Making Rabbit Skin Glue

As part of South East Open Studios this year I am demonstrating on the 3 consecutive Saturdays. The first kicked off, this Saturday 4th June, with a short workshop on the benefits and properties of priming and working with Rabbit Skin Glue. I then went on to work with the vat of glue I had prepared to mix Gesso and prime my new surfaces. To be posted later. However as promised here is the recipe and step by step instructions.

I had a need for a large quantity so the measurements I use produce 2 litres of glue. The proportionate quantities are below for smaller amounts.

RABBIT SKIN GLUE

Measure 140 grams of rabbit skin glue granules

To a large heavy bottom pan, add 2 litres of water

To the pan add the rabbit skin glue and allow to stand for about 30minutes

You can turn the water to ensure the granules

are beginning to soften

Then turn the heat up on the pan, bringing it to a simmer,

stir ensuring to mix the solution to an even consistency

(non lumpy, pre-soaking helps reduce this)

Work in a well ventilated room, as the glue has a reputation to smell!

Once you have a smooth mix, bring the glue to a boil then reduce the heat

The glue is now ready to prime your surfaces; wood, linen, canvas or other

Paint one coat on with a broad brush and allow to dry

Once dry it is ready to be lightly sanded a second coat applied

if necessary and then primed with gesso or other priming agent

to give you your ground

Mixing Proportions

Glue 7 parts 35g 70g 140g

Water 100 parts 500ml 1litre 2litres

Further Demonstrations will take place on 11th & 18th June from 1.00-3.00pm

For full list of days I am open click here and for an accurate streetmap location

Open Studio Guides Are Here!

South East Open Studio Guides have been printed and distributed via: libraries, tourist information office, arts/craft shops and other venues across the region, also available as a download. If you wish to receive a copy, become a Friend of SEOS here or complete this form and get one in return

I am open for the three weekends and some days in between. For full dates click here. Invites to the Private View available so contact me should you like to come. I am open a couple of late nights to help those looking to take a country drive of an evening and happen across a studio! and refreshments are often uncorked.

I will be demonstrating this year. The processes of mixing gesso, preparing and finishing a surface along with creating my gestural marks upon the ancient recipe. I will release a schedule of the demos and gesso recipe upon request, so mail me.

Look forward to welcoming you in 24 days..... and counting.

Studio Clearing!

With the sun out, and early seasonal pollen hot and peppery in the air like a bowl of Aunty Maureen's soup. I have taken to the cool, of the studio to clear and tidy ahead of taking a long look at preparing for Open Studios in June.

And great news received today, that I have been accepted for the Palace Art Fair in Fulham London. between the 6th -9th October 2011. I have been allocated Stand 1, in the new Pavillion on the main lawn.

Mail me for more information on both events and to be put on the invitation list.

"Ceci n'est pas un tube de peinture" - Work In Progress

See You Next Year, if Not Before in Brighton!

Time was called upon my participation in SEOS 2010 at 18.00hrs Sunday 20th June. I have had 86 visitors over the 8 days I was open and sold some work to new and past buyers. So to those new collectors of Rod McIntosh, I say;

"Thank you, and welcome to a journey I hope

we will continue to take together."

Sales are great; it is rewarding putting money in the bank to pay the fees and subscriptions I have. However what again I was surprised at were the conversations I had. From those who came out of their way to find me (thank you for your persistence with SatNav and maps) and those that rambled across me or were out in the car. I would like to share some of their comments.

• very zen
• great location, so peaceful, what a space to work in, what a view!
• the poppies moved me, the drips of blood red and then almost erasing of the marks, like a memory that should not be forgotten
• your textures and surfaces are delicious
• the little ones are like glazed gems
• like ceramic tiles, remind me of Delft ware, would love to see a whole wall full
• the circle piece is haunting
• when are you running classes?

Thank you!

To check out what I got up to in the studio visit my Flickr site and for news of courses send me an email at rod@dawltonbarn.co.uk

Of course my involvement with SEOS does not stop here. As Chairman I look forward to reviewing this year with my team and members, holding our AGM in July and starting the planning for making SEOS 2011 even better than this year.

Artists wishing to participate in next years event visit the website and register your interest with the Database officer. I look forward to welcoming you next year.

Getting the Studio Ready!

Countdown to Open Studios is upon me!

Those that know me will be unsurprised at the project plan I have in my studio of what needs to be done by when. Colour coded too. The 4th June will soon be upon us all and I am intending to open with new work from the studio collection and my daily pieces.

The small 10x10cm pebeo linen frames I ordered from Chromos in Canterbury arrived and I have been busy applying the gesso (above). This will allow me time to work through while I am open without the smell of rabbit skin glue simmering away and the gesso thickening beyond workable. If anyone wants to see this process drop me a mail and we can arrange. rod@dawltonbarn.co.uk

I will be open the following days & times; 4th-6th June from 11am-6pm, 12th-13th from 11am-6pm and the 17th - 20 June from 11am-8.30pm or by appointment at other times.

SEOS at The ArtRoom

South East Open Studios Preview Show at The Art Room in Ashford, Kent.

www.seos-art.org www.theartroomashford.co.uk

The SEOS preview show has been a great success for both organisations and participating artists, who at the VIP Art Auction last Friday sold work, myself included. It at times was a bidding war and others gracefully went over the reserve price to secure a much coveted new piece of art or craft for their home. The above reserve price also has enabled SEOS and the Art Room to secure enough funds to offer a bursary to a selected member next year.

I exhibited new work from the studio collection exploring the archaeology of the marks I make on gesso surfaces. More work like this and past collections can be seen in the studio at Dawlton Barn during June.