Archives of the Art Dog Blog from MacPherson's

Derwent has some great pencil storage solutions to suit every need. From robust double-layer tins to pastel and pencil wraps, you will find the best way to store and carry your favorite Derwents with you.

Carry-All – Got a big pencil collection? Get a Carry-All! (Item # DE2302141)

• Ultimate storage solution for 132 pencils.
• Includes accessory and A5 sketchbook pocket.
• Contains 3 removable pencil leaves, (can hold up to 5).
• Extra Leaves available separately.
• Durable canvas like bag with adjustable shoulder strap.

Pencil and Pastel Wraps

• The original classic Derwent Pencil Wrap has individual compartments hold 32 pencils plus accessories. This durable canvas like wrap rolls up compactly to fit into your bag. (Item # DE0700434)
• Also available is the Black Pencil Wrap, a sporty version holding 36 pencils which includes a hanging hook to attach to your easel and an extra zipped pocket for accessories. (Item # DE2302143)
• The Pastel Wrap is innovative storage for pastels on the move. Store up to 36 pastels in wipe clean compartments that are ideal for Pastels, Inktense, and Artbars. (Item# DE2302026)

Artpack (Item # DE2300575)

• Ideal durable, canvas like compact case for pencils and accessories.
• Holds 20 standard pencils.
• Features one mesh zipped pocket for accessories.
• One transparent pocket for easy pencil selection.

Pencil Tin (Item # DE2300582)

• Smart, robust, double-layer pencil tin.
• Holds at least 18 standard pencils.
• Removable inner tray for easy pencil selection.

Traveller (Item # DE2302156)

• Secure pencils to your sketch book with adjustable elastic strap.
• Suitable for 12 standard pencils, features 2 pockets with flap to protect points.
• Fastens to book sizes A5, A4 and A3.

Winter B-T-S Reminder

The 2^nd semester B-T-S advertising promotional dates expire 2/15/15 in advance of the price change. To remain in compliance with the Golden Artist Colors, Inc M.A.P. policy , advertised pricing must be no deeper than 30% off on GOLDEN, Williamsburg or QoR product. Check with your MacPherson’s Account Manager for details regarding GOLDEN’s offerings in 2015.

New Trial Color Sets from Williamsburg: Signature, Landscape, Traditional and Modern

For artists seeking a convenient way to experience some of the color families within Williamsburg, four new introductory sets containing eight colors in 11 ml tubes, plus a 37 ml tube of Titanium White have been assembled. These beautifully packaged, attractively priced sets each include a great selection of colors that are representative of the Williamsburg paint making philosophy. Sets will begin shipping early-February. Please reference pricing in this document link:

Williamsburg Oil 11ml Sets

New Williamsburg Product Guide Available

Williamsburg Product Guide is now being offered as a support item. This is a companion piece to the existing GOLDEN Product Guide. Please contact your MacPherson’s Account Manager for further details.

GOLDEN to Attend CAA Mid-February in NYC

For a number of years, GOLDEN has been exhibiting at the College Arts Association (CAA) Annual Conference. As the world’s best-attended international art conference, CAA’s meeting will facilitate networking opportunities and enable participants to exchange ideas and information with colleagues from across the globe. It’s a great opportunity to engage with college and university professionals in the art community. This year, the show will be from February 11 – February 14, 2015. GOLDEN folks from the US will be present in the booth, be sure to stop by and visit.

If you have any questions about any of the above information, contact your MacPherson’s Account Manager.

Pebeo’s Chairman Eric Chaveau announced recently that Jacques Joly has joined the company to become the group General Manager. Previously Jacques was the General manager of Hamelin’s Canson Division.

See POW! WOW! Hawaii through the eyes of Martha Cooper an American photojournalist who is best known for her work documenting the New York graffiti art scene from 1970 through 1980.  Fast forward to 2014 and take a look at the POW! WOW! Hawaii street art festival through the lenses of this iconic photographer as she documents murals in progress and chats with the participating artists.

NAMTA’s tri-annual Artist Survey has just been released and the results are available to download on the NAMTA website Namta.org. The survey received a record 6,000-plus responses from U.S. and Canadian artists in November

Among the many important pieces of data, readers will learn:

• If artists have deserted painting and drawing for digital art?
• Is artist spending up or down . . . and where?
• How do you inspire baby boomers to start creating art again?
• How important are Pinterest and Facebook to artists?
• What should art retailers post on social media?
• Has the market share of art material stores increased?
• What store features are most important to artists?

The results are free to NAMTA members, art nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. The study is available to non-members for $300.

There’s a new store opening up in Gainesville, FL called the SoMa Art Media Hub. Read the whole story here: Gainesville.com. Conceived by Charley McWhorter, formerly with CFOP and co-owner Celino Dimitroff, the store is slated to open in February.

