Craft Focus - Page number 46 - October/November 2021 (Issue 87)

VIRIDIAN PANART has vast manufacturing experience in the art industry, producing premium artistry tools and mediums that help create something truly special. PANART Cool Craft Synthetic range of brushes with FSC-certified wooden handles are designed to appeal to the most avid artist. Using a carefully chosen blend of filament types has resulted in harnessing the dual features of flexibility and stiffness in one small package. This methodology not only allows for an even colour release while using water, oil, and acrylic medium paints, but also allows you to create multiple effects and strokes. Whether you want to blend, shade, or create highlights, this brush will always rise to the task. Available in a sleek metallic grey handle with contrasting white rings, this brush has both beauty and brains, a must have for the budding artist. office@viridianltd.co.uk https://viridianyarn.com LAVINIA STAMPS Developed exclusively for Lavinia Stamps, the Elements Premium Dye Ink Pads will really bring your paper projects to life, with these bright, saturated colours selected by Tracey Dutton. They work beautifully on a wide range of card stock, including Lavinia’s own Multifarious card. They behave brilliantly on the gel press, giving a wonderful smooth even blend and are a dream to use with blenders and the Brayer roller. +44 (0)1824 710 691 www.laviniastamps.com EXACLAIR ExaClair, the UK supplier of Clairefontaine, has further extended its fine arts range of PaintON pads, which features a comprehensive selection of different multi-technique papers that provide inspiration for both budding and more experienced artists alike. Due to its popularity within the previously introduced assorted pad, the denim blue colour has been added to the standard collection. Furthermore, a new grey- green will also be joining the already established black, natural, grey, white and grain pad options. A further addition is the Lisse white paper pad. Its smooth surface makes it ideal for technical and precise drawings as well as illustrations. Lawrence Savage, Marketing Manager at ExaClair, says that it’s the adaptability of the PaintON range that makes it so in demand: “This selection of mixed media pads offers the perfect solution for artists working with both wet and dry techniques, allowing for pencil, felt tip, gouache, acrylic, to name a few. Thanks to the 250gsm paper weight, the pads are also resistant to scratching and perfect for layering.” Both new colours are available in a variety of sizes from A2 to A5, whilst the grey-green also comes in a 30cm x 65cm size, as well as a 30x10m roll. The paper is acid free, pH neutral and PEFC™ certified. +44 (0)1553 696 600 sales@exaclair.co.uk www.exaclairlimited.com SEARCH PRESS Petra Thölken’s practical and inspiring book, Abstract Painting examines what it means to make an abstract work of art. She encourages the reader to consider the subjects of composition, planes, and subject and expression, while also examining the more practical topics of colour theory and colour mixing, how to work with pigment, canvas and priming, spatula techniques and working with unconventional backgrounds. All these elements build up into a vocabulary of visual pointers from which the reader can begin to explore their own adventurousness and creativity. Through the 20 beautiful projects that Petra demonstrates, step by step, readers will learn how to create texture, work with unusual tools and create soft transitions or high contrast. Her clarity of thought and inspirational advice will open your eyes to a whole new way of seeing your paintings and achieving the self-expression that leads to visually exciting and technically innovative work. For some of the projects, there are links to Petra’s popular YouTube videos, demonstrating how she created the individual paintings. +44 (0)1892 510 850 www.searchpress.com 46