Before my birthday, I saw a video for Princeton Catalyst Blades and Wedges, which are silicon artist tools. I had seen them before but didn't really know how or why they were used so basically ignored them. After watching this video and subsequent others I was convinced I must have them!!
Armed with 50% off coupons for Aaron Brothers, I went almost daily to acquire these unique tools. I also asked for and received them for my birthday, and when faced with the prospect of going to a movie or buying another one, off to the art supply store I went!
There are many reasons that I like these silicon tools. For one they can take a lot of abuse; smearing, scraping, putting on and taking off, rubbing intensely in one spot. The filaments of brushes don't stand up well to such abuse. Even the synthetic ones which may not break off like natural hair bristles, still get bent out of shape, sometimes never to go back again. The silicone tools, so far are flexible, meaning they give with pressure but bounce right back into shape.
Another thing I enjoy is that unlike brushes which need to be wet to use properly, these can be used dry to push paint around. I can pick one up and just start using it to move and apply paint without being concerned with wetting the brush thoroughly and then dabbing off what I don't need. The blades and wedges don't soak up the paint to distribute it like a brush, they are more like palette knives in their application of paints and mediums except somehow more finger-like.
It is exciting to experiment with new tools. It will take some work to understand the best uses of each style, but I am willing! Below are a few results...
Armed with 50% off coupons for Aaron Brothers, I went almost daily to acquire these unique tools. I also asked for and received them for my birthday, and when faced with the prospect of going to a movie or buying another one, off to the art supply store I went!
There are many reasons that I like these silicon tools. For one they can take a lot of abuse; smearing, scraping, putting on and taking off, rubbing intensely in one spot. The filaments of brushes don't stand up well to such abuse. Even the synthetic ones which may not break off like natural hair bristles, still get bent out of shape, sometimes never to go back again. The silicone tools, so far are flexible, meaning they give with pressure but bounce right back into shape.
Another thing I enjoy is that unlike brushes which need to be wet to use properly, these can be used dry to push paint around. I can pick one up and just start using it to move and apply paint without being concerned with wetting the brush thoroughly and then dabbing off what I don't need. The blades and wedges don't soak up the paint to distribute it like a brush, they are more like palette knives in their application of paints and mediums except somehow more finger-like.
It is exciting to experiment with new tools. It will take some work to understand the best uses of each style, but I am willing! Below are a few results...
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