Theresa Airey - Advisory Board of Photographic Professionals

Theresa Airey, international photographer and author of Creative Photo Printmaking, Creative Digital Printmaking, Digital Photo Art, Beginner's Guide to Digital Photo Art, Bermuda, The Quiet Years and Bermuda, Then and Now has shown her work extensively with separate one woman exhibitions in 18 of the 50 U.S. states. Theresa holds a M.F.A. in Photography and Fine Art.

Abroad, she has held major shows in Spain, Bermuda, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Her work has been featured at the Bermuda National Gallery in the Biennial 2006 and 2008. She is also featured in numerous Photography books: most recently in Photography in the 21st Century, published by Delmar Learning, of which she also has the cover image.

She is best known for her skill in restoration, infrared photography, and "crossing the boundaries" between traditional printmaking, drawing, photography, and digital art by using the computer as a tool to begin to integrate, orchestrate, and create new images.

Articles

My Favorite Book
Out of all the photographic books I've written, I enjoyed working on Digital Photo Art the most. It was exciting and stimulating to blend the traditional with the cutting edge and come up with unique artistic processes. Crafting this book has given me the freedom to create an image without having to categorize it...

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As featured in our Fall 2004 Catalog

HOW TO PRESENT YOUR WORK
1. THINK POSITIVE.

2. EDIT, EDIT, EDIT. Make yourself edit your work. Show the best six images first; and if the viewer wants to see more, he/she will ask to do so. Then get out the next six best images and so on.

3. Never show more than 12 prints at one time. If the viewers likes what they see, they will ask to see more. You know exactly which images are your best work.
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As featured in our Spring 2003 School Catalog

HAND COLORING WITH CONTE' PASTEL PENCILS
I prefer coloring my photographs and inkjet prints with pastel pencils. I especially enjoy the Conte' Pastel Pencils because like in the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears....they are not too hard, nor too soft...they are just right ! They also work both on semi matte photographic papers,
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Ask the Experts

To ask Ms. Airey a question please fill out the form below. The most popular questions and answers will be posted on this page.

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Ask the Expert Question/Answer

QUESTION:

Dear Theresa, I am an art restorer specializing in oil paintings, but I sometimes retouch photos. I have twice had someone bring me an autographed photo that had developed round red/orange spots. The first was on matte paper and I was able to use retouch pencils. The result was a totally invisible restoration. Now I have one that is glossy. I, at first, thought it was a traditional photo, but now, after having tested a variety of materials, and found that nothing adheres to the surface, I have my doubts. Im thinking that maybe its digital, or maybe coated with some kind of gloss protective finish. HELP! I have two questions - first: what causes these orange spots, and do they occur only on traditionally printed photos or digital photos or both. second: how do I get something to stick? And yes. whatever it is has to be archival.

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Susan: This is a tough one as what you are calling orange spots…another person may call yellow spots. If they are yellow/orange it was not properly fixed and these are the beginning of deterioration of the image (fading away)... and will contin...full answer

QUESTION:

Hello, Can you please tell me which paper you prefer in making Calotypes? I am not pleased with Clearprint drafting vellum or other papers which shows regulated marks from the paper in printing. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, Roxanne

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Hello Roxanne, Well as I have never done Kalitypes I am not positive but I do not like laid paper either. They are the ones that show a grid or line pattern from the screens that the papers dry upon in the manufacturing process. I have done carbon ...full answer

QUESTION:

Dear Theresa, I have a question regarding Arista paints. The shades are very different from what Im used to. Do you have any ecipes for a good, warm flesh tone? Im close, but can seem to get exactly what Im looking for! Thanks for all your help! Jennie

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Jennie: Well, this is a tough one....but start out with a small amount of Topaz Brown and add small (operative word here is small) amounts of Ivory white and sometimes a small dab of Ruby Red. The problem here is that it depends on the light, ...full answer

QUESTION:

Dear Theresa, I have hand colored photos for years on Marshalls Inkjet Canvas. As you know, this is no longer available. Can you suggest an Inkjet canvas which will work with photo oils as well as the Marshalls canvas did? (Im attempting to switch to Aristas). Ive tried Fredrix - not very good! Thanks! Jennie

