Archives of the Art Dog Blog from MacPherson's

Golden Artist Colors Launches QoR™ Modern Watercolor

The First New Thing to Happen to Watercolor in 150 Years

Golden Artist Colors has had the privilege and delight of collaborating with artists to make the highest quality professional Acrylic and Oil colors. Today that same collaborative process has produced a new, thoroughly modern Watercolor called QoR.

QoR’s exclusive binder provides more color in every brushstroke, while retaining the best qualities of traditional watercolors. QoR offers a strength, range and versatility unmatched in the history of watercolors.

The unique formulation accentuates the luminosity and brilliance of each pigment even after drying, while providing the subtlety, transparency and flow of a great watercolor.

QoR (pronounced core) is an allusion to color as the center of watercolor painting. QoR also comes from a technical acronym meaning Quality of Results.

Artists will be asking for QoR! Golden is committed to driving demand for QoR, starting with the following initiatives:

Pre-Release

• Full page teaser ad in the Art Materials Retailer March NAMTA issue
• Quarter page teaser ad in Plein Air Magazine’s April issue
• Pre-Release Sampling to 100 prominent artists and workshop teachers
• Sponsorship of Plein Air Conference watermedia track and QoR “Try It” event

Post-Release

• May – Watercolor Artist Magazine ad
• June – Editorial in The Artist’s Magazine
• July – Art Materials Retailer ad, Watercolor Artist Magazine ad, F+W Email blast
• August – Plein Air Magazine ad
• September – Plein Air Today eNewsletter, F+W Email blast
• October – The Artist’s Magazine ad

QoR Merchandisers:

QoR 11 ml – 94 Facing Shelved Set-Up, Includes 83 QoR watercolors plus Mediums, Grounds and Sets. Also includes an informational POP and 15 printed color charts. Four display configurations to choose from:  Vertical configuration with glass doors (QRM732800-V), vertical configuration without glass doors (QRM732800-VG), horizontal configuration with glass doors (QRM732800-H), horizontal configuration without glass doors (QRM732800-HG). Check them out on MacPhersonArt.com!

To learn more specific details about QoR Watercolors, go to QoR Colors Website. Additional online content will be added to the site frequently, so check back often!

Contact your MacPherson’s  Account Manager for more information.

New GOLDEN Distribution Center Up and Running!

In January Golden announced that they would be operating a new distribution center in support of their trading partners. This new facility is located approximately 20 miles from their current operational base, and the expectation is that over time improved serviceability will be achieved via new technologies, case pack orientations, and more reliable transportation capabilities.

The GOLDEN Distribution Center is now OPEN and functioning successfully. Golden thanks you for your understanding and patience while they worked through this transition.

Save the Date! April 12, 2014 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

“Made in Paint” Exhibition at The SAGG at Golden Artist Colors

The Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts is pleased to announce its second annual art exhibition, ‘MADE IN PAINT’. The show will exhibit the works produced by 20 artists from around the world who were selected for the Golden Foundation Residency Program in 2013. For a list of artists featured in the show as well as additional information, go to www.goldenfoundation.org. For more information about the Sam & Adele Golden Gallery, go to The SAGG.

Thinning GOLDEN MSA Varnish

Mike Townsend from the GOLDEN Materials & Applications Department demonstrates the proper way to thin MSA Varnish before applying it to artwork. Learn more by watching this new YouTube video:

Marilyn Hajjar

iAMart, the 29 member strong art industry retailer group has just undergone an internal reorganization. Executive director Marilyn Hajjar has left and a newly created committee headed by Victor Davis of Spokane Art Supply will be the liaison with the group’s vendors. Maintaining effective, personal and mutually beneficial relationships will be the primary focus. iAMart member Beth Bergman of Wet Paint adds, ” iAMart was fortunate to have had Marilyn’s years of experience and wishes her the very best in her future endeavors.” If you are interested in more information about iAMart please contact either Patti Herdell who is the President of the organization (pherdell@scartsupply.com), Victor Davis  (Victor@iamart.org)  or Steve Aufhauser (steve@continentalart.com). As for Marilyn, she reports, “After 30 years in the Industry, and a member of NAMTA (as a store owner- ARTability, Distributor’s Rep – Pacific Art and Design Materials, store Manager – ARCH, and Executive Director of iAMart) I’m not sure whether I will pursue “new opportunities”, but my heart will always stay within the world of artist’s materials”!

