What to Know About Seminars
A wide variety of workshops designed by Quebec artists to help you learn and perfect your art. Discover their favourite techniques while creating one or more artworks, depending on the formula offered. You’ll also find technical courses to develop your understanding of basic concepts so you can create your own artworks, and to improve your use of different mediums. Hours of fun!
VARIED DURATION AND PRICES
Seminars vary enormously in length. You’ll find seminars lasting from a few hours to a full day, and even sessions of several workshops. As a result, prices also vary widely. So it’s important to read the descriptions of each workshop carefully.
Payment is taken at the time of registration, whether in advance or on the day of the workshop.
The level required to take part in the seminars also varies. In general, beginners are welcome as well as intermediates and advanced painters, but you do need to have painted before. If you’ve never painted before in your life, we advise you to sign up for a creative workshop first, or for a seminar specially designed for beginners.
If in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact us either by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 1-418-651-7682.
SUPPLIES AND PREPARATION
Some artists include some supplies for their students, others don’t. This is personal and specific to each type of seminar. So it’s still very important to read each course description carefully to know what’s included.
When you register for a seminar, we’ll send you a list of the supplies you’ll need to bring with you as soon as possible. If you would like to have access to it before you register, please write to us ([email protected]) and we will be happy to send it to you.
Instructions for preparation will be given with the list of supplies if applicable. The sketch and reference photos for the preparation will be given to you only when the course has been paid for in full.
RESERVATION
You can reserve your place by paying the full seminar fee online, or by paying the minimum deposit by phone at 1-418-651-7682, or in person at our boutique at 2990 chemin Sainte-Foy, Quebec, QC, G1X 1P6.
The minimum deposit is 50% of the total amount, taxes included, at registration and the other 50% two weeks before the seminar.
SEMINARS POLICY
Pin-So’s policy allows us to serve you well by holding the course for those who have shown up. This policy is designed to be respectful of you, while ensuring the smooth running of our courses. We ask you to familiarize yourself with them, and not to hesitate to contact us for clarification.
- The supplies you need for your art classes should be purchased as much as possible from the store.
- No deposit is refundable or exchangeable unless cancelled by us.
What it does
- Mineral spirit-based varnish adds a matte sheen, protects and resists dirt retention.
- Dries clear to a flexible, non-tacky, hard surface.
- Increases brightness and color saturation.
- Adjusts and unifies surface sheen.
- Improves surface durability - ideal when shipping or exhibiting.
- Protects colors from UV light damage.
- Resists discoloration - yellowing and fogging - caused by humidity, heat and UV.
- Depending on the substrate it allows surface moisture to pass through and breathe.
- Allows for easy cleaning without fear of damaging the acrylic paint film.
- Has excellent levelling properties - will not hold brushmarks.
- Use on flexible or rigid supports.
- Designed for interior and exterior use.
How to use it
Application
- Before varnishing ensure paint surface is fully dry - 72 hours-two weeks for acrylics, depending on thickness, and 6-12 months for oils.
- Ensure your space is well ventilated and dirt and dust-free.
- Place the artwork flat on a surface - always varnish horizontally.
- Stir gently before use - the matting agents in the formula can settle during storage, so stirring will help these re-dissolve.
- Can be thinned with up to 25% true mineral spirits.
- Use a wide, flat soft-hair brush/pad/spray.
- Apply 1-2 coats of Gloss Medium as a permanent isolating barrier first and leave to dry for three days.
- Once completely dry, clean the surface with a lint-free rag dampened with mineral spirits.
- Apply 1-2 layers of Soluvar, leaving 24 hours between coats.
- Use long, even strokes, covering the surface top to bottom while moving from one side to the other - don't go over bits you have missed, but leave to dry and then re-varnish area.
- While applying, look for surface bubbles by inspecting it from all angles and even them out immediately.
Removal
- Work in a clean, well-ventilated area.
- Wear a dual filter respirator (NIOSH-approved) and neoprene gloves.
- Use a small piece of soft, white, lint-free cloth dampened with true mineral spirits or turps. Lay the cloth on the surface for 15-30 minutes, checking to see if varnish is being dissolved. If it's taking longer, use a higher strength of the spirit and cover the area with plastic to slow down evaporation.
- After 15-30 minutes, rub the cloth over a small area 1-2 square inches until the Soluvar layer starts to dissolve.
- Using a clean cloth and more solvent, rub the area again to remove residue.
- Working horizontally, continue the same process for the entire area to be cleaned.
- If any paint comes off on the cloth, stop immediately and move onto another area.
- Once completed allow the surface to dry before reapplying a fresh coat of Soluvar.
How not to use it
- Do not shake or vigorously over-brush as this can result in surface bubbles and a foggy, hazy look when dry.
- Don't apply with a roller or sponge brush.
- Don't apply in one thick coat, but several thin coats, to avoid brush marks, drips and cloudiness.
- Don't go back over areas you have already done, as this can cause clouding.
- Don't use odorless mineral spirits, paint removers, ketones or any other harsh solvents.