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Jennie: There are many canvasses out there from which to choose, but using a good WR (Water Resistant) canvas will be beneficial if you intend to laminate or coat the final print as most of the laminates or varnishes are water-based. I like...full answer

QUESTION:

Dear Theresa, Can you use Marshall oils on a digital print that is printed on traditional silver gelatin paper. How would you first develop the paper? Thank you, Chris

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Chris: Well you can certainly use Marshall Oils on your silver gelatin print. The gelatin layer on the paper protects the paper substrate from the acids in the oils deteriorating it . The Marshall oils were developed for just this purpose but ...full answer

QUESTION:

Ms Airey, I am just starting to hand color photos and was wondering if traditional toning solutions such as sepia, cyanotype stains or dyes be applied to inkjet photos before hand coloring? Or are there other methods to obtain the same results? Greg

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Greg: The dyes and chemical stains that were used on silver gelatin photographic papers will not work on inkjet papers as they would most likely dissolve the inkjet coating on the top. An easier and more effective way is to do the stain...full answer

QUESTION:

Hi Theresa, Thank you for being such a source of inspiration. I shoot in Digital IR BW then color with oils on photographic paper. I am not happy with the paper I am using. Do you have a recommendation of photo paper or lab? Should I have printed on Epsons Prem HR glossy or inkjet coated canvas? I checked locally and cant find anyone that can do that. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance for your reply. Cathi M.

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Hi Cathi, Thank you for the nice compliment :) Painting with oils....... on photographic papers. It has been years since I used photographic paper, so I do not know what is out there. I print on an inkjet printer with real artist gesso-ed ca...full answer

QUESTION:

Dear Theresa, I went to your exhibit of infrared work in Westminster a few months ago and purchased your Digital Art book...how inspiring. Now the big conundrum... the software you use - Studio Artist, is it only available for Mac? -Tom

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Hello Tom, Studio Artist is now available for bothe Mac and PC users. You can also try a software called Topaz for some very nice effects... They give you a 30 day trial download. And there is always Corels Painter which is a fantastic program, ...full answer

QUESTION:

Ms Airey, I just purchased your book Digital Photo Art. I have used 3 different types of glossy photo paper. I have tried over and over to wet down my watercolor paper (both 140lb and 90lb and also my photo and I cannot make the image come out at all, no matter how long I use the baren. Thank you for your help, Susan

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Susan, The only glossy paper that works is the inexpensive Premium High Gloss stock sold by Office Depot. The rest of the papers are not made any longer. Sorry you are having so much trouble but this one works very quickly and easily, hardly ...full answer

QUESTION:

Ms. Airey, Hand coloring is a new skill for me. Are there any inkjet papers that can be used with marshall photo oils without applying a ground? Thank you for any info you can provide. Andrea

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Hello Andrea: Unfortunately there are NO PAPERS that you can apply oil paint to without a ground. There must be a barrier to keep the acids contained in the oil paints away from the paper and ultimately deteriorating it. The Silver gelatin coa...full answer

QUESTION:

Dear Theresa, I am loving working with the techniques from your Digital Photo Art books. I would like to be able to work with larger prints. My current printer only is capable of printing 8 1/2 wide. Do you have any recommendations for printer that would print larger, say up to 16? I know many of the larger format printer use roll paper but I am looking for one that I could use a variety of sizes and types of papers in. Cindy

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Cindy, Thanks for the feedback on the books. As far as printers go.... I would recommend Epsons... they are realiable and have always been ahead of the game. I use an old 4000 and am looking to get a new one myself. I like the 3800 and the...full answer

QUESTION:

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

QUESTION:

Dear Theresa, The last time I used Marshall Oils was with tray processing. With everything gone digital I have tried to paint on a fiber inkjet paper (Canson). This is giving me poor results. The paint is not going on well. Can you help? Thanks, Ken

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Ken, Painting with oils on paper is a no no. There is no barrier (like the gelatin in photographic papers) to prevent the acids in the oils from deteriorating the paper fibers. So the best thing to do is just paint on Inkjet Canvas...no ...full answer

