The Finest Quality Handmade Artists’ Brushes
‘‘ It’s not just a brush, it’s an experience. A ritual. It’s life changing and it’s your life.’’
OUR quarterly NEWSLETTER filled with INTERVIEWS & TIPS for your ENJOYMENT
www.rosemaryandco.com
Summer / Autumn 2018
ROSEMARY & CO Master WORKSHOPS 21ST - 25TH AUGUST 2019, Michael JOHN Angel HOW to PAINT a VERMEER Copying master paintings under instruction is the fastest way to learn, and the surest way for a painter to improve. Under the instruction of maestro Angel, this 5 day Vermeer workshop will teach you how to paint a Master study by staying in control of the drawing whilst developing the colour.
Spaces are limited! Sign up now at: www.rosemaryandco.com/workshops
“A LIFE without LOVE is LIKE a YEAR without SUMMER.” Swedish Proverb
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ow! Time flies when you're having fun! It's been almost a year since I've created a newsletter. We spent around 9 months designing our new hundred page catalogue and then I took three months out to travel around South America and Europe. I'm excited to share my new inspiration with you. Spending time in South America was magical. Although I wasn't working, I made sure I met lots of artists from all over that beautiful continent which I've written about within this issue. It's been go, go, go since I got back in April! I've already flown to America six times this year and we've hosted three workshops here in Yorkshire. Michelle Dunaway and Michael Klein both taught students from all over the world lucky students and lucky us! I've featured their workshops in this edition so you can read about it and see some photographs. We've got a busy Autumn ahead - and a heat wave to boot! It's been scorching hot here in Yorkshire! We're launching a new website at the end of the Summer months, but more on that next time! Get your brushes out! And most importantly, enjoy this beautiful world we are lucky to live in.
SIGN UP for a COPY of OUR NEWSLETTER Sign up for a free online copy of our newsletter at: www.rosemaryandco.com/newsletter Or if you would like a hard copy posted please email your address to: enquiries@rosemaryandco.com
Do YOU run an ART group, ATELIER, or SCHOOL? If you’d like us to send enough copies of the newsletter for your students we are happy to do so. Get in touch! The same goes if you’d like us to visit.
WANT to get INVOLVED? If you’d like to be involved with the quarterly newsletter, we’d love to hear from you. We’re always looking for fun stories to feature, brushes to be reviewed, books to be read and so on. Get in touch and you could see your name amongst these pages.
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Rosemary & Co Artists’ Brushes Ltd, Carr Head Hall, Carr Head Lane, Cowling, Yorkshire, England, BD22 0LD.
Symi Jackson, Sales & Marketing Director. Above painting courtesy of Jeremy Lipking.
UK: 01535 632666 Int’l: +44 1535 632666 E & OE
W: www.rosemaryandco.com E: enquiries@rosemaryandco.com
{CONTENTS} 05
We LOVE to HEAR from YOU
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ICONOGRAPHY & RELIGION
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MAKING Your BRUSH Marks
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A NEW-FOUND FREEDOM
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BACKPACKING SOUTH America
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TRAVELLING with a SKETCHBOOK
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ONES to WATCH on SOCIAL Media
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UPCOMING EVENTS this YEAR
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My NEW found LOVE for PLEIN Air
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What’s NEW ON the SHELF
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FAQ'S, You ASKED, we ANSWERED
COVER IMAGE “Conjured”, 55 X 32. Oil & charcoal on linen. By Cesar Santos.
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Featured MASTER Cesar SANTOS
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MASTER Workshops Michelle DUNAWAY
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BRUSH Reviews & whats NEW
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MASTER Workshops Michael KLEIN
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Oil PAINTING YORKSHIRE
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24 INCH Handle BRUSHES
We LOVE to HEAR from YOU Dear Rosemary & Co Like most artists, I've dabbled in artwork as a hobby almost all of my life, but only ever toyed with the idea of becoming a professional artist. Being a realist, I knew my skill level would never allow me to pursue that dream. So a dream it remained. In 2003 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I quickly forgot about any sort of dreams I once had and simply focused on staying healthy enough to continue my career (in Information Technology) and later being a good father to a wonderful boy who came along in 2006. Yet recently I have been forced to retire as MS has continued it's slow march in slowing me down these past few years. So I ended up with more free time on my hands than I cared to have! It was January 2017 that the notion occurred to me: Why not pursue that long forgotten dream of becoming a professional artist? I certainly had the time and nothing to lose. Since I had the time, I spent weeks & weeks studying the techniques of some of the best landscape artists on earth, hoping to improve my skills and thankfully I found some success at this. I also found out that many of them used Rosemary & Co Brushes! So, I got my hands on some and they changed my life! Painting for me is much more difficult now than it was in my younger days. With MS, I can only paint for about 30 minutes before my hands need a rest. But because your Kolinsky Sable brushes hold so much liquid and keep such a great point, I can spend much less time going back to my palette for a reload and much more time on my painting, laying in tiny details. This little fact alone has made my work so much better and I'm happy to say I'm well on my way to achieving that lifelong dream I once thought was out of my reach. And I'm very happy to tell anyone that your great brushes have been a big help to me in this regard. Thank you! Thank you for getting in touch Lon Reams, your £40 gift voucher is in the post. If you would like to be picked out of the hat for next quarters gift voucher, please send us your letters.
