
    Joe Lambert
    
    

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34. 

    Jennifer commented on Janvier 21, 2009, at 5:40 pm.

    These great paintings by Jenelle Morris-Green were sent into us via email
    Hi my Name is Jenelle Morris-Green and I am an Acrylic Artist.
    
    Message from Jenelle
    
    I have been using Jo Sonja Acrylic Paints since 1999 when I was introduced to them through a local gallery.
    
    I have won several prizes and had many sales at various exhibitions, including The Brisbane Exhibition, Rotary Art Spectacular, Wesley Gallery etc.
    
    I have been a finalist in Australian Artist Magazine and had two articles published by AAM. (non-payment).
    
    I attach samples of my paintings.
    
    I love Jo Sonja paints, the variety of colour, pigment, ease of use, texture and cost.
    
    I also do workshops at a local Gallery and teach a couple of students.
    
    Cheers
    Jenelle Morris-Green
    
    

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35. 

    Jennifer commented on Janvier 22, 2009, at 12:18 pm.

    This was sent into us via email from Kate Broadfoot
    
    I have been using the Interactives in my class at Picton, painting the same scene out the window. Am sending you step by step photos of two of the paintings, if you can use these in any way please do.
    
    Kate B

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36. 

    Jim Cobb commented on Février 23, 2009, at 3:24 pm.

    This topic is now closed for comments, please add your artworks to the new 2009 Paint Talk Gallery.
    
    http://www.chromaonline.com/chroma/paint_talk/paint_talk_gallery_2009

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