a WOW from K.S. Chambers

[Nancy Bell Scott]

This first piece from Keith arrived a week ago, and what an elegant yet whimsical beauty it is. Did he know I have a thing for dots? Probably not. But everything about it works, not just the dots--other composition aspects, great colors--and waxy textures, which I'd love to hear about if you're inclined.

*Thank you,* Keith!

[Nancy Bell Scott]

Ruud, do you do that for your envelope paintings too?

[Ruud Janssen]

I use special mediums in my paint which I mix selectively. Also heavy ones to get the textures I want. 

[Nancy Bell Scott]

Yes, details. Thanks, Keith. On canvas works I had gotten into long explorations with different acrylic mediums+gels, and enjoyed the process and some outcomes--but haven't done many canvases since stumbling upon mail art 2 years ago. Most varnishes etc. didn't seem to set well for small works about to be mailed, but you've clearly developed methods that work for them. Your piece has a beautiful waxy depth that I love and does the colors justice, which too often isn't the case. Might be time to get out the jars again, this is inspiring. 

[Ruud Janssen]

love hearing the technical details. I use varnishes on my larger works too. Just to protect them and to let them live a bit longer....

[Keith S. Chambers]

Oh, I forgot to mention one other thing about the varnishes. Using these mediums allows me to mix in UV blocking compounds which help inks from fading. This is useful when using found [off-set lithographic] printed materials. Most commercial inks will fade if a uv varnish isn't added in the printing process. As that most packaging and other consumable destined printed work is viewed as eventual trash, the added expense of such process is usually forgone to save costs. I myself have design much destined trash during my long career and know first hand that corporations/companies love cost saving short-cuts. Does any of this matter? Probably not, but I just thought I'd mention it.

[Keith S. Chambers]

Someone else asked me about the varnishing [on another piece]. I have an obsession for layering washes and varnishes; using and blending various acrylic polymers — paints, varnishes and mediums. It takes a little more time to complete a piece this way, but I usually have several pieces going at any given time so drying time is time to work on something else. Process . . .