posted 07-21-2006 07:44 AM               

I have a copy of that print and I would like to have one of the guests at San Antonio sign the print. I like signatures done in blue or black but most of this print is dark. I don't really think much of the metallic or silver signatures but is there another option? The silver metallic signatures that I have seen seem thick and sometimes the silver seems to lump together. Would a silver Sharpie be better. I was thinking about asking for a signature on the left side of the print on the mountains. I don't think I will ask the guest to sign in the black sky. Would another color work? Does anyone have a copy of this print with signatures on it?

Thanks for any advice.

posted 07-21-2006 06:25 PM               

It's one of those pieces that may only be suitable for paint pen or metallic ink signatures. I would use a thinner/medium tip paint pen if getting it signed, especially if you don't like the thicker appearance of some metallic signatures. It'll give the prettiest result. Silver Sharpies look too grey-ish to me, but I've never experimented with the oil-based ones. Regular silver sharpies don't "sparkle" like the more traditional paint pens. Buy a couple of different paint pens and experiment on dark backgrounds, if necessary. Perhaps try a white paint pen. I've never tried one myself, but the result might be attractive, if the paint does a good job of covering (isn't tranparent).

Then when you find a pen you like, bring 2-3 of them with you to the show...in case one pen craps out on you between signings. Before handing it to each astro, I would make sure I suitably got the pen to flow nicely and to confirm it still writes good...and that any other signatures on the piece were dry before proceeding. I would even consider putting little post-it notes over each spot you want each astro to sign, after having carefully thought out where you want each signature to go. That way when one astro is signing it, the other post-its will serve as a "keep away" notice from those areas of the artwork.

If it were me, I'd probably use a gold paint pen. I think that would give the prettiest signature that would best match the coloring of the artwork. I'd have Aldrin, Bean, Mitchell, Scott, and Cernan sign it. It's the type of piece that is best suited "for moonwalkers only." Leave some room for Duke and you'll have a moonwalker from each mission. And leave room for Schmitt and Young...if so inclined to submit it for future signings. Maybe even leave a "just in case" spot for Armstrong.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do. And post the results here!

Okay, that was closer to 5 cents worth...

(Note: For those who need to see the artwork, it can be seen HERE at the Novaspace wesbite.)

posted 07-21-2006 06:57 PM               

I'd have to agree with the previous post that given the colour tone of the print, gold is the only colour to get it signed in.