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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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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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