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ROSEMARY & CO Master WORKSHOPS SUMMER 2019, with Jeremy LIPKING Rosemary & Co are looking forward to welcoming Jeremy Lipking back during the Summer of 2019. More information coming soon.
Spaces are limited! Sign up now at: www.rosemaryandco.com/workshops
ICONOGRAPHY and RELIGON By Mary Fotheringham
Mary tells Rosemary & Co about her path into the world of art...
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have been a Rosemary customer for a couple of years now, having learned about Rosemary brushes from my art teacher. I use your brushes almost exclusively, and now I cannot be without them! My particular favourites are the Shiraz short filberts. I hope my story might give encouragement to others who are considering venturing into the world of art. I was born and brought up in England, but have lived in the United States for over 30 years. I started painting four years ago almost by chance, when a friend at church
suggested that I take her religious iconography class. I was reluctant at first - still working full time and wondered how I could fit this into my busy schedule, but went along, admittedly half-heartedly. Little did I know that it would open up a whole new world for me! After that first class, I began taking lessons from Ma Ly, a French-born art teacher here in Fresno, California. I have learned so much from him, but am still such a neophyte! I paint in acrylics and particularly like working with wooden boards. The majority of my paintings have been icons, but I also enjoy still life, and have
just completed my first portrait. I have had several commissions! I retired a year ago, and now have more time to devote to my art. What wonderful therapy it has turned out to be! There is a whole theology behind iconography: every brushstroke is a prayer, and the artist comes to know the subject very well as the weeks go by. Icons are also therapeutic for the recipient. I find it gratifying and humbling when people tell me that my paintings give them comfort. Find Mary on Facebook: Mary Fotheringham Art Rosemary & Co
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{MODERN Day MASTERS} INTERVIEW with CESAR SANTOS
Rosemary and Symi met Cesar in 2016 whilst on a trip to Cuba with 100 other artists. After meeting Cesar for only a few minutes it was clear that they were with a modern day master. Enjoy this interview!
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antos' art education is worldly and his work has been seen around the globe, from the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sicily, Italy and the Beijing museum in China to Chelsea and New York. Santos studied at Miami Dade College, where he earned his Associate in Arts degree in 2003. Cesar then attended the New World School of the Arts and, just before graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, he dropped out to study abroad and to amplify his understanding of art. In 2006, he completed 08
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the Angel Academy of Art in Florence. He still visits this beautiful city with his wife. Santos’ work reflects both classical and modern interpretations juxtaposed within one painting. His influences range from the Renaissance to the Masters of the Nineteenth Century to Contemporary Art. With superb technique, he infuses a harmony between the natural and the conceptual to create works that are provocative and dramatic. As a small company we are so proud to have a brush set with Cesar - a dream come true!
HOW DID GROWING UP IN CUBA INFLUENCE YOUR WORK? Growing up in Cuba gave me the ability to seize every opportunity, to not take anything for granted. Communism keeps people from achieving their personal dreams, it forced my family to work hard for very little return. Emigrating from such oppression to a free society where I can enjoy the fruits of my art inspired me to work hard and honestly to better myself. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER? My parents sold their only home and moved to a small apartment in a poor neighbourhood to be able to pay for my classical training in Italy. They never asked for their money back. Nine years into my
career I was able to buy them a bigger house and in a better location than their previous one. That was definitely our proudest moment in my career. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ABOUT MAKING ART YOUR FULL TIME CAREER? Commit to your Art fully and don't have a plan B. Make sure you like to be alone for 14 hours a day for the rest of your life in front of a canvas, working, studying and getting better. Take every opportunity that matches your goals and give 100% of your efforts. Don't mind the people who criticize or don't like your art. Welcome those who do appreciate it. Develop your personal voice. Make sure your art is not aimed at pleasing your peers, teachers or family. Rosemary & Co
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WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS? I find myself most inspired when I visit museums, especially collections that show the highest standards of artistic achievement. Every time I encounter technical dexterity allied with a personal vision it gets me motivated to work. WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF SKETCHBOOKS? Sketchbooks are the place to rehearse, to test your abilities, to have fun. Sketchbooks are a recollection of who you are and who you have been. For me, a sketchbook is the ability to do art and express myself anywhere I go. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE BRUSHES AND WHY? I started painting on canvas when I was in high school. I was using whatever the teachers offered in the classrooms. 10
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Mainly acrylic paint on bad rough cotton canvas and cheap mass-produced brushes. Then I wondered why it was so difficult to paint! I have come to realize that great tools allow for freedom of expression. It is difficult enough to have a good eye/hand co-ordination, to paint powerful images. The last thing you need is bad tools that get in your way as you paint. I don't use random brushes anymore, I use Rosemary Brushes. I recently sent them a photo of my dirty brushes to allow people to know what I use to create my portraits. I am glad they have a ready-to-go Cesar Santos Set with my favourites! HOW DO YOU GET IN THE ZONE? I don't know how to be out of the zone, my life is my zone! As I go to sleep I think of what to do the next day, as I travel through the day new things come up for the next painting and so on, including and planning to not doing anything some days.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF A YEAR FROM NOW? Let me visualize and be specific; I see myself with a newly developed body of work. About two dozen paintings that should exhibit in New York, France and Art Basel. In a year from now I should have about 50 more videos uploaded to my YouTube Channel. In a year I should have increased my strength at the gym as well as in my relationship with my wife. I also want to start dedicating some time to writing comedy, I've always made people laugh privately but perhaps is time to test my humour publicly.
