Rehabilitating a Vintage Grumbacher #286 French Easel

Rehabilitating a Vintage Grumbacher #286 French Easel

I’m a big fan of vintage art supplies.  Seems that much of the stuff you get today feels like cheap knock-offs.  Plus its kind of a spiritual experience using good quality materials that were used and enjoyed by another artist. I always admired the romance of...
Preparing for Plein Air Painting in Castine, Maine

Preparing for Plein Air Painting in Castine, Maine

Those of you who follow my posts know that I recently picked up plein-air painting using watercolor and oil.  I am pleased to announce that I was accepted to the Castine Plein Air Festival this summer in Castine, Maine.  In the spring I submitted an application to...
Trying Out Rabbit Skin Glue

Trying Out Rabbit Skin Glue

This weekend I tried rabbit skin glue for priming canvas and was pleased with the result.  For years I was hesitant to test this old-time technology, but having been disappointed with PVR sizing I decided to give it a go.  Plus with the closing of Jerry’s on Fourth...
Another Art Supply Store Closes

Another Art Supply Store Closes

It was with sadness that I went downtown to Jerrys New York Central on 4th Avenue to grab what was left at the closing sale.  Jerry’s was one of the last remaining art supply stores in Manhattan that had salespeople who know about the inventory and a friendly...