All About Acrylic Paints...

By Nancy Noel May

Did you Know???

Acrylic paints were first discovered in 1859, but not commercially produced until the late 1920's.

I started using acrylics in the 1960's, (I am really dating myself here) when I received a beautiful set housed in an aluminum case for my sixteenth birthday. I was thrilled! I had been painting with an artist neighbor using oils since I was eight. I continued using acrylics and/or oils throughout college. I switched to oils as my medium of choice about ten years ago. The decision to change back to acrylics exclusively was made when the fumes from the oils and the harshness of the chemicals began to bother me. I don't think I'll ever go back. I love to paint with acrylics, the fast drying time and the ease of use are an integral element of my painting style. The majority of my painting is done in my studio, but there is a challenge in plein air painting, (painting outside) in that the paint wants to dry a little too quickly, especially on a warm sunny day. This can be overcome with adding retarding gels to the palette. In fact there are a many new additive gels and mediums on the market to create whatever style paint you prefer. Whether you like thin glazes to thick impastos, acrylics can achieve it.

I invite you to consider painting with acrylics. There are several local sources for obtaining paints, brushes, and canvas. It doesn't take much investment to get started. The key words here are "Get Started", just hop in and go. I hope you will start to create and enjoy it as much as I do. It will feed your soul.

Blood Diamonds and Conflict. What does that mean?

By Nicole Wilkinson

By Nicole Wilkinson
The term "blood diamond' refers to money gained from the mining of diamonds that is used to purchase guns and support war. Blood diamonds, often called conflict diamonds, are mined in war torn African countries by rebels to fund their conflict. The rebels grossly abuse human rights, often murdering and enslaving the local populations to mine the diamonds.

Since the production of the movie, "Blood Diamond" starring Leonardo DeCaprio, the awareness of diamonds mined in conflict has increased. There are many ways to insure your diamond is 'conflict free'.

1. Conflict diamonds come with guarantees. Since 2004, any diamond that is conflict free and doesn't aide war is documented and should come with a certificate or a guarantee from your jeweler.

2. Research when purchasing a loose diamond. "A diamond is a girl's best friend", and you want to make sure your purchase was a purposeful one. Canadian diamonds are almost ALL conflict free. If purchasing over the web, go with a reputable Canadian company that has been in business for many years, or work with a local jeweler, not a national chain. They are more likely to be able to trace the source of all of the stones in a piece of jewelry or loose stones purchased.

3. ASK! This is your $$. This is your big purchase. Make sure you make the right choice. If a jeweler cannot guarantee the stone is conflict free, that is ok. They are being honest and want to help you with your purchase. They WILL know the right places where they can find your perfect stone.

Feel free to stop in to Spectrum Art & Jewelry where we can order your conflict free stones today!