“The last thing you need is bad tools that get in your way as you paint. I don't use random brushes anymore I use Rosemary Brushes.” IF YOU COULD ONLY PAINT ONE SUBJECT FOR THE REST OF YOUR CAREER, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Wow, we need to get hypothetical here! I would paint women. WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT ROSEMARY AND GIVE YOUR OWN WORKSHOP? Of course! I would love to witness how the brushes I use are made. It would give a new dimension to my knowledge and experience while I paint with them. I love giving workshops but if you look at my yearly ambitions, I can't find the time to schedule it in without sacrificing my career plans. Love you Rosemary, thank you for this invitation!
Images courtesy of Cesar Santos. Please visit Cesar's website at: www.santocesar.com You can see Cesar's brush set online at: www.rosemaryandco.com/cesarsantos Rosemary & Co
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{ROSEMARY & CO Workshops} Master WORKSHOP with Michelle DUNAWAY
Rosemary & Co welcomed Michelle Dunaway and students to paint within the grounds of the workshop and around the Yorkshire Dales.
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n the month of June 2018 we welcomed Michelle Dunaway and a group of students to Yorkshire ready for a workshop on the figure outdoors. Each day we headed to different locations and placed a model in what I would consider, the most beautiful landscapes. Close your eyes and think Pride and Prejudice and you'd be almost there. Michelle had asked that I make it timeless - so that's what we did! Each morning the students arrived at the Rosemary Brushes workshop early and eager to go out and paint! Plein Air is tricky at the best of times, but with Yorkshire's seemingly unpredictable heatwaves of late - this was 12
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set to be a challenge! Fear not I thought, folks on these workshops are usually most understanding and roll with it. And that they did! The weather turned out to be a friend not a foe. We were actually wearing shorts asking for cold drinks, not piling on coats and hugging a cup of hot chocolate! The students came to me throughout the week to let me know how much they loved the area we are lucky to call home, and also to tell me how much they were learning from their maestro - Michelle. I have to say, the landscapes I can take very little credit for Yorkshire is beautiful and I'm the one who's lucky to live here.
Two of the days we visited the grounds and painted amongst the ruins of my favourite estate, Bolton Abbey. To think that Turner was painting in the same place as us some two hundred years ago gives me goose bumps. I always think about how things must have been for him as a painter back then. He didn't have the luxury of squeezing any colour paint out of tubes, or of the most lightweight, compact easels on the planet. Turner didn't have over three thousand Rosemary Brush ranges to choose from either! But then I think - if he did can you only imagine what he would have painted! How could he have been any better!? Now, I know I'm dreaming here, but quite honestly, it makes me think of what our masters of today have at their finger tips. Never the less, you can have all the tricks of the trade at your finger tips, but that does not mean you can sit in front of the most beautiful ruins with a model and paint like Michelle Dunaway. That is talent, years of hard work and a million brush miles. These workshops started because Rosemary and I wanted to bring our friends to Yorkshire. We figured we travel so much, it's about time folks come to us! We never dreamed we could bring the world's best artists to Yorkshire and teach! If you ever get the chance to join us on one of these workshops, I'd urge you to do so. The teaching ability is sensational, the general running of the workshop is by me (so it's a little nuts, but it's sure to be fun!) and of course, I have beautiful Yorkshire to thank for the most incredible backdrop, a painters paradise. We tried to capture a slice of this workshop on Youtube. Check it out! Rosemary & Co
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INTRODUCING the TISCH Bristle DAGGERS By Rosemary Thompson
For almost two years Rosemary and Andrew Tischler have been working on creating a new range, The “Tisch”. Here's the story.
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’d been looking at Andrew's work on YouTube for some time and noticed he had been mentioning our brushes, in particular our Series 25, 1˝ Angular. Though Andrew liked it, he wanted something he could love because it didn’t quite do what he wanted it to do due to his unique brush strokes. So, Andrew got in touch and said that he wanted to make certain brush marks, and wanted the range to be available to his followers in all different sizes. Firstly, Andrew drew me pictures of the angles of the brushes he wanted me to create. 14
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I took those pictures and made a set from them. I explained to Andrew we probably wouldn’t get it right first time, but I needed to know what was wrong with them to get it spot on. Again, Andrew trialled the set, told me we were 90% there but he still needed more of a curve on them. When you see how Andrew works, you’ll understand why that curve is essential. I made another set, sent them to New Zealand and Andrew said “Rosemary, I love the brushes, you absolutely nailed it. I am ready to go! I love them! I look forward to adding them to the kit, these will be my go-to's.”
