Art Whatsits: The Mouth Atomizer

Ever have someone find something in your studio and ask “What is this?” Well, if not yet, and if you paint long enough, you will! Because artists just love their gadgets. Don’t we? I mean, if there is a need or desire to create texture or apply paint, we will find a gadget for just that purpose. And if the gadget is clever and useful, we will buy it. And If we can’t buy it, we will invent it! We all have a whole collection of whatsits, and gizmos, and thingamabobs, and doohickeys, and whatchamacallits. You know I’m right! I bet you have a drawer full of them next to your painting table.  From paint pushers and Zoomfinders, to color wheels, and spatter screens; these things have been designed just for the art world. One of my favorite whatsits also happens to be a staple gadget for Award winning watercolorist John Salminen. John just happened to be in the workshop studio when Cheap Joe’s interrupted him for, yet another, product demo.  As John’s audience looked on, he demonstrated this scientific marvel, we know as, the Mouth Atomizer.

One of John’s key lessons in his workshop is to answer the questions, “What is a mouth atomizer and what do you do with it?” He begins the lecture with the scientific history of this gizmo. It seems to have evolved from this guy, Bernoulli, who said when air is blown through a horizontal tube it will create a siphoning effect on liquid, drawing it up a vertical tube and projecting it outward into a spray, just like an airbrush gun.  It went something like that, anyway, that was the jest of it! John also explains the reason why he uses the atomizer in his paintings is to create an atmospheric effect that is difficult to achieve with a wash. He points out that rewetting an area that is already painted on can cause the previous layer to be disturbed. Spraying a fine mist over the area will strengthen the darks without changing what is underneath; thus, giving you the opportunity to depict a misty fog or rainy day scene more realistically.

We also discover, in the lecture, that the mouth atomizer is available in two different designs. Both are made up of two tubes that form a right angle; then, one tube is placed in liquid and the other is blown through to create the siphoning effect and project the fluid. The difference is, one design is collapsible and one is fixed. The Holbein design is very affordable and can be folded away, making it very compact for travel. However, it is also more difficult to recalibrate the angle, each time, to the exact degree to allow the air to pull the liquid up the tube. This is the very reason why most people find it too challenging to use and give up on this great doohickey. On the other hand, Pat Dews’ Mouth Atomizer is permanently fixed at the correct angle for successful spraying every time. This brass tube atomizer was specially designed to Pat’s specifications to make this wonderful whatchamacallit easy to use by even the most novice of artists. It may cost a little more, but the success is well worth it!

John explains that the viscosity of the liquid being sprayed is very important.  He scientifically suggests squeezing a toothpaste sized length of watercolor paint (about an inch) into a discarded prescription bottle and fill ¾ of the way full with water, top with the cap and shake. This, of course, is not an exact science and may have to be adjusted.  John then invites Edwina May, the Cheap Joe’s workshop coordinator, up to the front to demonstrate the tools. It takes a hefty amount of steady breath, but she immediately gets results! John takes her through a simple project using the Pat Dews atomizer, while the Cheap Joe’s crowd observes closely. Wow! What a terrific painting! After completing the demo, Edwina is awarded the exciting masterpiece!

Yet another session of product training is complete; giving all of us vital information to pass on to our customers. This incredible gizmo, the Mouth Atomizer, is a wonderful alternative to the more expensive and time-consuming airbrushes while giving you very similar results. It is an easy to clean and very practical thingamabob that might just find a home in that secret drawer in your studio that is full of gizmos, whatsits, and whatchamacallits that you just can’t live without! Don’t forget to share any other great gadgets you might have in your drawer with all of us! Here’s hoping you have a very Happy Doohickey Day! To see more of John Salminen’s artwork, visit his website at www.johnsalminen.com.  Also, check out Pat Dew’s website at www.patdews.com.