This page is to inform clients of the different properties of each of the media that I use as an artist. To me this page helps you to gauge which media works best for you. It's about more than looks; different media have different merits and flaws to their qualities. I will also point out on this page which surfaces would work best, how much detail you can expect,  long time durability and "color fastness" and which media can be used with others, or in which layers. Where available I will also post examples of the media used. I will also point out storage recommendations for pieces in each media. If you new to having art made custom for you this should prove to be a VERY helpful page.

Media Recommended Surfaces Detail Durability /Color  Fastness Storage Recommendations Graphite Pencil Extremely detailed. However the glare from the graphite in dark areas may detract from the overall piece. Graphite pencils don't really fade over time. They can be smeared and may let go from the tooth of the paper however this can be minimized with a fixative. Keep graphite art under glass so that fingers and other objects cannot accidentally brush loose graphite from the surface.  Also keep in cool dry area away from cooking, drinking and/or smoking areas.  These may stain and/or discolor paper which may be irreversible. Colored Pencil Extreme detail. however There is wax in these which in an area of intense color may cause a sheen to appear. Very durable.  unlike graphite, these pencils are less likely to let loose from the tooth and less likely to be smeared upon touching, however a fixative is still recommended  Keep these pieces under glass to prevent   environmental damage. Which may be irreversible. UV glass may be recommended in areas where it would be exposed to sunlight for several hour a day. Pastels &Pastel Pencils Wide range of color however detail is limited to soft lines. The biggest danger with pastels is that they don't bond with the paper. Therefore they may let go from the tooth leaving traces of their color in areas where they were not originally applied.  Fixative is Required to minimize this. Keep these pieces under glass to prevent   environmental damage. Which may be irreversible. UV glass may be recommended in areas where it would be exposed to sunlight for several hour a day. Minimize jarring when moving as this may cause additional chalk to let loose from the paper despite fixative. Acrylic Paints      Extreme detail on the proper surfaces.  These paints are extremely durable when applied to a correctly  primed surface. They may let loose when applied in bulk to mimic oil paints, however that is rare. They bond to both the paper and the canvas they are applied to. They are also extremely colorfast. With minimum discoloration over time. Acrylic paintings done on paper should be kept under glass to keep the paper from being damaged. Once soiled they cannot be cleaned as canvases can. The best recommendation is to have a professional look at it. These piece do not require a glass protective although it certainly doesn't hurt.  Environmental dust & dirt may be gently washed clean with a mild soap and water mixture. DO NOT scrub! You may actually wash the paint off the canvas which will require a professional to fix.

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Last modified: 06/17/10