QUESTION:

Dear Theresa, I have been using marshalls oils for years now but am now having a hard time finding them on-line because of how digital is taking over the photography world! At one business on-line I had them on order for months with no delivery date seen in the future. (I can find the sets which I dont want, I only want certain colors in the large tubes). So I decided to try artists oils that I just go and buy at any art store. I bought Gamblim, sem-transparent and they give me the exact same affect as Marshalls. My question is will they eventually destroy the fiber based silver gelatin print? Thanks for any info! -Gail

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Hi Gail, No, those transparent oils will be fine on silver gelatin prints, as the gelatin acts as a barrier to prevent the acids in the oils from leeching through and deteriorating the paper base. Happy coloring, ...full answer

QUESTION:

Hello! For my photography class we are supposed to try and mimic a style of a particular photorapher. I chose your name and would like to find out more about what you do. My teacher told me to concentrate on coloring with pencils and such. Any information would be appreciated. -Andrew

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Andrew: I am very honored that you chose me to mimic for your school project! Yes, I do a lot of hand coloring with Pastel Pencils and enjoy adding life to the black and white photographs. Mainly I color b/w Infrared photographs. I lo...full answer

QUESTION:

Dear Ms Airey, I recently tried to make an inkjet transfer following the instructions in your book, Digital Photo Art. I printed one photo to Epson Premium Glossy photo paper (all I had on hand) using an Epson 4000 with Ultrachrome pigmented inks, and another to HP Brochure and Flyer Gloss paper using a Canon C5280 All-in-One with dye inks. My transfer substrate was Arches 140 lb cold press watercolor paper. I followed the book's wetting and transfer instructions to the letter, using a large spoon for rubbing, and using a variety of pressures and times. The Epson photo only weakly transferred some of the black ink and none of the color ink at all. The Canon photo dripped magenta ink as soon as wet, and transferred a weak, mushy magenta image. Can you advise? -Margaret

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Margaret: As it says in the book... not all glossy stock works. In this case the cheaper the better. You are using glossy papers that are "too good". The only glossy papers that I have found that work are: International's paper: "Jet...full answer

QUESTION:

Hi Theresa-- I have been working with digital photos and transforming with silk screening and heat transfer of xerox copies. I have been researching a technique called "Xerox Lithography" that uses gum arabic. I haven't seen a full description anywhere but have seen your name associated with many of the discussions on the web. Is this technique covered in any of your books and if so which one? Thanks! Terry

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Terry, I do not do any silk screening but have a really easier and quick transfer technique using glossy inkjet paper and water. The whole process is detailed in my last book, Beginner's Guide to Digital Art, published by Lark Books. Don't l...full answer

QUESTION:

Dear Theresa, What type of inkjet paper do you recommend for handcoloring? I currently have an HP photo printer. I truly love hand coloring and haven't found an inkjet paper yet. I mostly use Prismacolor pencils. Thanks, Robin

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Robin, Since you like to use Primacolors, you need a matte smooth paper, not a rough or textured paper. I would suggest that you try Crane's Max. It is a warm based white....virtually flake proof even if you rub it very hard whilst blending...full answer

QUESTION:

Ms Airey, I have Marshall's photo paint and pencils and the Conte pastel pencils and I am thinking of getting a set of Peerless transparent water colors to use as well. I was thinking of using an Ilford fiber based paper that's an enlarging paper to use with my inkjet printer which is a HP 8400. I use the Marshall's inkjet canvas right now to print my photos on for coloring. I was wondering if i could use any fiber based paper for hand coloring or is there a certain fiber based paper thats better. I like to color both the whole picture and just certain parts of the picture. Thanks, Joey

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Joey: I am listing my favorite inkjet coated papers for hand coloring below. I would also suggest trying out some non inkjet coated papers to color upon. My two last books, "Digital Photo Art" and "Beginner's guide to Digital Photo Art" hav...full answer

QUESTION:

Hello, I've learned that you have two books out right now. I'd like to get one but am not sure which one. The newer one is for beginners but may be more up to date. What would you recommend. I'm not a complete beginner. Thank you. Don