“ROSEMARY & CO make the BEST BRUSHES out THERE.” Once we launched the Tisch Daggers I thought it would be best to ask Andrew to tell you what he loved about this new range,
From there we expanded all the sizes and made from ⅛˝ right the way through to a 1˝ available on the long handle only.
“I paint a wide variety of subjects that require different technical approaches therefore, I need a wide range of brushes that will allow me to create an engaging sense of reality across many genres.
As a brush maker, it’s really so lovely to think we can actually design something different that works for that artist, who a lot of artists around the world are following. This range will help Andrew and his followers make brush marks easier and in a small way, I feel to have contributed.
Rosemary and Co make the best brushes out there. I choose these brushes for their reliability and absolute quality. I highly recommend these sets, which contain some of my favourite brushes made by Rosemary and Co! These sets will give you the range and versatility you need to master many subjects from portraiture and still life to landscape!” - Andrew Tischler
Images courtesy of Andrew Tischler. To see more of Andrew's work visit his website: www.andrewtischler.com To see Andrew's Deluxe Set, Introductory Set and the Tisch Daggers online please visit: www.rosemaryandco.com/tischler Rosemary & Co
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{The SQUIRREL Blend } A SQUIRREL & SYNTHETIC Mix - SERIES 38
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e've introduced a new Squirrel Blend to our ranges this Summer. The Series 38 Pointed Oval Wash is a blend of Squirrel hair and Synthetic fibres, giving what we believe to be the best of both worlds. For many, Squirrel hair is the dream watercolour brush for it's water carrying capacity. However, some say that although it holds an immense amount of pigment, it is a difficult hair to control with it having little to no 'snap'. It seems a shame to only use your Squirrel brushes for washes and backgrounds if you consider them unmanageable. That is where our new Squirrel Blend comes in handy! The Synthetic fibre that runs through this brush will allow for more control, more snap and 16
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also lower the price of a Pure Squirrel Brush. You'll still have the Squirrel water retention in there, and of course, it'll be somewhat softer than a 100% Synthetic Brush. Our new Squirrel Blend works well in watercolour, for silk painting, pin striping, lettering, calligraphy and more. We have introduced the Oval Wash as the first shape, in sizes 1/2˝, 3/4˝ and 1˝ with more shapes to be introduced this year. For cleaning, you can rinse them in water and lay them on their side to dry. They may go fluffy when they dry completely, but once you get them in water again they will be good to go! Search Series 38 on our website for more info.
{SERIES 40 Triangular Brush} The PYRAMID Brush - NEW SIZES Introduced
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y popular request we have added two extra sizes to our Series 40. Earlier this year we launched sizes 8 and 10 as additionals to the original size 12. We will release more larger sizes later in the year. Here's what some of our customers say about the Series 40: “I love the marks this brush makes. It loads up the pigment and then releases it onto the paper in a beautiful stroke.” - Luce Z “I ordered this triangular brush about a year ago and it's so fun to use, you could paint a whole picture with it or just use it for special effects/strokes. I use it for watercolour paint only. It has a nice fat body to the bristles so
it holds tons of paint but it also comes to the finest tip for details so again, very versatile. The fat/round wood handle is tapered so it's comfortable to hold.” - Emily U “I bought this brush last month and it is just wonderful to use...as ALL the Rosemary brushes are!! I LOVE every single brush I have purchased from this wonderful company and the pyramid brush is especially great for painting trees. The paint flows so nicely, it creates nice tree effects. You can get some interesting branch and twig effects with the brush, which comes in handy to get each tree to look individual. I would highly recommend this brush and any of Rosemary's other brushes to the watercolorist.” - Janet B Search Series 40 on our website for more info. Rosemary & Co
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{MAKING your BRUSH marks} Here are some of the different brush shapes and the marks they make...
POINTED ROUND
SPOTTER
RIGGER
EXTENDED POINT
MOP
DESIGNER
DOMED ROUND
FAN
LETTERING
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Illustrations courtesy of Michael Bawol.
SHORT FILBERT
FILBERT
LONG FILBERT
EGBERT
STUBBY FLAT
SHORT FLAT/ BRIGHT
LONG FLAT
LONG CURVED EDGE
DAGGER
SWORD LINER
COMBER
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A NEW-FOUND FREEDOM in MY WORK By Judy Krauss
“That painting´s really good, it looks just like a photograph!” went the comment.“Uh-oh!” I thought “Back to the drawing board…”
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s much as I love photography, I want my paintings to be expressions in their own right. I´m not an abstract artist, although I love abstract art. I am inspired by shape, light and form and want to include these in my work. I love realistic art but I have been looking for the sort of freedom which allows a liberal dollop of artistic licence! I find myself caught between the desire to render an image faithfully and yet abstract it, play with it 20
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and create something new. Such comments (as above) started a journey to capture the essence of what inspires me about an image in the first place but allows me to express something that is not in the scene but speaks to me in my imagination. The brushes I used before did not help me achieve this. They splayed when I needed them to hold their shape, they dripped paint, the outer hairs would rub off – where did they go? – and they shed loose hairs at the most inconvenient moments! Working with acrylics I had to remove these before the paint dried.
