mlaiuppa

No, I had no idea Daniel Smith had a line of gouache. I normally don’t use it, but I think I will pick up a tube of the white as sometimes I want an opaque white water based media and haven’t found anything I like. Neither the Chinese white or the Titanium white had the opacity I as looking for. I have some Old Holland mixed white or zinc white…[Read more]

Medical studies have shown that they lower blood pressure.

I have a few photos of my previous dog, Ramses, snuggled like that with a favorite toy. He used to love the cheap latex squeaky toys. He did eat one to get at the squeaker, but like Elliot, was crushed that it didn’t squeak any more. But he seemed to figure it out because that was the last toy he destroyed. I bought him others and he would enjoy…[Read more]

Have you tried the pheromones over the counter from amazon? Supposed to smell like nursing mother and sooth. I think they make them for cats too. Do they make a “thundershirt” for cat? I know I bought a snood at one point, just a tube that went over the head and ears of my parent’s dog. It muffled but didn’t completely eliminate the fireworks.

FOME has an extensive line of watercolor palettes but you don’t see them all as they are contracted by companies to make them and then brand them with the company name. Some companies specialize in only one or a few of the available styles. Looks like Vanderline likes the larger boxes with the reservoir. I’ve never been able to find them so might…[Read more]

I remember as a child running around the back yard with a sparkler. You can’t buy them any more as fireworks are illegal in California and have been for decades. I kinda miss the sparklers

I am lucky that none of the dogs I have ever had have been bothered by fireworks, thunder or sirens. Well, Caesar used to howl in sympathy with the fire…[Read more]

I was going to buy a set of MaimeriBlu when I was in Italy but couldn’t find it anywhere. Went to two art stores, one in Siena and one in Florence and neither carried them. I think I’m going to renew my efforts as I really like single pigment paints.

I am buying the single pigments colors of A. Gallo right now and will be using them this year…[Read more]

We don’t have fireflies here but I saw them once on a visit to my relatives in Connecticut one summer. It is truly magical. Disneyland tries with their Blue Bayoo area but it’s just not the same.

I get the chilling. Never taught that to the puppies but they have learned there is a time to romp and a time to relax. They have both learned to…[Read more]

I have always been fascinated with the idea of painting the Aurora Borealis in watercolor. When the new black watercolor paper came out I thought for sure that might be the answer. Then maybe the pearlescent and iridescent watercolors might be the key. But apparently the secret is my biggest weakness — patience.

Are you familiar with Bats at the Ballgame by Brian Lies? It’s a children’s picture book. One is a series. (Bats at the Beach, Bats at the Library, etc.)

I’ve also been a collector all my life. My parents used to refer to my room as “The Museum.”

I have teapots, Wendt & Kuhn figurines, Met Museum jewelry and objects, autographed books,…[Read more]

Elliot has certainly grown in four weeks. He looks like he’s doubled in size. The ears seem to be in constant flux. Will they stand up? Will they lay down? Will they flop over? You may not know for months. One thing is for sure Elliot seems to be a “stick man.” My Diana is a “ball girl.” Freyja seems to go for plushies.

OMG. This is *exactly* what I need. I haven’t even been looking for it.

I have two vintage round wooden gilt frames that I have been dying to paint something to go in, but have been too lazy to measure and then have to cut regular watercolor paper to fit. This block will fit my frames exactly.

Now I have to get a block and start painting to…[Read more]

How long did you last? About four weeks? I lasted about two months after I lost Caesar. About two weeks after I lost Ramses.

At first, you can’t imagine how you can live with a dog. Then you can’t imagine living without a dog.

I am thrilled you found another companion. This was obviously meant to be. Elliott sounds like he is an old soul…[Read more]

Thanks so much for sharing this. Much info and many ideas.

I have been mulling over designs for my own leather journal. I want to hand tool the cover so want to reuse it. That has been the sticking point as I want to be able to change out whatever is holding the paper, plus am not sure how much stuff I want to pack in it. Loops for brushes…[Read more]

It’s a two-fold gift. A gift you give to them and a gift they give to you.

Wow, I had no idea there was this kind of paper. I have no idea what I would use it for but I want it just the same. Thanks for the thorough review.

Great review. I prefer a sketchbook with 100% cotton rag and heavier than the normal 90 lb. So not easy to find. I know the quality of Hahnemuhle so I will be checking this out. I do like the covers to be a bit stiff and to extend beyond the paper like a book. I find the elastic bands tend to stretch out and become useless after a bit but that is…[Read more]

I know exactly how you feel. And I’m not being trite. I mean exactly.

My Ramses was diagnosed with among other ailments, cancer. He had lost his appetite a bit but his pain was managed with meds. He had a great Thanksgiving Eve with my parents and their dog, having a walk in the neighborhood. He was almost his old self, bouncing around. But on…[Read more]

I bought their little ceramic palette in a can but haven’t tried it yet. Nice to know the quality of the paper. Cotton and 110lb certainly got my attention. I don’t do PU as I have had too much fall apart after few years but the cotton covers are something that intrigues me. I am curious about the pocket. The design is great as having it open to…[Read more]

Might I add, the difference between a good painting and a great painting is knowing when to stop. It’s also one of the hardest things to learn.