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Don: The "Beginner's Guide To Digital Photo Art" is good for beginners but it also covers a lot of interesting things for the intermediate..... such as Pigment Ink Transfers. The Digital Photo Art book is more for exploring other procedu...full answer

QUESTION:

Hi Theresa, I am brand new to hand coloring photographs, just took a short class and love it! I just loved using the Marshall's photo oils. How do you use the oils on home printed ink jet photos without smearing the ink? Thanks for your answer. -Monica

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Monica: You should not use oil paint on paper, as the acids in the paint will eventually break down the paper fibers, that is the reason for centuries artists have gesso-ed their canvas, linen or paper for painting with oils. The gesso set...full answer

QUESTION:

Dear Theresa, I am starting to hand color photos and have been having trouble using the Marshall oil paints. As a beginner, should I continue with those or try oil pencil, pastel pencils or water colors? Also I am not sure what paper to use. I am printing my images on The cannon IP6000. Also I am interested in your workshops and would like more information and how I go about scheduling one. Muriel P.

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Hello Muriel: Well, I teach hand coloring with pastel Pencils (Conte) because you can easily lift the color off the paper with a kneaded eraser. That makes learning a snap...no fear of laying on a color you hate and are stuck with. I would s...full answer

QUESTION:

Dear Theresa, I'm trying to get back into hand tinting which I did years ago but cannot find any digital photo paper that will take the paint without going into the paper and keeps it from blending. Is using the Marshall pre-spray the only way to do it ? If so would any fixative work? Will the pre-spray work on Matt paper or just glossy? I tinted photos in a studio for over 20 years and want to do some of my grandchildren but haven't any luck with papers. Thanks for any help you may be able to give me. Ethelyn

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Ethelyn: Thanks for writing and I hope this information helps. You do not need the PM solution especially with inkjet-coated papers. I never even used it on Photographic papers. It is a combination of turpentine and oil and leaves a telltale s...full answer

QUESTION:

Dear Theresa, I have been printing, up to 11x14 all of which with a water based ink. Is there a sealer that cover such to prevent the need of glass covering? I have had prints that have been destroyed when they made contact with moisture. Sincerely, Robert

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Sorry Robert.....

There is not anything you can do here. I would suggest you start printing with Pigmented inks as they are more permanent. However, even with pigmented inks and spraying them with a good protective spray such as "Premier"...full answer

QUESTION:

Theresa, I have all your books and love your work. I have always done a lot of traditional handcoloring and Polaroid processes and have now moved onto digital. I love the effects you achieved with the Hahnemuhle Japan paper in your book, however I can't find it anywhere! I went to their website and, unless I'm crazy, I don't see it. Many other types but no "Japan." Am I missing something? Thanks for your help! Cathy

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Cathy: Thank you so much for your compliments. :) Unfortunately, during the printing of the book, Hahnemuhle stopped bringing that paper over because it was not selling. You can get a similar uncoated Japanese paper and coat it with InkAid fo...full answer

QUESTION:

recently purchased a DSLR and a Canon iP6700D to print the photos. When I attempted to wipe a smudge from a print, I rubbed some of the ink from the photo. Is there a sealant that can be applied to photos to keep from getting finger prints on them and from ruining prints as described above? Thanks, David

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear David, I do not use a Canon printer and do not know about their inks, but I suspect it does not have archival (pigmented) inks. But the problem you described is two fold... One is the inks themselves. If you are using a printer that has OEM ...full answer

QUESTION:

Dear Theresa, I have ordered your book, Digital Photo Art, and espcecially look forward to reading the section on hand-coloring. This puzzles me: How is it that I can use Marshall oils on traditional silver prints (fibre-based paper processed archivally in a darkroom) and the oils "lock in" the image and extend its life - does the silver protect the fibre-based paper? Is there any coating available for inkjet printing on fine art paper that will protect the image if oils are applied? You mentioned using clear gesso in a response to James...can one use hand-coloring technique on gesso, or is this meant more as a surface to paint upon, where the oil stays on the surface, separated from the image by the layer of gesso? I intend to experiment with this. Are there papers you recommend for this technique? I'm using an Epson 2200. Cary