Charley McWhorter & Celino Dimitroff

Fiskar’s is celebrating the 48th anniversary of its iconic orange plastic handled scissors.

Fast Company magazine showcased the company and it’s culture of innovation in a fascinating recent article. Read the story here: 48 YEARS LATER, THIS IS HOW FISKARS KEEPS IMPROVING ON ITS CLASSIC ORANGE-HANDLED SCISSORS

Akron, Ohio’s Ruppel’s Art & Paint Supply closed it’s doors in December after more than 60 years. Owner Harold Ruppel stated the “business has suffered from a changing industry and Internet and big-box retail competitors”. Read the full article at Ohio,com

You read it here first!!!

As Strathmore  continues their commitment to develop innovative new products that meet artists’ needs, they are excited to introduce Strathmore 400 Series Colored Pencil pads. With 3 new pad sizes available, colored pencil has met its match!

It can be difficult and intimidating choosing the right quality paper specifically for colored pencil, especially for a newcomer. To make it easier for all artists to enjoy this versatile medium, they are now offering Colored Pencil paper in convenient wire bound pads.

Strathmore 400 Series Colored Pencil Paper provides a clean white, toothy surface that is ideal for a variety of colored pencil techniques. Smooth, even coverage can be achieved, and the heavy weight combined with the vellum surface allows for the application of multiple layers. The durable surface can stand up to repeated erasures and reworking. It is also excellent for use with pencil, charcoal and sketching stick. The 400 Series Colored Pencil pad line will begin shipping February 2, 2015 from Strathmore.

Strathmore 400 Series Colored Pencil features include:

• Clean white colored paper.
• Medium surface.
• Stand up to repeated erasing and reworking.
• Durable wire binding.
• “Actual Size” sheets.
• Acid free.
• Made in the U.S.A.
• Available in 9” x 12”, 11” x 14”, or 18” x 24”

400 Series Colored Pencil pads are featured on an introduction promotion, which runs through Strathmore’s Spring promotion ending April 17, 2015. Learn how this new program can increase the productivity of your retail space by contacting your MacPherson’s Account Manager today! Be sure to connect with Strathmore Artist Papers online and through social media outlets to stay informed on up-to-the-second information.

Strathmore Artist Papers is proud to announce Printmaking cards to the Creative Card line of products. Additionally, they are also introducing a special limited time, while supplies last offer combo pack, which includes a unique package of 75 Printmaking cards and envelopes, bundled with one 5” x 7” Gelli Arts gel printing plate!

New Printmaking cards are made from Strathmore 400 Series Printmaking paper, which is considered heavyweight 280 gsm. These natural white cards are ideally suited for printmaking processes that require a heavier paper such as lithography, intaglio and screen print. Also suitable for relief printing. The medium-textured surface is soft, durable and can absorb large amounts of ink. The paper contains high alpha cellulose wood fiber.

Strathmore Printmaking Card features include:

• Natural white colored paper.
• Medium-texture, soft surface.
• Can absorb large amounts of ink.
• Acid free.
• Full Size 5” x 6.875” cards.
• 5.25” x 7.25” envelopes are included.
• Available in 10 count, 50 count and 100 count packages.
• Made in the U.S.A.

Printmaking is hot, more and more artists are trying it! Strathmore Printmaking cards/Gelli Plate Combo Pack makes it easy to get started. Monoprints are perfect for creating greetings, or for artists who sell their work online. Each bundle pack features a 5” x 7” Gelli Arts gel printing plate (MSRP $20.99). Gelli Plates are simple to work with and always ready for printing. They can be cleaned with gel hand sanitizer or soap and water – then used again and again! A huge 75 count pack of Strathmore’s new printmaking cards with envelopes is also included in the combo pack. They’re the perfect size to use with the Gelli plate and are offered at a special value price. Note, this item has limited quantities available, first come first serve! Click here for more details.

To learn more about Printmaking Cards and the artists featured on the packaging, please visit Strathmore’s website. To learn more about Gelli Arts gel printing plates, please visit their website at: GelliArts.com

Beginning in March, Mr. Sketch will introduce a new lineup of Mr. Sketch Scented Washable Markers, offering consumers the opportunity to trade up to a premium washable marker with unique benefits that have become expected for certain age groups. Among many others, this lineup will also include favorite Ice Cream-inspired scents (available in May) perfect for inspiring children’s creativity in art. Scents such as strawberry, chocolate, mint chocolate chip, bubble gum, and lemon ice will be featured. This exciting launch will be supported by a fully integrated nationwide marketing campaign featuring TV advertising, print, social media and web activity. Check out our Mr. Sketch Washable Marker selection on MacPhersonArt.com