A lot of unnecessary effort was expended while I compensated for all of this. Sometimes I just wanted to complete the picture and leave any playing with the image and experimenting for another time. There comes a point where the initial impulse dies and the painting loses spontaneity and looks overworked. I wanted to avoid this at all costs. That's why I was thrilled to discover your brushes. Painting has become so much more of a pleasure, as I have brushes that work with me, not against me. They have freed up energy and thinking time – sometimes only one brush-stroke is enough to complete a figure or suggest a window. They make a statement. Your brushes support a creative process where I can paint realistically but take artistic licence where I choose to. Needless to say, I have more confidence to experiment and take more risks. I´m enjoying a new freedom in my work. My latest paintings have been inspired by a visit to Sri Lanka this year. Just as our memories merge and blend the people we meet and the places we discover, the images do the same in my work. The colours are as intense as the brightly coloured temples, the smell of the spices and flowers. My sketchbook, diary and camera travel with me wherever I go. I cannot wait to return to Sri Lanka one day with its enormous variety of landscape, animals and nature. Thanks to my photographs and sketches I can capture quick impressions but this is not enough for me. Painting helps me not only to re-live the experience but explore the images. The result is an expression of something personal, a mini-adventure with brushes and paint that a camera cannot capture.
Images courtesy of Judy Krauss. Please visit her website at: www.judykrauss.de Rosemary & Co
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BACKPACKING around SOUTH AMERICA By Symi Jackson
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tarting 2018 on a different continent was definitely an adventure I'll never forget! I was fortunate to be able to take a much needed three month sabbatical at the beginning of this year and back pack around South America with two of my friends. Here's a quick recap. We started the trip in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina. We visited the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes which held many favourites of mine, including Sorolla, Monet, Renoir and Mancini. My best mate Jeremy Lipking had been there the year before and told me it was a must-see if I was able to visit. He was right! Wow! 22
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We then travelled down to Patagonia, the most Southern part of Argentina. We went on several hikes starting in the town of El Calafate, and explored the Los Glaciares National Park in El Chalten. I'd only been able to dream of visiting Patagonia from watching my hero, David Attenborough through documentaries. To be able to actually go there was a highlight of my trip. Patagonia boasts the most beautiful vistas, electric blue glacier waters and sky puncturing peaks. This is the land of few inhabitants and most beautiful natural forces, formed over millions of years. I thought whilst I was there; a painters paradise.
We travelled through the north of Argentina to Iguazu National Park, A UNESCO World Heritage Site. We witnessed the waterfall from both the Argentinian and Brazilian Borders. I know many painters, including my friend, Alexandre Reider (pictured with his wife Eliane and myself) have painted these waterfalls. We headed through Uruguay and onto the beaches of the Southern coast of Brazil. I was able to visit my friends at the Plein Air Studio in Sao Paulo. I'd been told about Reider and his wife through Richard Schmid and Nancy Guzik. We also had a mutual friend in Luiz Vilela (featured in this newsletter).
I set up the brushes for two days as a ‘pop up’ shop and I was able to talk through the different ranges with Reider's students. We're looking to do something similiar in January 2019, dates to be confirmed - watch this space on our blog!
It was certainly worth taking the time to visit, even if only for the building itself!
Reider and his wife took us to the most wonderful barbecue restaurant (Churrascaria Vento Haragano) where almost all the art work on the walls was from Reider! Aleandre joked with me and said, ‘Welcome to my gallery!’ - What a place and incredible food!
Then we headed to Rio de Janerio for Carnival! The streets were filled with locals and tourists dressed to impress. We visited the Sambadrone one evening and each corner you turn in Rio there's the most incredible street art. A highlight of my trip was taking a helicopter ride around the Christ Redeemer. Only then do you get an idea of the size and grandeur of that magnificent statue.
We made sure to stop at the Pinacoteca do Estado de Sao Paulo whilst we were there. The Pinacoteca has a wide range collection of Brazilian Art works and many 19th Century European Paintings too.
We left Brazil and headed to Calama in Chile. From there we travelled through the Atacama Desert into Bolivia to Uyuni. We woke around 4am to travel to the Salar De Uyuni, the Salt Flats (pictured above).