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Cary, With silver gelatin photographic prints, the gelatin (in which the light sensitive materials are contained) prevent the acids in the oils from reaching the paper substrate. With the inkjet coated papers, the "clay" coated surface of the subs...full answer

QUESTION:

Dear Ms. Airey: Hi. I'm curious how Conte pastel pencils are different, than say, Prismacolor pencils. Is "pastel" a different medium? Do Conte and Prismacolor pencils blend differntly when mixing colors? And finally, is the sprayed surface to protect the pastel noticable? Thank you. Ronnie

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Ronnie: Conte pastel pencils are pigments bonded with gypsum encased in a pencil form instead of a stick or soft chalk form. They blend beautifully and can be erased with a kneaded eraser easily, leaving no tell tale smudge or mark. They blend ...full answer

QUESTION:

Hi Theresa, I am trying to learn to color on ink jet paper. I used to use Marshall oils on silver prints years ago. If you are using the Conte pencils and are only wanting to color part of the photo, is there any way to erase the pastel where you don't want it and without damaging the surface of the print? Someone told me to prep it with Marshall Image Guard and he uses the Marshall oil pencil w/pm solution. I know you've said that's not advisable and I have to agree with you. Does not work. He uses Epson premium luster which I can't get to take color even with the spray. Mostly, I would like your comment on the pastel issue. Thanks, Janet

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Janet, I use textured papers on which to hand color such as Epson's Fine Art Textured or Moab Entrada...both take Pastel Pencils & Pastels beautifully. The best part about using pastel is that it is very easily erased with a Kneaded Eraser......full answer

QUESTION:

Hi Theresa, Could you please advise me on the technique used to transfers photos to canvas? Thanks, Ian

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Ian, There are many inkjet coated canvas that you can directly print upon. You can also print on regular gesso-ed canvas, but the result is not as sharp as the inkjet coated stock. However, if you intend to oil paint upon the print, it won't matter ...full answer

QUESTION:

As a newbie to the printing process their is so many papers to choose from. Where do I start to learn about all the papers that are out there? Is there a book that addresses all the different papers to print on. Thank You, Sandy

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Sandy, You did not mention which printer you are working with.....I also need to know if you are using archival inks or not. If you are using Epson's printers with archival inks, such as the ultrachromes.... you should be using one of thei...full answer

QUESTION:

I have painted on RC photographs for several years with transparent layers of acrylic gel medium with acrylic colors added into the gel for coloring. I am now working with applying this same painting technique on the surface of ink-jet prints. So far the technique is working well, but I am concerned with the archival issues with combining acrylic layers onto ink-jet prints. I am using archival inks, but over time could there be problems with this mixed media technique? Thanks for your time and expertise. Cordially, Bob H.

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Bob, Your technique sounds interesting ... as I have not tried this I am not sure of the answer. Neither the acrylic paint nor the gel medium by itself will deteriorate the inkjet print. I do not know how thick the gel medium layer is.....if ...full answer

QUESTION:

Can I use the colored pencils on RC black/white glossly and/or luster prints? Regarding the 48 count of pencils, does this mean that there are 48 different colors? Or, 12 basic colors and 4 of each color? Thanks.

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Todd, No you cannot use pencils on glossy or luster paper stock. The pencils will leave indentations on the surface and the coloring will not stick. Even with a pre-coat, it doesn't really work well and if you remove some of the color, then yo...full answer

QUESTION:

Dear Ms. Airey, I am looking for digital paper that I can use for handcoloring. I use Marshalls pencils quite a bit so I need the pm solution to help them blend. I have tried developing unexposed photo paper (I use Ilford matt) and using that in my Epson 2200 but the print comes out very muddy. Can you suggest an inkjet paper that will work with Marshalls oils and pencils? Regards, Laurie

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Well, as far as the oils are concerned, you could buy inkjet coated canvas or just print out on artist gessoed canvas and color. The print will not be as detailed and sharp on regular canvas, but as you intend to oil paint it, it will not matter a...full answer

QUESTION:

Hi Theresa, I've been using your book Digital Photo Art and I would now like to know about your next workshop on this subject, or, as I read in the back book jacket, more about your private studio workshops. Can you provide me with more information? Lee

