Michael Skalka
Complementary Colors
Summary: Primary pigments used to make complementary colors need to be selected with care to avoid hue biases that can thwart making as...
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THE SYNTAX OF COLOR
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Michael Skalka
Jul 307 min read
MAGNA: The History of Acrylic Solution Paint Part 2.
Summary: The development of acrylic solution paint is shrouded in mystery. Magna was a substantial shift in pigment/binder paint...
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Michael Skalka
Jul 207 min read
MAGNA: The History of Acrylic Solution Paint Part 1
Summary: The development of acrylic solution paint is shrouded in mystery. Magna was a substantial shift in pigment/binder paint...
1730
Michael Skalka
Jun 135 min read
Green Pigments
A lot has transpired since my last blog post. We recently returned from an 18-day trip to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland....
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Michael Skalka
Apr 105 min read
Solvent Safety in Simple Terms
Summary: Making a studio a safe place to make art takes both diligence and basic knowledge of the materials being used. This essay...
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Michael Skalka
Mar 136 min read
Things Go Better with Oxygen
Summary: This essay focuses on the trials and tribulations of pioneers in the world of chemistry and industry. While no common thread...
330
Michael Skalka
Feb 246 min read
International Klein Blue
Summary: Yves Klein Blue is a fascinating art concept, making the detective work to fully understand it both intriguing and frustrating....
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Michael Skalka
Feb 76 min read
Proper Art Material Labeling Issues
Summary: Art Material Labeling Issues -Most artists are careful about the art materials they purchase, especially when it comes to the...
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Michael Skalka
Jan 206 min read
Cave Dust and Gold – Realgar and Orpiment
Summary: Old pigments contain a glimpse into the history of what was mined or harvested materials, the chemical makeup of these...
940
Michael Skalka
Dec 12, 20235 min read
Studying Impressionist Technique at the Musee d’Orsay
Summary: The use of a digital camera with telephoto capabilities can reveal minute details on works of art and provide a window to...
961
Michael Skalka
Nov 6, 20236 min read
Obliterating “Fine” from Fine Art
Summary: An ideal visit to a museum should allow visitors to have a contemplative, reasonably up-close encounter with works of art. ...
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Michael Skalka
Sep 12, 20234 min read
The Spoils of Our Labors - Indanthrone Blue
Summary: The Spoils of Our Labors - Indanthrone Blue explores the discovery of pigment manufacturers have used to add a blue hue to a...
1160
Michael Skalka
Aug 4, 20234 min read
Again and A”Gahn” - A Human Invention Machine
Summary: Johann Gahn, an 18th-century chemist, discovered an amazing variety of materials that are still in use today. Read how this...
620
Michael Skalka
Jul 6, 20238 min read
Plein Air Painting Evolution
Summary: Plein air painting is defined as the act of capturing nature outdoors. The origins and evolution of the movement have changed...
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Michael Skalka
Jun 8, 20237 min read
Ultramarine Blue - A Historical Reassessment?
Summary: A small portion of an article in the New York Times provides an abundance of food for thought regarding the art materials...
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