After Patagonia, this was my next must-see. I also saw for the first time the breeding ground for pink flamingos tens of thousands of them! The next stop was to be La Paz. This unique city was full of the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. We managed to squeeze in a day trip cycling down Death Road whilst we were there too. (pictured above). I ended my trip in a small village called Rurrenabaque, North West of Bolivia near the border of Peru. I lived in an eco-village for a week in the Amazon Rainforest! Another must-see. South America: an incredible continent offering so much variety. The art is vast and I can honestly say, I've only just scratched the surface with this trip. I'll be back! Rosemary & Co
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TRAVELLING with a SKETCHBOOK By Richie Carter
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could hear the familiar sounds of a conversation happening in French behind me. As soon as I have a moment to let this wash dry, I turn around to greet a couple who have been watching me paint the Salute church in Venice. I make a joke telling them my concerns “why in the world did I decide to take on such a complicated subject such as this church!” I suppose Sargent was ripley inspiring me. The intricate baroque architecture challenged my ability to simplify yet still capture the feeling of this ornate basilica. These paintings are a visual journal not only reminding me of places I’ve wandered about the world, but more importantly recording all those intangible, unseen experiences that make up who I am. With each watercolour comes an array of interactions had with friends and strangers alike. These watercolours are conversations with ancient patinated architecture, the hammer and chisel of Michelangelo and Rodin, and the friend 24
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sitting across from me in the train as we journey from one side of Italy to the other. They represent visual notes of colour and drawing, providing a window into the way I see the world. Each one of these pieces remind me of a time that I was fortunate enough to sit for an hour or two in the complete present moment. They show frustration, problem solving, joy, and triumph. Each time I flip through its pages, I am flooded by so many memories. I can smell the fresh rain in Venice or better yet the aroma of espresso wafting through its streets. I get to relive many beautiful moments that have shaped who I am and I am thrilled to share it all. Richie attended Michelle Dunaway's and Michael Klein's workshops here in Yorkshire over the Summer! A new friend for life! Images courtesy of Richie Carter. Please visit Richie's website at: www.richiecarterfinearts.com
{ARTISTS around the WORLD} ONES to WATCH on SOCIAL MEDIA
Omar ORTIZ
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mar Ortiz was born in 1977 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, where he still lives. Since he was a boy he has been interested in drawing and illustration. He studied for a degree in Graphic Design, where he learned different techniques. omar_ortiz_artista
Daniel LANDERMAN
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aniel Landerman's sketch's and illustrations are unique and inspiring. He's launched a Youtube channel with narration about the process - worth checking out. Landerman works in watercolour and gouache.
Ruth FITTON
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itton is a Yorkshire based painter mainly using oils. She concentrates on portraiture, bringing together likeness and personality. Ruth paints alla prima, as she likes her paintwork to maintain a fresh and intimate feel.
daniel_landerman
ruthfittonportraits
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YOUTUBE: Rosemary & Co Artists’ Brushes
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{ROSEMARY & CO Workshops} Master WORKSHOP with MICHAEL KLEIN
With National Flower Week looming, it was a great excuse to host two botanical still life workshops with Master painter Michael Klein.
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y words to Michael were, “This is a marathon not a sprint!� and boy was I right. Two 3 day workshops and a demonstration evening over 7 days was no mean feat but we did it! We had 30 students over the two workshops from all around the world, and 16 flower bouquets to arrange. That, alongside the heatwave we've been experiencing in Yorkshire leant itself to a dreamlike situation. One we and hopefully the students too, will never forget! Each morning Michael set up his easel and palette to give an in-depth demonstration to the students. The first day Michael outlined 26
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the basics, although quite honestly, he makes it look so easy. (I'm sure the students will agree!). A true modern-day Master. My job was to make sure folks had enough tea and coffee, and that they were generally comfortable at the workshop. Rosemary had allowed us to use her Orangery to host the workshops. The space is at the back of the Rosemary Brushes workshop and has the most glorious views of our valley. At lunch we all sat outside and we brought out home-made packed lunches and nibbles for the students. It was a relaxed and calm atmosphere. Idyllic some may say. In the afternoons the students painted, working
on the same piece over the three days. Michael went to each student time and time again to help and give advice. This indoor set-up was something new for us! With the week before the workshop being National Flower Week in the UK, we were lucky to have the choice of so many beautiful flowers for the set-ups - all at their peak and many from Rosemary's garden! The students were painting peonies, avalanche roses, agapanthus, sweet alyssum, alpine thistles, bell flowers... the list goes on. We made our own still life stands ready for the occasion, to ensure a professional set up (thank you to Kenny!). Michael also gave an evening demonstration to the students, which we opened up to the general public. We filmed this evening, which you can find on our YouTube channel. Search Rosemary & Co to watch this! We're making lots more videos now. During the demonstration evening (a 3 hour session), Michael showed how he would approach a still-life set up, with limited time. We are blessed to have our workshop where we make the brushes in such beautiful surroundings, and so this evening was filmed in Rosemary's garden. Overall, it was such a magical week. I couldn't pick if you made me as to which workshop was better! They were both fantastic, and I am confident the students would tell you the same. I urge you to look at the Masters we have joining us to teach next year and consider a trip to this beautiful place we call home, Yorkshire! Rosemary & Co
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UPCOMING EVENTS See you there!
