Equipment and Services:
Over the years I have acquired several tools that can help make an artist’s life a lot less complicated and/or expensive. I am more than willing to let students use these tools as needed, whether it be for a lesson assignment, contest, or personal project. Most often however, these tools will need to be used outside of class and depending on the amount of time required or supplies used I may assess a nominal fee. The tools are outlined below:
Camera
Whenever photographing art work for prints or slides, it is imperative that you get the most identical reproduction possible as that photograph will be standing alone as a representation of your work. I shoot my work with a Canon EOS 10D, a professional digital camera with changeable lenses. While the camera you use is important, the lighting in the room and angle the work is set at can be just as important. I will help students learn how these different components work together to best shoot their work.
Mat cutter
When displaying art work, submitting to an exhibit, etc. it is generally necessary to mat the work. Not only does this give it a crisp, professional look, but it also adds a layer of protection. I own a professional mat cutter that students are free to use once they have been trained and have shown their competence with it. Students will need to provide their own mat board. Cutting your own mat board can typically save over 70% compared to having it cut at a store like Michaels.
Light box
While light boxes should not be used by beginner students, it can often be a great time saving tool for more advanced projects - especially collage type pieces, where several different parts are sketched on different sheets of paper and then combined onto the final sheet.
Art Prism
Similar to the light box, this tool is only used by those students who are already able to draw by eye and just need to speed up the process a bit. Once a student has drawn their ideas on a small scale, the sheet is placed into the prism and projected against my drafting table (to blow up the size) and then traced, to ensure that all proportions are still correct at the larger scale. While some artists feel this is cheating, I don't agree - as long as the artist could have drawn the picture on a larger scale, had they chosen to do so. In fact, many famous artists throughout history used similar devices for the same reason - possibly as far back as the Renaissance.
Prints
There are many different places to have photographs printed and the prices vary considerably. (And yes, I have figured out where to get the best deals!) Locally, I tend to use Sams Club or Woodmans. Currently, Woodmans is a little cheaper, but Sams club has a faster turn around time.
However, for larger projects I send my work up to a lab in Minnesota. Their print quality is excellent and prices are extremely reasonable. What makes them superior however, is that they will print any size. While most labs only print the standard 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, etc. this lab will print any size (rectangle, square, panoramic, etc.) and charges by the square inch. If you are interested, talk to me and we can see about combining an order to cut down on shipping costs. Tip: These prints make great presents for relatives and friends!
Slides
Slides are the most common form of entry for upper level art contests and exhibits. While many artists still use slide film, I have found it much easier to shoot my work digitally and then have it converted into slides. Currently, I am working with a lab in New Mexico that has excellent quality and great prices. Again, if you are interested, see me and we can try to combine an order to save on shipping.