What is the cause of dark spots that sometimes appear on the paper of drawings and paintings? Reddish-brown spots are known as "foxing", caused by mold or the deterioration of the metallic impurities left in the paper from the manufacturing process. Other colors of spots may be one of many types of mold damage. Mold spores are everywhere in the environment, and mold thrives on cellulosic materials, especially in conditions of high humidity (above 65% of relative humidity). Keeping artworks out of high humidity areas like bathrooms or exterior walls, can help reduce the development of such stains. If I have a work of art on paper that appears to not be flat, should I be concerned? Paper is hygroscopic, reacting to changes in climate by expanding when it is humid and contracting when it is dry. A gentle undulation in the paper called "cockling" occurs under these conditions, especially with larger works. This may impair the work aesthetically as well as cause mediums such as gouache to crack or flake as it is unable to expand and contract as the paper itself does.

How can I protect my works on paper from light damage? Even though your artwork may be framed under UV filtering acrylic sheeting, the intensity of the light and duration of exposure is a concern. Try to avoid direct and excessive daylight. Close window curtains or drape the artwork when possible. Windows can also be covered with a film or a screen that will lower light intensity and ultraviolet rays. If possible take down the artwork periodically and exchange it with another piece, allowing the work to "rest" in storage. The most light-sensitive materials include watercolors and gouache, modern color inks, pastels, newsprint and all color papers. It is important to remember that light damage is cumulative and irreversible.. My solid wood sculpture is cracking in the vertical direction. What can I do?Q. I have an outdoor bronze sculpture. How should I take care of it?

Who am I? I am an Estonian too, my name is Jüri Ülesoo. On the photo you see me with my dog Josper. I''m not really the artist but I like art. Some years ago I made some oil paintings but not now. I''ll try to be the curator for some Estonian artists on the Internet and here you see my first step - Navitrolla''s Gallery (thanks to Lile Elam and Art on the Net). The problem is that few Estonian artists have computers, good communication connection and time to learn and use it. I want to show their works to the whole world and the Internet is the best tool for it. Until the artist has his (her) own Internet connection and e:mail address I will be mediator for him. So, you can e:mail your opinions to me and I will give them to the artists. During the "day" I work as a Marketing Manager in the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian area for Finnish concern VALMET (for Valmet Automation - producer of process automation systems). I am a member of Lions Clubs International.

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