SEPTEMBER 22ND - 23RD A tribute to Richard Schmid Curated by West Wind Fine Art. The Laumeister Art Centre, 44 Gypsy Ln, Bennington, VT 05201, USA. For more information visit: www.westwindfineart.com OCTOBER 6TH - 14TH Laguna Plein Air Painters 3251 Laguna Canyon Road, Suite E, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA. For more information visit: www.lpapa.org
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JANUARY 28TH - 31ST Scottsdale Artists' School 3720 North Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA. For more information visit: www.scottsdaleartschool.org APRIL 24TH - 28TH Plein Air Convention & Expo The Hilton, Union Square, 333 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA. For more information visit: www.pleinairconvention.com
NOVEMBER 1ST - 4TH Art Materials Live 2017 National Exhibition Centre (NEC), North Ave, Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1NT, UK. For more information visit: www.artmaterialslive.co.uk
APRIL 25TH - 28TH Portrait Society of America Grand Hyatt Atlanta Hotel, Atlanta, GA 30305, USA. For more information visit: www.portraitsociety.org
NOVEMBER 8TH - 11TH Figurative Art Convention & Expo 2017 Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA. For more information visit: www.figurativeartconvention.com
MAY 6TH - 10TH Oil Painters of America Illume Gallery of Fine Art, 29 West 200 North, Saint George, UT 84770, USA. For more information visit: www.oilpaintersofamerica.com
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My NEW found LOVE for PLEIN AIR By Billy Seccombe
Billy Seccombe is a painter represented by Dacia Gallery in NYC. He instructs painting & drawing at DuCret School of Art in S. Plainfield, NJ.
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recent weekend getaway to the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York marked the beginning of a newly found love in plein air painting. With it’s rolling hills and vibrant autumn colours, the region offers a certain peace and tranquility. Racing to set up my paintbox at the crest of a mountain top overlooking a valley, I quickly began to apply paint to my small canvas in the diminishing afternoon light. It was exhilarating, electrifying, and I was completely alone. The painting and I were one with nature. “High atop Flint Hill Road ... silence was my companion.” The once Native American fishing and hunting low-lands of Cheesequake Park in New Jersey have a tranquillity to it that I find myself returning to as well.
There is a calmness here I often seek. It was sparsely populated that Thanksgiving day, overcast and cold. I found myself at one with the marsh land, distant purple-gray hills and sweet ocean air. My paintbox and I connected with the surroundings which can only be described as meditative. The honesty I found in my marks was something only painting from nature can offer. With plein air painting the pressures associated with portraiture quickly dissolve away allowing one to focus instead upon abstract shapes as though large pieces of torn paper. There is a looseness and bravery that come from this knowing. It was one of the most aware, fully alive moments of my life. Images courtesy of Billy Seccombe. Please visit Billy's website at: www.billyseccombe.com Rosemary & Co
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Oil PAINTING around YORKSHIRE By Luiz Vilela
Luiz visited us in Yorkshire for almost a month this Summer. The images shown are quick Plein Air studies, on the go!
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spent the month of June painting in Yorkshire, England. It is one of the most beautiful places in the whole world and paradise beauty for any artist. Rosemary & Co Artists' Brushes hosted two painting workshops in their premises and around the area. The first one with Michelle Dunaway, we were out and about painting the landscape and the figure in the landscape. Michelle was a wonderful adviser, always helpful and sharing her thoughts in art and the life of an artist. A true inspiration! We had a fantastic time painting at Bolton Abbey for two days. 30
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On the second day, we painted model Ross dressed in character - A real Yorkshire man! I didn't feel the time passing by, I was so immersed in capturing the scene. I stayed for the second workshop with Michael Klein, painting florals. I've been such a fan of his work so it was like a dream for me to be able to paint flowers with him. The set was Rosemary's orangery, a stunning place and each student had the most beautiful flower arrangement to work from. In the mornings, we watched Michael develop his own piece, and I had to sit really close to him and see how he handled the paint and his brushwork technique.
“I LEARNT that the POSSIBILITIES of painting are INFINITE!” We all watch videos but nothing compares to the experience of observing an artist responding to his subject matter right in front of you. With these workshops, I learnt that the possibilities of painting are infinite! And more: it helped me to find out what is really important to me. I also had the opportunity to explore the area on the days before and in between classes. I met old and new friends and enjoyed the camaraderie whilst going to places like Haworth (where the Brontë sisters lived) small villages in the neighbourhood and idyllic places like Malham Cove.
their team striving to make our experience unforgettable! I like to quote from the master: “There are moments in our lives, there are moments in a day, when we seem to see beyond the usual - become clairvoyant. We reach then into reality. Such are the moments of our greatest happiness. Such are the moments of our greatest wisdom. It is in the nature of all people to have these experiences; but in our time and under the conditions of our lives, it is only a rare few who are able to continue in the experience and find expression for it.” - Robert Henri I feel truly blessed and thankful.