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Lee, Thank you for your interest and I hope you are enjoying the book. This coming year for me is a year for me to take some workshops and do some of my own work, so I am backing off teaching and writing. I do have a great workshop planned...full answer

QUESTION:

Hi! I want to try to hand color my black and white prints. First off, in reading your articles, you are to use Matt paper, but all of my photos are on glossy... Do you recommend the pre-spray on the glossy? Also, what is the P.M. Solution for? Thank you, Cindy

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Hi Cindy, PM solution is a mixture of Linseed oil and Turpentine used for oil painting. It can be used to mix in with your paints and to prime your paper. You can coat the glossy stock with a light coat of PM solution and use your Marshall oil pai...full answer

QUESTION:

I'm trying to find a less expensive way to get black and white prints in order to handcolor with marshalls oils. I thought maybe I could simply photocopy black and white images but I don't know if that's possible. If it is, what kind of paper should I use? Can you handcolor on images printed from your computer? What kind of printer and paper is best for handcoloring? Could you e-mail your answer to my e-mail? I can't get on this site very often and have missed my last questions' answer? Thank you. Louise

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Well, if you print your images out onto Fredrix canvas, you could use your oils. I have an Epson 4000 and for hand coloring I use Epson Fine Art Texture paper and I also use a lot of plain watercolor paper for coloring upon, such as Arches' HP an...full answer

QUESTION:

I'm trying to use my Marshall's oils, and oil pencils to paint on matte prints off my epson inkjet photo stylus printer, and the paper just "grabs" the color and won't spread using epson matte heavyweight paper. I used to get them professionaly printed and had no problem. Thank you in advance for your help ! Donnie

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Donnie, Using oil paint on a regular inkjet paper is not a good idea even if you could get it to work. The problem is that the acids in the oil paint will eventually leach through the coating and deteriorate the paper substrate. That is the reason a...full answer

QUESTION:

Hi Theresa, I have your new book Digital Photo Art and am excited to try Conte Pastels. I have some experience with oils and pencils on traditional B&W photographs but haven't yet ventured into coloring digital prints. I print with the Epson 2200. I prefer to use Epson papers when possible for simplicity with the profiles but have taken note of your mentioned favorites. Will the Epson watercolor and matte papers simply not work with pastels or is it a personal choice of yours? I noted that you mentioned the Epson fine art ultra smooth, but I can't use that on my 2200 according to the Epson web site. A couple more questions: What is the functional difference in hand coloring between coated and non-coated papers? Will adding pastel pencils change the archival nature of the print? Do you pre-treat non-coated papers? And lastly, do you instruct on this topic, particularly in the Washington, DC area? Thank you so much! Michele

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Hi Michele, Yes, when I wrote the book I was printing mainly on an Epson 2200 and the old 3000. I now have an Epson 4000, which I love and the Epson papers are great. I particularly like the Epson Fine Art Textured on which to hand color and the wa...full answer

QUESTION:

Hi - I've ordered your book and look forward to its arrival. In the meantime, I want to start painting with oils on inkjet prints made from my Epson 7960, which uses water based dye inks. Do I spray or coat the print with an oil / solvent based sealer first, or do I spray or coat the print with a water based sealer first, in order to protect the paper / ink from the oils? If so, what sprays / coatings do you recommend? Thank you, James

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear James: I am not familiar with the printer that you mentioned. I know it is not an Epson and believe that you are referring to the HP 7960 printer. However, there are two ways to paint with oils on inkjet prints. One is to print the image out on...full answer

QUESTION:

I have tried hand coloring Polaroid 600 original prints with Shiva oil sticks. But the color doesn't seem to penetrate--it just wipes right off no matter how long I wait before blending/wiping. Any suggestions? Thanks, Traci B.

