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2024 Workshops update, Our Current Services, Upcoming Ventures, and the Latest Articles

13/3/2024

"I'm a really good boy!"

" Regrettably, there won't be any art workshops scheduled for this year. The recent arrival of a new puppy has posed challenges in my ability to dedicate the required time and effort to organise the workshops effectively. "
Best Wishes, Karen M Berisford

Good news however, we have exciting plans for the brand. Our intention is to produce instructional videos for YouTube that will demonstrate a variety of art techniques and offer tips to viewers. Furthermore, our ultimate objective is to establish a membership-based online art tutoring service in due course. Despite the shift towards online offerings, Karen will still be running in-person art workshops for those who prefer them. Keep reading to discover more new additions.

TUTORIALS

Unlock your creative potential with our FREE online tutorials! Our website currently provides 20 tutorials that cover various mediums, such as coloured and graphite pencils, acrylic paints, soft pastels, and oil pastels. Click the image/button to explore our full collection.

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Did you know we have a YouTube channel? Here we cover lots of art related things like reviews, tips, product analysis, mini tutorials, art advice, unboxing and much, much more! Why not join us by subscribing and clicking the notification button.

OUR TWO LATEST ARTICLES

Acid-free versus Archival: What you need to know about paper quality for your art - promo ad

Are you an artist who is passionate about ensuring your work stands the test of time? You may be familiar with the terms "acid-free" and "archival" in relation to paper quality. But have you ever wondered what these terms really mean and how they can impact your art? In our latest article, we delve into these very questions. Click the image to read the article.

Ergonomic arm rest for artists: A Must have accessory for your workspace

" For me, working at an easel for long periods can be challenging as it usually ends up with pain and stiffness in my shoulder, arm and wrist. In this article, I share my experience with using an ergonomic armrest, allowing me to work at my easel for more extended periods without experiencing discomfort."
Click the image to read the article.

UPCOMING VENTURES

Coloured pencil drawing of a Sumatran Tiger

In the future, we plan to provide a range of tutorials to help you learn new skills and techniques from the comfort of your home. These tutorials will cover a variety of subjects and will be available for download at an affordable price. We will keep you posted about this via our Ko-fi page. Keep reading to find out more about ko-fi.

As our YouTube channel continues to evolve, we will begin to develop full-length art tutorials. These tutorials will be accessible through a subscription-based service that provides exclusive content. Even though we are currently in the initial phases and have not yet established a definite launch date, we aim to introduce this service to you in the upcoming months.

Ko-fi is a fun website where you can stay updated with all the exciting updates from Step by Step Art. Originally designed for donations, it has now grown to provide even more features. On our page, you can enjoy regular posts, articles, reviews, videos, and in time, you'll be able to shop for any goodies that may be available in our store. Plus, you'll get every post delivered straight to your inbox as soon as they're published. It's a super easy way to keep up with the latest information. It’s free to join, so feel free to follow our page, leave comments, or ask us any questions you may have. If you're curious about how to sign up for Ko-fi, just click the button below to find out more.

what is ko-fi and how do i subscribe?

visit our ko-fi page

Let us know in the comments if there are certain subjects you would like us to include in our future articles, art tutorials or on our YouTube Channel.

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Acid-Free vs Archival: What You Need to Know About Paper Quality for Your Art

13/2/2024

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If you are an artist who cares about the longevity and preservation of your work, you might have heard of the terms “acid-free” and “archival” when it comes to paper quality.

But what do they mean, and how do they affect your art? Let's take a look.

Cotton papers image for an article about Archival and Acid free meanings

Acid-free paper is paper that has a neutral or alkaline pH, meaning it does not contain any acids that could cause deterioration or discoloration over time. Acid-free paper is more resistant to yellowing and fading, and it is better for the environment.
Archival paper is paper that meets certain standards of permanence and durability, in addition to being acid-free. Archival paper should also contain no groundwood or unbleached pulp, meet strict limits on metallic content, and be free from optical brighteners, which artificially make the sheet whiter. Archival paper is often made with 100% cotton, which is considered to be the most stable and pure cellulose fiber.

Acid-free paper is not necessarily archival, and archival paper is not necessarily acid-free. For example, an acid paper with buffers added could still deteriorate or yellow if the acid remaining in the sheet or formed during aging exceeds the buffering capacity. Conversely, an alkaline paper without any buffers could become acidic over time due to environmental factors.

Stonehenge - Archival & Acid Free

Ursus - Acid Free only

Various black papers - Mixed

Most papers that have archival properties were originally designed for use in printing. However, certain papers, like Stonehenge, have gained popularity among coloured pencil artists due to their archival qualities. Archival papers are known for their lightfastness, which is typically assessed using the "Blue Wool" scale. This means that these papers do not fade over time or experience significant fading compared to non-lightfast papers. Conversely, non-archival papers like the Ursus line, are acid-free and can still be protected in various ways. If you intend to frame your artwork, it is advisable to use UV-protected or museum-quality glass as a means of safeguarding the artwork. Although this option may be more expensive, it provides the assurance of long-term protection.

Did you know?
If you cover the entire surface using lightfast products, the underlying material is protected from direct exposure to light. Lightfast products are designed to resist degradation when exposed to light, significantly reducing the rate of fading. However, it’s important to note that no product can completely eliminate fading, especially under intense or prolonged exposure to light. Regular maintenance and care are still necessary to preserve the appearance and quality of the surface.

Advice for caring for your archival and acid free paper

It is important to store in a cool, dry, clean, dark, and stable environment, away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and fluctuations in humidity. The ideal temperature is around 20°C, and the ideal relative humidity is about 55%.
Choosing the right storage furniture and enclosures is important when storing important documents. Use acid- and lignin-free materials and buffer them for boxes, folders, envelopes, and sleeves. Ensure that the enclosures fit the size and shape of the paper and provide adequate support and protection. Label the enclosures clearly and avoid writing directly on the paper to prevent any damage.
Keep safe from fire, water, pests, and mould. Avoid placing them near ignition sources, water pipes, or food. Use fire-resistant and water-resistant storage furniture and containers. Check for mould or insect infestation regularly.
Handle paper with care and clean hands. Avoid touching the paper's surface or using adhesive tapes, metal clips, rubber bands, or acidic inserts. Use gloves, tongs, or spatulas to lift and move the paper. When carrying or displaying paper, please support it with a rigid board or folder.
Monitor the condition of the paper and seek professional advice if needed. Look for signs of deterioration, such as discolouration, brittleness, tears, stains, or odours. Contact a qualified conservator if the paper is damaged or needs conservation treatment.

The term “archival” is not regulated or standardised, and different manufacturers and archivists may have different definitions and criteria for what makes a paper archival. Therefore, it is important to check the specifications and certifications of the paper before buying it, and to look for reputable brands and sources.

What’s your favourite type of paper for your art? Do you go for acid-free, archival, or a mix of both? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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2024 Workshops update, Our Current Services, Upcoming Ventures, and the Latest Articles

TUTORIALS

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

OUR TWO LATEST ARTICLES

UPCOMING VENTURES

Let us know in the comments if there are certain subjects you would like us to include in our future articles, art tutorials or on our YouTube Channel.

Acid-Free vs Archival: What You Need to Know About Paper Quality for Your Art

Advice for caring for your archival and acid free paper

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