Some useful suppliers & sources

SUNDAY AT CROSSROADS 

Venice, I'm not through with you yet! 30x30 oil on linen (4-24-16 canvas 1036)

I'm often asked what materials I use - for me, I understand the question well. It was one of the more difficult things I had to do as a painter..... finding, and getting comfortable, painting with materials and tools that work with me, not against me, at the easel and my pocket book. I also look for suppliers with free and quick shipping at the best prices possible. Along with establishing the best cut on a roll of canvas so there was little to no waste. This lead to personal standard sizes that allowed me to use pre-made and custom frames that can be easily interchanged. Recycle everything possible, stretch your own canvas, buy stretchers by the box for the best possible price and never buy unless its a 25 to 30% sale. It's their nature to have a sale - so wait a bit. Buy enough to get the biggest discount. A roll of 54" canvas will cost more per square inch than an 84" roll.......nickles and dimes count.

Canvas: Centurion double oil primed linen 54", 60", 72" and 84" rolls. Also comes in pre-stretched, panels and pads. Online from Jerry's http://www.jerrysartarama.com/

Stretchers: I found "Jerry's by the Box" the best deal for small works up to 24x24 (I don't go beyond that) http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/canvas-and-boards/stretcher-strips-and-cross-braces/pro-lite-artist-stretcher-bars.htm.

I use a new Blick Standard Stretcher 3/4" deep for small works up to 30x30 - these are clean, sturdy bars and can go much larger with cross bracing. http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-standard-stretcher-bars/ -

 "Best Heavy Duty" 1 1/2" deep for gallery wrap and anything over 40x44 http://www.dickblick.com/categories/stretcherstrips/

NOTE: Jerry's has larger minimums  - not always good if you need a few bars. Blick does not have minimums and for that reason alone the better supplier. They offer excellent price breaks if you buy volume........works for me:=)

Jerry's shipping is a bit faster than Blick's.

Brushes: Royal Long Handle Soft Grips (by the dozen). This supplier has a vast range of brushes to fit every need at wholesale prices.  http://www.artistpaintbrush.com

Oil Paint: Williamsburg handmade oils, Gamblin, Winsor Newton and a few colours from Charvin (premium only}. My preferred is Williamsburg..... the rest revolve around certain colours - supplier, Jerry's or Blick's

Medium: Gamblin Neo Megilp - Supplier Jerry's or Blick's

Brush Cleaner: Odorless mineral spirits - hardware store by the gallon - I never use it as a medium.

Varnish: Gamblin - GAMVAR picture varnish - 32 oz. bottle - Supplier Jerry's or Blick's

 Studio Easel: Hughes counter balance wall easel http://www.hugheseasels.com/

Crossroads studio easel: is a counter balanced with fingertip side-to-side and vertical control by Paint Master. This one was purchased online through Jerry's. It's sturdy and will take a fairly large canvas up to 78" high. However, while it works well in an 8' ceiling it requires a ceiling higher than 8 foot to maximize it's potential.

Lighting: LED 4500 to 5000 bulbs or lamps - Lowe's or Home Depot - expensive yes, but very effective.

Note: My studio has skylights north and south plus good side lighting from windows. The LED lamps helps maintain a strong constant daylight effect - especially good on cloudy days. Plein air painting in the sun was enlightening with regards to colour and how I saw it.....Best way to get close is the use of LED technology.

Framing: JFM (need resale number) Wholesaler, stock, custom, framing and Giclee printing

JFM Enterprises, Inc.

4476 Park Drive

Norcross, GA  30093

Phone:	(770) 447-9740
Toll-Free:	(800) 462-3449
Fax:	(770) 409-1013
Email:	customerservice@jfm.net
Map & Directions: Google Maps

Showroom & Office Hours

Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00

Pickup Hours

9:00 - 4:00 daily with preference given to advance orders

 

Camera: Nikon D5200 (32 focus points) - seriously good high resolution and acceptable to capture digital images for Giclee printing.

Note: Technology moves fast and newer models are at our feet. 

Photo Shop: CS5.1

Art Shipping boxes: AirFloat Systems 1-800-445-2580, www.airfloatsys.com  - approved by FedEx  and most preferred by juried exhibits, galleries and museums.

 

Shipping: FedEx air fright - call for or ask about "Great Rates"- phone weekdays, central time 877-463-7408 (need an account). They can give you onetime rates off normal shipping rates.

Web site: Powered by FASO - cost $28.00 per month - user friendly with excellent technical support.