Why I Choose Quality Art Materials
Would you like your plumber to use a broken pipe? Or your electrician to use fraying wires? Do you mind if you get served a mouldy salad when you are out to lunch?
It would bother me. If I am paying for a product or a service I expect that it will be safe to use and hope that it will last.
So, when it comes to creating art I want it to last! I paint with the intention and hope that my art will outlive society as we know it. The thought that my artwork can be passed on to future generations is present in every painting I create.
Early on in my arts career, so early I was still studying, I was witness to one of my own large artworks being punctured, straight through the middle. The canvas tore, I almost cried - I had spent so much time creating this painting and put my heart and soul into this 2 metres of canvas, it was just heart breaking. Though at this stage I was a student, I immediately upgraded the quality of my canvas, this was a no brainer, despite the cost I could not stomach the thought that this may happen again.
As I have established myself as a full time artist I have again improved the quality of the canvas I use. After much consideration and research I sourced a local Western Australian Art Canvas Services business who offered quality canvas. Each canvas meticulously built using straight timbers, quality canvas and just a damn fine finish. MADE WITH LOVE.
I now work predominantly on a 12oz canvas. It is robust and tactile.
Though, I have recently invested in a roll of canvas myself (to sell some unstretched work and for experimenting) I have selected a 14oz canvas.
To the quality of the paint itself, a rich pigment is imperative! I work predominantly with Atelier professional quality acrylic paint it is very highly pigmented and lightfast meaning it is intended to hold its colour.
The result, my paintings are not just rich in colour, but are more resistant to fading. For my collectors, it means these paintings are more likely to stand the test of time.
To brushes and tools, every artist works differently, but the nature of the way I apply my paint means I need to regularly update my brushes. I cannot afford to have stray hairs. I purchase good quality brushes, but don’t feel the need to purchase high end, but this is simply due to the high turn over.
Not forgetting my art prints, they are printed locally onto archival quality paper using archival quality inks.
My new tea towel range has just launched and are due to arrive soon, these will be printed on ACO approved organic cotton.
My process itself and the packaging I opt to use when shipping my artwork also helps ensure I am sending out a quality artwork, but I will get to that another day.
The most important thing to discuss when it comes to quality though, is that I have always chosen to invest in better materials, I work with the best that my money can buy. A better finish and a product that lasts.
Invest in the best YOU can, and then reinvest again.