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Hi Traci, I have colored the Time Zeros with the oil sticks and the plastic coating does absorb the pigments. However, in coloring the 600 Polaroid films, I use the "SpotPens." They are soft tipped brush like pens that contain Photographic retouch...full answer

QUESTION:

Hello Theresa Airey: Will the Conte and Marshall's pencils work OK with Epson Enhanced Matte paper? If so, would you need PM solution with Marshall's pencils? If so I'm going to require all my intermediate students to buy pencils, Freestyle, of course. Thanks, Jeff F, Professor of Media Studies, Appalachian St.Univ., Boone, NC

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Jeff: Thanks for writing and I hope this information helps. You do not need the PM solution especially with inkjet-coated papers. I never even used it on Photographic papers. It is a combination of turpentine and oil and leaves a telltale sm...full answer

QUESTION:

Dear Ms. Airey: I have begun creating digital black & white prints specifically for hand coloring. I am using Conte' and Marshall photo pencils. I've been printing on Epson Velvet Fine Art Paper and Epson Enhanced Matte Paper. I recently purchased your book "Creative Digital Printmaking". In your book you don't recommend using PM solution, either as a pre-coating or when blending colors. Many of the articles I've read recommend this and the examples shown do not appear as "choked-up" and as overly saturated as my prints. Can you provide some assistance as to why I'm having this problem and what steps I can take to fix it? Moreover, can you elaborate when, and with which materials, the use of PM solution would be recommended? I appreciate any assistance you can provide. Sincerely, Scott

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Scott, First of all, I have never used PM solution and do not recommend it. It is basically a mix of turpentine and oil, neither of which I would recommend putting on inkjet papers. I never used it on Photographic papers either as I like to ...full answer

QUESTION:

Hi. I am a student in high school, and right now I am taking a photography class. I have been assigned a project to research you and your style of photography. Would you be willing to tell me some information about your work? If so, I have some specific questions about your work. Thank you, Faith

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

I think a person's work style reflects their life style and as you can see from my book, mine is rather eclectic. I love surprises, adventure and experimenting. I hate doing the same thing over and over and love to experience new sights and things. I...full answer

QUESTION:

What inkjet papers are good for handcoloring?

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Dear Ray, I have listed a few of the inkjet papers and coloring mediums that are compatible with them. In my book “Creative Digital Printmaking", published by Amphoto, there is a chapter in the back that is more detailed with an extensive list of papers and coloring mediums that are compatible with inkjet papers. Remember when hand coloring with water (water color, gouache etc.) you must be printing with an archival or pigmented ink set. And even then, be judicial in the amount of water that you do use...full answer.

QUESTION:

Hi, I am a student at a High School and I take an independent study for Photography. My tutor and I are trying to figure out how to hand color. We have your article in a magazine here that gives us some advice on how to do it. It says that you can just color directly on the photograph...

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

There are many factors to consider here.
1. What type of paper are you using? Use a semi-matte or matte paper
2. What type of coloring medium are you trying to use? That will determine the paper you should select...full answer

QUESTION:

I am looking for a good quality scanner to scan slides and 35mm film to my color printer. Are the Canonscan FS2710 or Nikon Coolscan models a better choice than the Epson Perfection 1260/1660 photo scanners? I want to blow images to 8 x 10 or larger. Also what do you reccommend for a good color printer.

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

The Nikon 4000 scanner is the best one out there to scan negatives and slides...no comparison. The best printer out now is the Epson P2200. You will be pleased with both pieces of equipment as both as very professional... full answer

QUESTION:

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

I think a person's work style reflects their life style and as you can see from my book, mine is rather eclectic. I love surprises, adventure and experimenting. I hate doing the same... full answer

QUESTION:

I am teaching my high-school kids how to hand color their prints. We found an old box of Marshall's Photo Coloring System. It is well used and I am going to purchase another set of pencils. I could use some advice on what we need besides the pencils. I am interested in the Conte Pastel Pencils. I have them printing on RC Glossy. Do we need turpentine, fixative, or other products besides the pencils?

MS. AIREY'S ANSWER:

Let me start first with the paper: Although RC glossy photographic paper is fast and easy to print, it is the worst paper for hand coloring, especially with pencils. You can use Marshall's pre-coat or something like Krylon's matt finish spray as a pre-coat and then attempt to use oils (paint), but even with a coat of mat spray or pre-coat, pencils are extremely hard to color with... full answer