ArtistsNetwork.com 19Brenda
Swenson
The da Vinci Cosmotop Spin,
Series 5080, size 20mm
paintbrush. Whether I’m
sketching, painting or
teaching workshops, this
brush goes everywhere with
me. Students have nick-
named it “the magic brush.”
It creates interesting and
varied shapes, from thin
lines to larger areas. It’s
great for pulling ample paint
from wells into the mixing
area. It’s made of synthetic
material, but doesn’t release
water and pigment too
quickly as many synthetics
do. It’s not expensive, and
I admittedly have bought
a small stockpile. I can’t do
without it!“
The artist yields
often to the stimuli
of materials that will
transmit his spirit.
— ODILON REDON ”
Betsy Dillard Stroud
My personally carved stamps are the items
I can’t do without. These stamps are covered with
iconic images and designs, and can be used
decoratively and/or as symbolic references in my
paintings. Often, spatial problems in abstract
paintings can be “fixed” with a stamp. The stamps
are soft on both sides and therefore can be carved
on both sides. I caution my students to always
work with a stamp carver to make one. The idea
came to me in a dream; that leitmotif has been
with me now for more than 25 years. Owl Dance (acrylic, 22x30) by Betsy Dillard Stroud