subject: The Power Of Art Materials [print this page] Art has always been surrounded by an air of romance, intrigue and mystery. The artists that create a love affair of the mind and the canvas can be elevated to the status of legend. The artist has the ability to weave stories, emotion and experience with art materials. They are able to transform a mere paintbrush into a mystical and energized wand of power. The artist can take anyone to any place with a brush stroke.
The tools of the artist have been used to reveal social injustice and provoke thought. The pen and the sword have clashed in the past and the pen has always won. In the hand of an artist a paintbrush can be used to show the world the true beauty of itself and the sheer horror that can exist. This power is shared with children when they are young. It is encouraged that they play with clay and stay within the lines when they color.
For centuries there have been many different materials used for brushes. An expensive red sable brush uses the hair of a weasel. Different brush materials will cause different effects and patterns. This has been a well liked hair for paint brushes for a number of years.
There is also the kolinsky sable. This brush uses the very expensive Siberian mink hair. It is often used because of its pointed shape. It has a unique ability to always keep this shape. The more expensive brushes often require more care. There is also the less expensive synthetic brushes. These brushes are more common and work very well. They do not require as much care as the real hair brushes.
Many modern artists are moving to the computer to produce art. Many others continue to use mediums like pencil and oil paint. There are also those that use a combination of both. There are artists that will paint an oil painting and then digitally photograph the image. That image is then manipulated with software to create other effects.
Comic book artists have been especially affected by computer art. It is now possible to produce an entire comic book without using a pencil. Many artists believe in the old methods because they are able to sell the original pencil and paper drawings as well as the inked drawings. In this field it has become common to specify that computer art is not wanted.
Even in college photography courses many professors are moving away from film processing. While they currently teach it in combination with digital photography; the prices of processing film are getting more expensive. Older cameras are also becoming simple curiosities because new technology can produce the same effects. Many camera makers of the past have now moved on and completely discontinued certain types of film. It is not certain how much longer that dark room techniques will be taught as a hands-on experience.
There are many art materials to choose from in the modern world. Some would say that they soul helps to choose which is right for the artist. As technology changes there will be more mediums to choose from.