Last but not least there were Rosemary and Symi (who showed us how to make brushes in two demos and shared tips on how to take care of your brushes - really helpful!) and
Images courtesy of Luiz Vilela. Please visit Luiz's website at: www.luizvilela.com Rosemary & Co
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{24 INCH Handle BRUSHES} The OLD Masters TECHNIQUE Our 24 inch handle range of brushes are designed to suit the oil artist who wants to ‘stand back’ from their easel and paint and observe. This way of painting was very popular with the ‘Old Masters’. By popular request we have created a brush on a longer handle, with the balance and feel that we consider to be just right. It took us over two years to develop this range to ensure the balance of the brush didn't deter from the main goal: perspective. In his studio, Sorolla is photographed using a low palette, often very large with brushes 32
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this length, or longer one could imagine which allowed him to stand back from his paintings and use his brush with no limitations. These handles allow for the artist to draw from a far, initial block in and some may use them for an entire painting. They look great just hanging up in your studio as a talking piece! A special thank you to Californian ‘Master’ oil artist Alexey Steele for his expert help in deciding the weight and balance of these handles which are so crucial to the way in which they work. We will add more sizes/ shapes as and when they become available.
“One feels as though one is fencing or playing ‘swords’ but with paint” Some feedback from our customers. “I recently used the size 12 Ivory Long Flat 24" brush at a class in New York with Max Ginsburg and when he saw the size of the brush I was using he congratulated me on being a big artist. One feels as though one is fencing or playing ‘swords’ but with paint. The brush works fantastic as a means of laying in composition quickly while also blocking in light and shadow shapes. It makes for a great start to a painting and I absolutely recommend it.” - David M “I love my Ivory short brushes with the 24" handles. I paint large pieces and these brushes allow a whole different perspective as I paint. The bristles hold a good amount of paint. My two 24" handle brushes quickly have become favorite tools!” - Suzanne G
“Considering the length, these brushes are very easy to manoeuvre! I love the flexibility of the brush, just perfect stiffness and are well balanced. These brushes allow good distance from the easel without compromising the painting ability and technique. Great job Rosemary & Co, as usual :)” - Marzena O “I love the Ivory range of brushes. Good quality, good to look at, and long handle filberts allow me to make a range of marks that best suit my work.” - Graham P To see our 24 inch handle range online (currently only available with the Ivory range) please visit our website and search: 24 inch handles Rosemary & Co
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{What's NEW on the SHELF} WHAT to LOOK OUT for this YEAR
LIZ STEEL
MICHAEL KLEIN
LARRY MOORE
5-Minute Sketching Architecture (Book) www.lizsteel.com
Flower Painting Insights (DVD) www.michaelkleinpaintings.com
Fishing for Elephants (Book/Kindle) www.larrymoorestudios.com
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F
iz Steel is an artist, teacher, illustrator and architect based in Sydney and is one of the gurus of the Urban Sketching movement. This book features a comprehensive collection of expert tips, ideas and inspirational examples of amazing 5-minute sketches of architecture. Definitely worth buying.
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ichael has established himself as a leading figure in contemporary floral painting. Klein demonstrates his insights during a video recorded over a three day period packed into a solid hour of insight. All of the essentials to his technique are revealed in this highly anticipated instructional video. A must have for Floral Painters!
ishing for elephants explains the creative processes of art and life with a conversational, humorous, and informative voice. While it is geared towards artists, it is not a “how to paint something to look like something book�. Written by nationally recognized, award-winning artist and creative coach, Larry Moore. A fantastic book.
{You ASKED, we ANSWERED} MY BRUSH HAS ARRIVED WITHOUT A CAP PROTECTOR. WHAT SHOULD I DO? We send out a lot of our brushes with caps (specifically the Pointed Rounds, but some others too) purely for transportation purposes. Once you receive your brushes, we advise you throw away the cap and use a proper brush case or carrier. We sell these on our website. If you have a fly away hair on your brush we advise the following: synthetics, you can boil the brush for 30 seconds to 1 minute which should help it pull back into shape. For natural hair brushes, please try soaking the brush in conditioner and luke warm water and it should help pull the hairs back in. WHICH STORES DO YOU SELL YOUR BRUSHES AT IN THE UK? We do not sell to stores as a general rule since we are a mail order company. However, we have some of our ranges represented by Lavender Hill Colours and Green and Stone in London. Be sure to call them before you head there as they might not stock the ranges you're looking for. Alternatively, we have two shipping methods for UK orders: 1st Class, which is £2 under £40 and free over, or DPD,
which is £5.50 for guaranteed next working day, if ordered before 1pm and depending on stock availability. Feel free to email us for more information on which stores we might sell our brushes through near you. MY DATES DON'T LOOK RIGHT ON MY ORDER? IS THIS A SCAM? We are based in the UK - therefore, we write our dates DAY/MONTH/YEAR as opposed to MONTH/DAY/YEAR. Sorry for any confusion, but we are English, and therefore following the English system with this! WHY HAS MY ORDER GONE VIA SWEDEN TO GET TO ME? We use the courier, Direct Link for many international orders. Their main sorting hub is in Sweden. All their post goes via Sweden to be sorted before it is then sent on to it's final destination! Do not worry if you see Sweden on your tracking information! Please view your frequently asked questions on our blog, for more information: blog.rosemaryandco.com Any questions please feel free to contact us at: enquiries@rosemaryandco.com Rosemary & Co
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CHECK OUT our YOUTUBE channel Type Rosemary & Co into YouTube to see our videos!
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