Daniel Smith Fine Art Materials are coming soon to a MacPherson’s  distribution center near you. Look for an email announcement with display configurations/offers on the complete line for drop ship delivery. That includes watercolors, watercolor sticks, watercolor grounds, mediums, oil color and water-soluble oils. The inventory to fill existing display placements will arrive prior to NAMTA.

Tombow Pencil of Japan is celebrating their 101st anniversary this year. 100 years of quality and innovation!

It has been a sad time recently as some of our industry’s founders and guiding lights have passed away:

Lou Strick

Lou Strick, founder of Pentalic Corp died peacefully on May 12th, 2013 at age 87 following a brief illness. In the late 1960’s a very worldly and urbane Lou Strick began importing calligraphic art supplies that he distributed through his Pentalic Corporation. By making special nibs, pens and instruction books widely available, Strick spearheaded a revival of the calligraphic movement in America; he also established the Calligraphy Workshop, a school on lower Fifth Avenue. Read a blog tribute to Lou here

Kate Flax,  industry retail innovator and co-founder of Kate’s Paperie, one of New York’s premier paper and stationery stores, passed away peacefully on February 12, in the company of her loving family. Kate was known for her spirit, zest for life, impeccable taste, and sparkling sense of humor which was uniquely reflected in her business. Kate is survived by her husband, Leonard; sons Lionel (Jill) and Lowell (Sarah); grandson William; and beloved sister, Margaret Hitchman. A service was held Friday, February 21 at the Church of St. Thomas More in New York  See more at: Kate Flax

On February 19, Herweck’s Jerry Rote died suddenly in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina after 10 days sailing aboard the National Geographic Explorer along the Antarctica Peninsula with his wife of 53 years, Margaret.  Jerry was a watercolor artist, medical illustrator and Graphics Department chair at Southwest Foundation for Research and Education. In 1972 Jerry and Margaret bought Herweck’s Art Supply in San Antonio. He is survived by his wife, son Scott and wife Amy Rote, daughter Elizabeth and husband Steve Darling, and daughter Katharine and husband Wade Asher; six grandchildren: Donations may be sent to The San Antonio Symphony P.O. Box 658 San Antonio, TX 78293 or The Texas Biomedical Research Institute, P.O. Box 760549, San Antonio, TX 78245 – See more at: Jerry Rote

2014 marks the 125th anniversary for General Pencil Company. The celebration is kicked off with a behind-the-scenes video of the General Pencil factory featuring Portrait Artist David Kassan and local New Jersey High School art students. Celebrating Artists, Art Teachers, & Artisan Pencil Makers as General Pencil Company looks ahead another 125 years.

Hi-Land Art & Frame Co. on Central Avenue in Highland Park is closing by the end of March. According to Greg Sledd, co-owner with his wife, Liz, the business is the city’s longest running business still in the same location.

Greg Sledd

Kathy Brennan of Preston Art in Louisville, KY reports their Art Materials and Methods Expo, held on Friday Feb. 28 & Saturday, Mar. 1 was a huge success!

The new XTREME Adhesive Runner is more than just a paper adhesive.  The XTREME is 5X stronger than other adhesive runners.   It has an extra strong bond and is perfect for multi-media collage including wood, fabric, glass, plastic, rubber and cardstock.

Check out this video demonstration of the Tombow XTREME Adhesive Runner

The XTREME Adhesive is a high-end acrylic adhesive, 40 microns coat weight (extra-thick for extra-strength), UV resistant so it will not discolor and deteriorate under strong natural light, has an instant strong bond, superior performance in high and low temperatures, acid free, archival, PAT tested and is refillable.

TB62127, XTREME Adhesive Runner, MSRP $8.99

TB62128, XTREME Adhesive Runner Refill, MSRP $7.49

Look for these in your MacPherson’s DC in late April.

