4. Where can I get the UArt sandpaper? I generally get it through Dakota Art. You can also click on the Store Locator link that is on the UArt webpage to find a list of carriers.

5. What colors does the Uart come in? It only comes in one color however they recently changed the color so it is more tan than cream.

• Please note: If you'd like to try the brush on sandpaper I recommend you first become proficient on paper. When you are ready to try be sure you've applied a sufficient amount of pigment. Not only is it more difficult to blend if you don't have enough pigment it just won't work. And be sure you have several brushes on hand, as the sandpaper will wear the bristles down.

6. What brand of paper do you recommend? For my purposes I prefer Canson Mi-Teintes. It's a slightly toothy paper that readily accepts multiple layers of pigment and the brush does not damage it if a sufficient amount of pigment is applied. However, after working on sandpaper I discovered the Canson, like the sandpaper, has a grain. Once I started working across the grain and at diagonals I got better results. One more thing, I cannot guarantee my method of blending will work on your favorite paper but I can guarantee it will work on the Canson.

7. Where can I get Canson Mi-Teintes paper? Just about anywhere. Most or all art supply stores carry Canson as well as the catalog stores like Dick Blick, Jerry's or ASW.

8. Does it come in colors other than white? It comes in many colors.

9. What kind of brush do you use? Like a painter who has an assortment of brushes for different purposes, I keep several brushes in various sizes on hand. My favorite brush however is a #2015 made by Loew-Cornell. It comes in sizes 2 and 4. The bristles however "may" need to be trimmed. It's important that the bristles on the size 2 be no longer than ¼ inch in length and on the size 4, no longer than a ½ inch in length. Be sure to trim them when the sizing is still in them. If the bristles are too long and you try to blend, the brush will just lay down and you won't be able to move any pigment. If they are too short the brush will remove the pigment so be careful.

10. Will any other brush work? Yes. I'm sure there are quite a few brushes that will work however it takes time and money to find them. Since these brushes are cheap and I ruin them on sandpaper, for my purposes they are the best. I have tried other brushes but I keep coming back to these.

One brush that works very well on paper is a watercolor brush called a "scrubber". There are several brands but as far as I know they are all about the same. They do cost more than the Loew-Cornell but as long as you use only them on paper they should last.

11. Where can I get the Scrubbers?

1. Creative Mark Scrubber Brushes from Art Supply Warehouse
2. Fritch Scrub from Cheap Joe's
3. Blick Scrubber Brushes from Dick Blick

12. Can I use a larger brush? The "scrubbers" come in a variety of sizes ranging from 2 - 16. I would not recommend you use anything larger than a size 6 in the scrubbers. The size 2 - 4 work great. The Loew-Cornell #2015 only comes in two sizes. Both sizes work, however the size 2 works best.

A larger brush covers too much area. Since it would not be able to pick up enough pigment to smear around blending would be prohibitive.

13. Where can I buy the Loew-Cornell #2015 brushes and how much do they cost?The best way to get them is through Asel Art in Plano, TX. If you cannot get to Plano I am sure they will send them to your closest Asel Art. Keep in mind that you will need several. If you tell them you want Linda's brushes they should know what you mean. If there's any question just tell them that you want the Loew Cornell # 2015 and that they are kept with the colored pencils. They cost about $2.50 to $2.65 each.Asel Art

Asel Art
1915 N.Central Exwy #450
Plano Tx 75075
972-422-1205
972-422-1388(fax)
Store Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30am-6pm
Sat 9am-5pm
Sun 1pm-5pm

You can also buy the #2015 online through  Craft World  - Unfortunately it can be a maze getting to these brushes so if you put White Bristle - Flat Pastel (2) or White Bristle - Flat Pastel (4) in the search engine, which is located in the upper right hand corner, you should find them. If not, look in Craft Painting located at the top and click on "Brushes". Once there, click on "Flat", then click on "Shader" then click on "Classic Bristle". You'll find them at the bottom of the page listed as White Bristle - Flat Pastel (2) and White Bristle - Flat Pastel (4). They have a black handle.

14. Is it possible to add color after I've blended with the brush? In some cases you can add more color but only if you used a limited palette. Since the colors flatten once they are blended, making one color, you don't have that color. It's like mixing paint. If you put several colors together and mix them, they no longer are individual colors. They become one unique color. Therefore it would be difficult at best to be able to replicate the color blending makes.

15. What do I do when my brush gets dirty? When it gets dirty just wash it with soap and water and let it dry.

16. Some Artists use a workable fixative between layers, do you do the same? Would my work be safe if I don't spray it with fixative or is it a must? No, I do not use a fixative. I believe using a fixative would hinder the blending process. Once I am finished however I spray with Krylon UV Resistant Clear. The spray eliminates wax bloom permanently, brightens the colors and protects my work.

• Please note: Krylon UV Resistant Clear is a permanent acrylic spray. It is NOT workable so be absolutely sure you are finished with your piece before you spray. I believe a fixative or the UV Resistant Clear would protect your work and if you use Prismacolors, eliminate wax bloom, but it's not a must.