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There is an almost endless variety of tools available to
today’s artists. Regardless of
what your creative endeavors might involve, there is most likely the exact tool
just waiting to help you proceed more efficiently.
Many artists create unnecessary frustration for themselves
by trying to utilize tools not meant for the job at hand.
And the “job” of which we speak is not always the actual creative
part of the process. As an example, if you are an artist who paints on stretched
canvas, you can choose prestretched canvas on which to work, or you can stretch
your own. Buying stretched canvas
“off the shelf” is undoubtedly more convenient, but you are rather limited
in terms of size and canvas texture.
Stretching your own canvas is not difficult providing you
have a few simple, basic tools on hand. Stretcher
bars, which may be purchased at your local art supply store, or mail-ordered,
come in one inch increments, lengthwise, and two weights – heavy or regular
– depending on the size of your painting.
Canvas, as we have discussed in past articles, comes in a
variety of weights, textures, materials, widths and lengths.
As you can see, by having the right tools with which to stretch your own
canvas, the creative possibilities suddenly expand exponentially.
Of course, you will need a few other simple tools to
supplement your bars and canvas. For
measuring and cutting, a good metal yardstick or ruler and a pair of scissors.
For stretching, a pair of canvas pliers and a staple gun or hammer and
tacks.
Brushes are, in a sense, simply tools that the artist uses
to reach his or her creative goals. Choose
your brushes carefully for they can facilitate your efforts or greatly hinder
them. Most brushes are designed for
a specific purpose or meant to create a certain effect.
By picking the right brush for the work to be done, you will make your
task much easier.
Think of proper lighting as a tool to help you along the
way. Avoid the use of regular
fluorescent and/or incandescent bulbs. These
will cast your work in an unfavorable light, so to speak. Seek out natural light
or make use of special bulbs that simulate sunlight. These bulbs are relatively expensive but well worth the extra
money.
A quality easel is one of the most important and useful
tools an artist can own. Weight and
flexibility are two characteristics to look for when choosing an easel.
The heavier the easel, the more stability it will provide and a good
easel will conform to any canvas format that you may be using.
If you select a large, wooden easel, be sure it has locking casters for
ease of mobility.
To help cut “drudge” work, consider the use of an
opaque projector and/or a 35mm slide projector.
Each of these tools can be quiet handy for enlarging sketches and
reviewing small drawings and photographs in a larger format.
A well-equipped studio should contain a variety of tools,
both large and small, to help in the creative process.
If you are having difficulty accomplishing a particular task, there is
probably a tool available to make that task easier.
Do not limit the search for tools to your art supply store
– be sure to check out the neighborhood hardware store as well!
A tool designed for one purpose can sometimes serve another purpose
equally well.
Among the small tools which I can’t do without are:
- An
X-acto knife with a #11 blade.
- A
36” lightweight maul stick.
- Tweezers
with fine, serrated tips.
- Magnifying
glasses that are worn on the head and can be flipped up when not in use.
- A
roll of masking tape attached to my easel.
- A
12” plastic t-square and a 12” aluminum ruler.
You can probably come up with other tools that will suit
your specific purposes.
Remember, the creative process is arduous enough
without having to contend with the wrong tools or a lack of the right tools. |
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