Frequently Asked Questions

I would love to hear from you but please read this page before writing.
Many of the answers you require are probably covered below.

Q. Are your balloons based on the real thing?

A.YES! Amazing though it seems, all the weird and wonderful shaped balloons (known as special shapes) that appear in my paintings are of real balloons. The special shape aspect of ballooning has really grown in the last ten years, as balloon manufacturers like Cameron balloons of Bristol (cameronballoons.co.uk), have developed the technology. Companies that commission these balloons realise the commercial value of a giant balloon, of their product and the media attention they draw. This makes them a relatively cheap form of advertising. The two leading British companies that fly balloons as a form of advertising (as opposed to passenger flying), are 'Flying Pictures' and 'Virgin Airship and Balloon Company'.
If you are a fan of special shapes, then Albuquerque balloon fiesta (www.aibf.org) is the place for you. Of the nine day event, two of the days (Thursday and Friday) are given over to special shapes. It is very difficult to convey the magic of the Special Rodeo™, but suffice to say it is a wonderful and moving experience. For the past five years I have painted the official special shapes poster which you can view on its web site. I also have 16 of my illustrations featured in a book entitled 'Special Shapes Rodeo™' by Jean-Michel Bertrand. I have a few copies left.

Q. What is your favourite Shapes balloon?

A. That's a tough one but it has to be the balloon known as 'Dream Station'. It was one of four equally weird balloons that were designed by Austrian sculptor Andre Heller to promote Vienna as a city of art and culture. It is so Surreal!

Q. Which medium do you use for your artwork?

A. I use (Windsor and Newton) gouache, which is a water based paint. Basically, it is water-colour with white pigment added to make it opaque. I like it, because it is versatile (I can use it in an airbrush) and dries quickly, yet you can go back and change something, even after the paint has dried. Like all paints, it has it's own peculiarities and I would not say that it was any easier to use than oils or acrylics.

Q. How large are your original pieces?

A. It depends on the amount of detail involved in a painting. The maximum size I work to is approx. 20 x 30 inches (52 x 69cm). This is the largest size in which the CS2 art board I use is available. If a painting features lots of balloons then I use this size. Paintings with one or two balloons will be about two thirds smaller.

Any questions e-mail me - mark.pacan

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