Welcome to Creative Hands!

IN THIS ISSUE:
o September Issue: Oil Painting
o September Show Sampler: Fine Art Shows
o Practical Tips for Caring for your Art Work
o Share Creative Hands With A Friend

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE: OIL PAINTING

Welcome to the September issue of Creative Hands! This issue
features oil painting. An age old art that has encompassed so
many styles over the last millenium, yet it is among the most
difficult to do really well. Whether you do it yourself or
prefer to admire the work of others - we hope you enjoy!
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SEPTEMBER SHOW SAMPLER: FINE ART SHOWS

Here's a list of upcoming shows around the U.S. featuring fine
art:

Sep 27-29, 2002 Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival Sam
Michaels' Park Harper's Ferry, WV

Oct 4-6, 2002 St James Court Art Show Old Louisville Historic
District Louisville, KY

Oct 5-6, 2002 Old Hyde Park Village Art Festival Old Hyde Park
Village Tampa, FL

Oct 17-20, 2002 War Eagle Fair War Eagle Mills Farm Hindsville,
AR

Oct 26-27, 2002 Craft Fair USA Wisconsin State Fair Park
Milwaukee, WI

Oct 21-Nov 30, 2002 Southern Style National Juried Exhibition
Lowndes Valdosta Arts Center Valdosta, GA

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PRACTICAL TIPS FOR CARING FOR YOUR ART WORK

Paintings are generally easy to care for. With the application
of few common sense suggestions for what not to do, your
paintings should last a lifetime; remaining as beautiful as the
day you first acquired them.

Suggestion No. 1: We do not recommend you frame your oil
paintings under glass.

Suggestion No. 2: Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Even
exposure to direct sunlight for short periods of time will fade
your painting over time.

Suggestion No. 3: Avoid exposure to bright artificial indoor
light. The use of low-intensity, diffused spotlight placed at a
minimum of 10 feet from the painting is the best choice.

Suggestion No. 4: An environment free of smoke, dirt and dust
is the best. Dirt is not only unsightly but promotes the growth
of mold and absorbs pollutants and moisture from the air.

Suggestion No. 5: Handle your painting with care, keeping the
surface away from sharp objects. Leaning your painting against
a surface with corners will create an indentation, which is not
easily repaired.

Suggestion No. 6: Dust your painting regularly and gently with
a soft, clean brush. If dirt is still visible after dusting,
have your painting cleaned professionally. Never use harsh
chemicals, cleansers, or detergents.

Suggestion No. 7: Avoid extreme fluctuations in temperature and
humidity. Ideally, the temperature should be between 70-75
degrees F and the relative humidity 50%.

Quality artwork is an investment. Care for it properly and it
will provide you with viewing pleasure for many years.

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SHARE CREATIVE HANDS WITH A FRIEND

Did you enjoy this issue of Creative Hands? Do you know others
who would enjoy receiving it? We invite you to forward this
issue to those you know who also appreciate and enjoy arts &
crafts.

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ABOUT RUBY LANE

We are one of the largest Internet sites for collectors, with an
active community of hundreds of shops from all over the world
offering antiques, fine art, arts & crafts, and collectibles.
Ruby Lane displays quality inventory in over 2,000 categories.
Visit us at www.rubylane.com

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CONTACT US:

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or if you have an article you would like to submit or a subject
you would like us to cover in an upcoming issue, contact us at
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inquiries are welcome!

For previous newsletters, view the Creative Hands Archives.