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THE SYNTAX OF COLOR
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Emerald Green
Summary: Emerald Green and its chemical relation, Scheele’s Green are derivatives of copper and arsenic. They are unavailable today due...
Michael Skalka
Jun 65 min read
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Understanding the Spectral Signature of Pigments
Summary: Understanding color bias is a key to successfully mixing the color an artist desires. However, explaining bias is a more...
Michael Skalka
Apr 174 min read
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Cadmium and Lead Ban in Minnesota
Summary: Minnesota enacted Chapter 60 – H.F. No 2310 into law on August 1, 2023, which restricts the import, manufacture sale, or...
Michael Skalka
Jan 103 min read
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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...
Michael Skalka
Oct 2, 20243 min read
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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...
Michael Skalka
Jul 30, 20247 min read
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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...
Michael Skalka
Jul 20, 20247 min read
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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....
Michael Skalka
Jun 13, 20245 min read
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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...
Michael Skalka
Apr 10, 20245 min read
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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...
Michael Skalka
Mar 13, 20246 min read
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International Klein Blue
Summary: Yves Klein Blue is a fascinating art concept, making the detective work to fully understand it both intriguing and frustrating....
Michael Skalka
Feb 24, 20246 min read
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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...
Michael Skalka
Feb 7, 20246 min read
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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...
Michael Skalka
Jan 20, 20246 min read
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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...
Michael Skalka
Dec 12, 20235 min read
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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. ...
Michael Skalka
Nov 6, 20236 min read
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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...
Michael Skalka
Sep 12, 20234 min read
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