Tombow is also running a great consumer promotion that you can offer to your customers.  The Tombow Adhesive Perks Program offers your customer’s cash rewards for purchasing Tombow Adhesives.

Click the link below to download the Tombow Adhesive Perks Program details and redemption form

XTREME Redemption Form

Zentangle is the perfect feature item. From books to markers, watercolors and Strathmore’s suitable media, it makes a terrific impulse end-cap. The key is to showcase a continuous and changing selection. An excellent example is the newly published The Art of Zentangle.

Part instruction, part inspiration, part doodling, The Art of Zentangle, item FOZT1, offers step-by-step lessons on how to create Zentangle art alongside prompts and blank practice pages.  Sales in 2013 have already made this a top-seller, and this title would be great to merchandise with fine line markers, pencils and sketchbooks. Display tip: Advanced artists have been known to tangle their designs on stationery, wrapping paper, and even walls – so suggest colored markers, paint and other mediums to interested customers!

Item #: FOZT1

Retail: $19.95

Check out the companion kit, FOZT1K, that contains all the materials necessary plus instructions for the Zentangle beginner.

If you need help creating a Zentangle department or end-cap, your MacPherson’s Account Manager can offer best-sellers lists and more.

Looking for something to increase store traffic and inspire sales this year? Take advantage of Strathmore’s Online Workshop Series – which started March 10, 2014. Promote the start of the workshops in your store, on your website, on Facebook… and drive sales as students purchase from the class supply list (there are over 15,250 students registered already!)

The Strathmore 2014 Online Workshop Series will again feature 3 different workshop series, with each series including 4 videos and downloadable instructions created by experienced artists. Students follow along as instructors guide them through various topics and demonstrate useful tips, techniques, ideas and inspirations to get students creating and learning about art.

Here are three ideas for retailers to take advantage of the program:

1. Create Workshop Supply End Cap – Download this poster/handout pdf and create an end cap featuring workshop supply list. Use the poster on the end cap to promote the workshops as well as in the window and at check out.
   

   University Art Endcap

2. Follow Strathmore Artist Papers on Facebook – Strathmore Facebook page– and share our posts with your fans. This is a really easy thing to do.  Strathmore shares on-going information and reminders about the Workshops on Facebook.  Ask your fans to stock up on class supplies at your store!
3. Create your own workshop from content delivered in Strathmore’s Online Workshops! Each workshop provides you with a supply list, educational video and supporting handout. Makes hosting your own event easier! Original artwork by workshop instructor Earnest Ward

Interested in learning more? Contact your MacPherson’s Account Manager for ideas of how you can drive more traffic and sales with Strathmore’s 2014 Online Workshop Series. Visit Strathmore Artist Papers at Strathmore Artist for more information about the 2014 Workshop Series

Gamblin 1980 Oil Colors | Overview

Gamblin 1980 Oil Colors offer artists true color and real value. This 48-color line enables art supply stores to offer a better student grade paint, made here in America, at a terrific value and with the full support of Gamblin Artists Colors.

Gamblin 1980 Oil Colors will begin shipping May 1. All but one color (Napthol Scarlet) in the Art Sketching Oils line will be carried forward without any change in name or formulation. 18 colors will be added to the palette, offered in 37ml and 150ml sizes. As always, everything will be made in Portland, Oregon.

Gambin believes that a strong and financially healthy network of retail partners is critical to the future of painting and creativity. In turn, Gamblin 1980 Oil Colors will fall under our Minimum Advertised Price Policy. They also continue to not offer any of their products for sale thru Amazon.

What’s the story behind this range?

An introduction from Robert Gamblin: “Since our founding, I have wanted artists to be able to paint freely. To use color and texture without hesitation or reservation.

To do this, painters need colors that are true. True to the pigment. True to historic working properties. True to the emotion of each color. Colors that feel right  under the brush and that age right on the canvas.

As a young painter, I remember standing in an art supply store with a basket full of paints wondering what I would have to forgo, and what I would have to create, in order to keep painting.

