Roarke’s digital image WINGED MIGRATION
Here at Moosewalk Studios we are frequently asked about the permanence of art created or printed on paper. Comments generally center around “my photo (or print, or painting) is turning brown”. In these cases, it is the result of the paper used not being true “art” paper. The browning effect is the result of the acids found in the products used to manufacture cheap paper reacting with the atmosphere and light. The cheaper papers are usually manufactured from some type of wood pulp which contains natural acids. The wood pulp is then bleached with harsh chemicals to create the white surface. The prime example of this is the paper used to print newspapers and magazines, cheap greeting cards, advertising posters, etc.
Quality art papers, such as those used by watercolor artists and fine art printers, are manufactured using 100% cotton by-products and not the acidic wood pulp. While each manufacturer has its own process, each relies on some type of acid free gelatin to hold the fibers together. Many art papers on the market today are still hand made. Quality art paper, protected from dirt and extreme atmospheric conditions will last decades without deterioration. Museums have works on quality paper that have lasted well over 100 years.
Here at Moosewalk, we use only the finest art papers available. Gary’s watercolors and Roarke’s fine art prints are considered to be permanent works of art. Jokingly, we tell clients that “if the work fades in 200 years, bring it back and we will replace it.”
BARTLETT BRIGADE 18″ x 27″ – watercolor
Gary’s painting, BARTLETT BRIGADE, has been accepted into the 157th Annual Exhibition of the American Watercolor Society. This is an international exhibition which includes watercolors by artists from around the world. The exhibition will be held at the prestigious Salmagundi Club in New York City from April 2 -26, 2024.
October Snow – watercolor
Mark your calendars for September 30 and October 1 as two days to explore the art studios and galleries of Vermont. Open Studio Weekend is a celebration of craft and artwork and the work life of Vermont artists.
Three outstanding studios in Warren are a reason for visiting the Mad River Valley, a very special and beautiful region of the state. Luke Iannuzzi Pottery (Studio 75 on the tour map) is located on East Warren Road. Luke specializes in raku art and dinnerware. Just south of Warren is Salt and Sand Studios (studio 76 on the tour map) where you will find Spencer Kirk-Jackson creating his stunning blown glass.
At Moosewalk Studios and Gallery (studio 77 on the tour map) you will find Gary working on a new watercolor or oil painting. The charming gallery features watercolors and oils and the fine art photography of Roarke Sharlow (examples can be seen in the gallery pages on this website). Again this year, the gallery is welcoming the stained glass artist, Andy O’Brien (Luminous Moose), working on his stained glass.
The trees are already displaying some of the color of their annual fall wardrobe making for some great camera shots.
Hours for the studios are 10am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Artists will be arriving for the 12th Vermont Plein Air Festival taking place throughout the Mad River Valley on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 11, 12 & 13. Amateurs and professionals alike will be setting up their easels, opening their sketchbooks and applying paint to their canvases and paper in the open air. The theme for 2023 is Barns And Bridges with farms welcoming the artists and visitors to paint and observe.
A sidewalk art sale of work by participating artists can be found on Bridge Street daily from 10am to 4pm. A special “kid’s plein air” is scheduled for Saturday starting at 11am. Merchants are creating special promotions as part of the Festival.
Gary painting at a prior plein air festival
New to the 2023 Vermont Plein Air Festival is a division just for photographers. Roarke plans on mingling with the artists to capture unusual images of the barns and bridges with his camera.
