Essential Reading for Artists

By Jim Hingst

One topic that fascinates me in the field of art involves the materials and techniques of painters, especially the Old Masters. So much of what an artist uses and how he uses these materials affect the durability of the painting. Failure to understand the physical properties of pigments and oils used in painting, and how one material chemically interacts with another can result in problems.

To ensure the longevity of a work of art, an artist needs to thoroughly familiarize himself with the materials, tools and techniques of his trade. What’s more, because many of these materials are comprised of toxic chemicals, he or she needs to know the hazards involved and how to deal with them. Here are four books in my library that I believe are essential reading for artists.

The Artist’s Handbook of Materials and Techniques

If
you are an art student or serious artist, The
Artist’s Handbook of Materials and Techniques by Ralph Mayer belongs in
your bookcase. Called the “Painter’s Bible”, this reference book explains the
chemistry of commonly used art materials that you should understand. These
materials include pigments, drying oils, solvents and varnishes. The Artist’s Handbook provides
information on how to make your own paint and painting mediums, how to prepare
a canvas and how to care for your tools. In addition to oil painting, Mayer’s
book also covers tempera painting and encaustic painting. Originally published
in 1940, The Artist’s Handbook has
been revised several times. The fifth edition is now available.

The Materials of the Artist and Their Use in Painting: With Notes on the Techniques of the Old Masters

The Materials of the Artist and Their
Use in Painting by Max Doerner, a
German artist, who painted in the impressionist style, was an authority on the
materials and techniques of the Old Masters. Originally, this book was
published in1921. It is still relevant for any artist or restorer, who wants to
learn the techniques used by the great painters of the past.

Painter’s Handbook

First
published in 1993, The Painter’s Handbook
by Mark David Gottsegen provides artists with essential information about art
materials. The book also offers step-by-step recipes for making paints,
varnishes and gessoes. In addition, it explains how to prepare your supports
and how to preserve, store and restore paintings. Gottsegen, who chaired the
ASTM committee on artist’s materials, also covers the health hazards, which artists
routinely encounter, as well as how to safely handle materials in your shop or
studio.

Artist Beware, Updated and Revised: The Hazards in Working with All Art and Craft Materials and the Precautions Every Artist and Craftsperson Should Take

Often artists and art students are unknowingly exposed to
highly toxic chemicals or work in
poorly equipped studios. Gases, solvents, dusts and fumes can be toxic and
threaten your health. If you work with
art materials, you need to read Artist
Beware, by Michael McCann PhD. This book provides details regarding
toxicity of chemicals, flash point and common uses for these art materials.
McCann also explains what personal protective equipment an artist should wear
when working with hazardous materials.

About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.

Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer. Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.

Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for publications, such as Signs Canada, SignCraft, Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 400 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published. Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon.