Ultramarine pigment

Ultramarine blue is a versatile pigment with an extensive history.  In modern times it is made by taking pure kaolin clay, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate and sulfur and roasting it in a kiln.  The pigment is lightfast, and stable to air and alkaline environments.  It is useful in coloring mediums such as  linseed oil, acrylic emulsion, milk paint, plaster, cement. and soap. 

It is very intense blue and only a little is needed for coloring.  I used it quite a bit in soap making and I frequent start with ultramarine blue when mixing up paint for my art

Bolt man returns, A new look on upcycled nuts and bolts

I made and sold the first bolt man candle holder.  I liked it so much I decided to make it again.  This time I used a 1/4 inch thick square plate as a base.  And to top it all off, he is now pearl lime green!  Ready for summer!  The new and improved boltman is available in my Etsy shop.

How I paint metal art

I recently wrote and uploaded an article titled "Applying multiple layers of paint for effect"  where I discuss how I take advantage of the properties of translucent and transparent paints to create rich color schemes with depth.  The paints I used were Createx pearlescent as basecoats and Krylon Xmetals  for topcoats. 
The above artwork "Dimensional Memphis style metal wall art" came out real nice using this technique.

Upcycled Industrial chic metal art

It never ceases to amaze me how a few random pieces of metal scraps, washers, bolts and fasteners can end up being a sophisticated decor item.  Take this abstract work called angular stance.  It demands attention by its leaning stance.  Its wire brushed and lacquered natural finish is guaranteed to blend with any decor.

Or perhaps, you are looking for something completely off the wall.  Look at this elegant but heavy candle holder called Contemplation.  Decidingly geometric, minimalistic, and industrial, this piece exudes a sense of deep thought and concentration.

Another photo showing "Contemplation" with two tealight candles lit.

Beautiful Brazed nail wall panel

This is a recent addition to my Etsy Shop a dimensional 3D brazed nail sculpture

mounted on a steel panel painted deep transparent red.  My family adores it and my daughter

says it looks Chinese.  I do kind of see a definite Asian design element here.  You

can find out more about this artwork here  and see purchasing options as well.



Floral Metal Panels

One thing I really enjoy welding is floral panels.  The pictured above is a panel I just completed with a hand painted butterfly accent and listed in my Etsy shop.  Upon closer examination you can see the painstaken attention to detail on the butterfly.

The frame and the flowers where airbrushed with Createx pearlescent paints but the butterfly is hand painted with metallic paints, some of the colors are custom blends with mica powders added to enhance the color or shine.  It is 20 inches in length and 6.75 inches wide.

Followup to sticks and discs & another garden sculpture

This is the completed work of sticks and discs with its nice red oil based finish.  For more details please visit this link to find out the dimensions, how it was painted and purchasing options.

This work called Geometric Shapes Garden Sculpture is something whimsicle I came up with.  I had some 1/4" rod and I started by making circles around a fixture I made from Schedule 40 4 inch pipe.  Just for giggles and grins I thought I would make a couple rectangles and a triangle.  The base was an assemblage of scrap materials I was trying to find a use for.