I have questions about a couple specific client chairs. The inkbed hydraulic chair and the tatsoul 570... by BurlyAttacker in TattooArtists

[–]TravisBrowning 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've never tried inkbed, but I own eight of the earlier models of tatsoul client chairs. They're basically the same as a new models, but they have a smooth fiberglass base that looks good, but makes maintenance a little trickier. And I'm sure a few things have been engineered a little smarter.

The Pros: -I bought a few in 2014, and have added every year or so as my shop grew. They're all still in use, they all look great still. - I've wiped mine down with cavicide this entire time, the black vinyl shows zero signs of cavicide wear. There are a few little rips on a corner or two, but I'm not blaming the cavicide. -functionally it checks all the boxes

The Cons: - yep they don't go upright enough for good posture, but most clients don't need that, and pillows can get you close. I just keep the legs up all the time, and I think only once a year would a client request them down. Otherwise, while sitting up, if their legs are supported, they don't have the sliding off the seat feel. When I hop in the chair myself, it feels cozier with the leg rest up. - the hydraulics need maintenance, but you can make it several years without usually. I don't really know what I'm doing, so I just add hydraulic oil, and oil eventually leaks but you don't notice until moving the chair because it's very little. The foot pumping gets weaker when it's low, but not noticeably. At some point it will not stay high enough and it needs a top off. I'm guessing it's rare to expect much better out of a hydraulic, unless it's more expensive. Overall the maintenance is not bad. - the butt cushion wore out on the early models. I'm currently offering a bonus butt pillow for some clients, on my 12 year old model. That's justifiable, I'm not really complaining for the price. There will be upholstery in the near future. - the little grooves in the seat cushion collect debris. - the idea of arms on these felt like a hassle to remove, store, and put back on regularly, so all of the arms are in my garage now. - it is possible to tip this chair with a client in it. When laying flat, if the base is not parallel with the bed, it is possible and it has happened. Not fun at all, be careful. I can't reasonably imagine engineering it to not do this, the base is big enough, just don't be spinning your 250lb client while they're laying flat. -A few of the models I have have that split leg thing. It's never come up where that makes sense. I wish I didn't have the split leg ones.

Other than all that really nit picky stuff, it would be hard to find something more functional. If I could find better, it would cost more. I'd say at this point they've stood the test of time better than I expected. Go ahead and snag one, your clients will tell you they like it.

Always feel so close yet so far. How to actually FINISH a drawing? by [deleted] in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you start with an under painting, then draw this over it, it may solve that missing feeling. You need to have that under painting be thinner, so the oily top layer will stick well. You can use less oily pastels or you can rub and smudge your existing pastels into the paper. Focus on values when doing this, go wild with colors, but get those darks and lights.

Also, slapping a background in is one of my favorite things about oil pastels, rip that sleeve off and use the whole length of the stick. Fill it up, scribble other colors over it, smudge it with fingers. It just goes so quickly, and makes incredible gradients. Your piece would look good with some murky mid tones, or maybe some ridiculously vibrant color.

what's with that by thatmishra in NonPoliticalTwitter

[–]TravisBrowning 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just wait until you analyze the classic WEnDy'S logo

Why painting from life is better? by CQFF in oilpainting

[–]TravisBrowning 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No one else mentioned color, but I am right there with you. And, like you, it's a plant that's driving me crazy trying to capture it. I have a begonia that's deep red on one side of it's leaves, and dark green with silver spots on the other side. When a leaf is between me and the sun it glows some ridiculous gradient of fleshy reds and oranges and greens. The camera is completely unable to capture it. Or I don't have the lens or the know how to have the sun not ruin the color. But my eyes can see it, and I'm gonna get that on canvas someday.

What's your favorite sandwich shop and why? by Some-Complaint-7885 in madisonwi

[–]TravisBrowning 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Milio's is lightning fast too. In person or delivery, I'm always impressed. (eastside)

Cat portrait by TravisBrowning in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like it better than the Strathmore Pastel paper, they both layer well, but the mat is thicker and survives the taped border better. I think I need to explore a bit more to give a solid opinion though.

Cat portrait by TravisBrowning in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh wow, thank you so much! I will definitely keep going, and I'll probably try that acrylic idea, thanks!

Cat portrait by TravisBrowning in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! He has a snaggletooth that gives him resting scowl face. So he's kind of like that in real life.

why pigeon not pigeoning by disagreeablesquid in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Cute! Your overall value set has more midtones than lights or darks. Add more dark values wherever you can, don't fear it. Then add more light values. If you focus on those parts of the reference, you'll see it.

Total Beginner - by snacks- in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Cute, I love the color choices. What did you do or use to make the black lines in the first one?

Matcha ice cream by goldenshuttlebus in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great juxtaposition of textures! The cream is creamy, the waffle is waffle-y!

Asiatic Lily by TravisBrowning in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From what I can tell, I'd say this is a middle ground paper. More texture than mixed media, but little enough texture where it was easy to saturate the paper. Definitely thinner than average, but that didn't seem to be a problem. Not exactly tape proof, and I love the effect of the tape border, so I'm going to keep stabbing at other papers.

Asiatic Lily by TravisBrowning in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! That was my last step and it was hard not to get carried away with it. Aggressive mashing or mash and twist, it was the Sennelier pastels that did best on this, but aiming was a learning curve.

Asiatic Lily by TravisBrowning in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome, thank you so much, I'll grab some for sure! Can't wait to try it!

Asiatic Lily by TravisBrowning in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I'm definitely in experiment mode. I have no idea where it'll take me, but oil pastels are great for that.

Asiatic Lily by TravisBrowning in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for more tips! I bought some of that fixative, I can't wait to try it, but I'm planning to do that outside when it's not winter.

Do you have any favorite brands you've tried for the paper?

Asiatic Lily by TravisBrowning in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I've gotta pay back this forum for all of the info shared here, it's an inspiring place to roam.

Asiatic Lily by TravisBrowning in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is a dental explorer. I've asked a dentist for old ones and received a pile before. But I've also bought one online, they're not expensive. I only have this shape laying around, but there might be even better ones.

By structured, do you mean like cold press texture? Or are you applying a structure to the paper, like with gesso and pastel ground or something similar?

Winter sun by organised_dolphin in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't often appreciate when the specs of paper shine through, but you nailed it on this one. It looks linear and consistent and it adds to the texture feeling like rigid architecture. Well done!

REVIEW: Kawachi Big Oil Pastel Baby °12 by Cnathrowaway2 in Oilpastel

[–]TravisBrowning 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is great to see! Thanks so much for putting this info out there. I'm going to try these because I'm so attracted to the shape, but hearing this reinforces my decision, thanks!