When I founded Gamblin in my garage in 1980, I had just enough money for a small mill and some white pigments. For over a year, I made only white. During this time, I resolved to build a colorhouse completely dedicated to oil painters.

We would make materials not just as they had been, but as they ought to be. We would help painters to find their flow in painting and to paint freely.

Our Gamblin 1980 Oil Colors are handcrafted with our beginnings and that same dedication in mind.

Paint freely.”

Gamblin 1980 Oil Colors | Pricing

Gamblin Art Sketching Oils will be very competitively priced in both 37ml and 150ml sizes.

For nickels and dimes more than the cheapest paints, artists can get true colors, made here in America, from a brand they believe in.

• Series 1:  $5.95 in 37ml,  $14.95 in 150ml
• Series 2:  $7.95 in 37ml, $17.95 in 150ml
• Series 3:  $9.95 in 37ml, $29.95 in 150ml

Upgrading from Gamblin Art Sketching Oils (ASO)

Gamblin knows many retail partners do a strong “kit” business around ASO with schools and workshop instructors. By keeping ASO color names and formulations the same, the upgrade to Gamblin 1980 will be easy to manage with these important customers.

The 48-color range of 37ml colors will fit in your existing ASO display. Gamblin will provide new shelving, rackstrips and headers at no charge. If desired, Gamblin can provide an entirely new display. Half of the 48-color range of 150ml tubes will fit in your existing ASO 150ml display. Same deal: new rackstrips, new header, no charge. The second half of the range in 150ml tubes will require a second display (16″ wide, no charge).

To support the upgrade, Gamlin will offer retail partners a credit against a new placement of Gamblin 1980 (48 colors of 37ml and 24 or more 150ml colors). The credit will represent 50% of your initial investment in the Art Sketching Oils line. For example, a 37ml placement of ASO has typically cost about $300 net. An independent retail partner upgrading to Gamblin 1980 from a 37ml ASO display would receive $150 of credit against their Gamblin 1980 placement, in addition to other placement discounts and incentives offered by Gamblin and MacPherson’s.

We suggest that retail partners begin discounting their Art Sketching Oils this month, with the goal of having them mostly or entirely gone by May or June. Gamblin 1980 Oil Colors will begin shipping May 1.

The official video of the Estria Battle in Oakland, CA last October featuring products from Montana Cans and Art Alternatives has been released! This video is a great way to get a feel for all aspects of the event and also serves some nice inspiration for event ideas – enjoy!

Mr. Sketch Re-Launch – New Scents!

Beginning in May, the Mr. Sketch portfolio will feature exciting new, fresh packaging, as well as new scents. The nostalgic, trusted brand of premium coloring products has been around for over 40 years and the new dynamic and fun graphics focus on scents, driving imagination and creativity.  A fully integrated marketing campaign including TV advertising, print, social media and web activity will kick off just in time for back-to-school.

New movie night scents will feature fun & unique scented chisel markers including hot buttery popcorn, watermelon hard candy, blue raspberry slushie, mint chocolate candy, root beer and nacho cheese!

Artist Heather Rooney Recreates the Oscar’s “Selfie” with Prismacolor!

It was the “selfie” that broke twitter. Watch how 20-year old artist Heather Rooney recreates the famed photograph featuring Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey and Bradley Cooper using Prismacolor colored pencils.

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Give graphite subtle tones and deep rich washes!

Graphitint has the same properties as a Derwent 4B Watersoluble Sketching pencil so it will appeal to artists looking to add a colorful dimension to their graphite drawings, but retain all the familiar properties of their favorite graphite pencil. Used dry, Graphitint has a smooth drawing feel and a lovely subdued color; however they explode with excitement when you add water to give a rich vibrant color. They are extremely versatile and can be used with Derwent Graphic or Sketching pencils to add extra depth of color to your graphite work.

Derwent Graphitint range comes in 24 rich, subtle shades and is water-soluble. It has a wide 8mm barrel and wide core. Available in open stock, in a blister card of 6 or in tins of 12 and 24.

For more information ask your MacPherson’s Account Manager.