September In The Studio
Chickadee: Sketch Endeavor
Chickadee: Sketch Endeavor
September has been insanely busy, in a good way. There's a lot going
on, artistically speaking, in and out of the studio this month. So I'm
devoting this newsletter to some photos and short summaries
highlighting certain events that I hope will be of interest to my
readers. I may develop some of these into full articles later, but
since it's been awhile, I'll just catch you up a little.
I'll start us off with the cover image of the chickadee sketch on toned
paper. I've been following a New Zealand landscape artist named Andrew
Tischler. Andrew's work is beyond amazing. But an even stronger reason
I follow his work is that he is such a genuine person and insanely
generous when sharing his expertise. This is someone I can really learn
from. He started "Sketch Endeavor" as a way to improve his own drawing
but then invited his followers to take the challenge along with him.
The challenge is this: set aside time each day just to sketch because
all good painting is predicated on sound drawing skills. We sometimes
get so caught up with improving our painting skills that we forget this
fundamental truth. So I decided to try it.
Day one was based on a painting I want to do soon; a portrait of my
'bird-whisperer' friend. The second day was this chickadee. I dropped
the ball for about a week, then made a third sketch which I will only
show to my closest friends because it's really REALLY bad. Everyone's
allowed an off day though, right? I can already see how the sketching
is training my eyes and hands to experience beauty in the delicate
details. So I'm starting fresh and committed to one hour in the early
morning of each day between now and December 31, 2019. I expect that I
will improve over time. Andrew Tischler's work and his challenge can be
viewed from his website, https://www.andrewtischler.com/
Let me (and him) know if you decide to take up the challenge. I'm sure
he'd love to see your work. I know I would!
underpainting on toned gessobord
Underpainting on toned surface
Another thing I started doing based on the advice of fellow artists is
to tone my 'canvas' with a mixture of burnt sienna and odorless mineral
spirits. On top of this is a value study...same mixture, but more
strongly pigmented. The idea is that breaking up the white helps define
color and add depth. I've noticed that most of the artists I really
admire begin a painting this way. This painting is still in progress,
but I can already tell that the layers over it are coming out more
vibrant and lifelike. I'll share when it's closer to being finished.
Alyna enjoying her studio play day
Alyna enjoying her studio play day
Alyna proudly photographs her work.
Alyna proudly photographs her work.
Alyna, a young autistic friend who comes to my studio every week,
decided she needed a break from the painting she is working on. I play
with poured acrylics when I feel the need to..well...play. So at her
most recent visit she asked if she could do a poured acrylic painting
instead. I was more than happy to oblige since I needed a break as
well. Every child with autism (like any child for that matter) has his
or her own preferred way of learning. When I'm teaching Alyna
something, we usually walk through the process together as she mirrors
my actions step by step. Alyna does everything in a slow, studied, and
very meticulous way, so this took some time. When her beautiful
abstract was done, she asked me to show her how to use resin. We found
some dried coasters she and a friend had made and got to work. If
you've ever worked with resin, you know how tricky it is to get it
mixed and applied effectively. In short, we had a blast making and
cleaning up mess after sticky mess....which I didn't mind a bit, since
this delightful gal was clearly having the time of her life!
Pretty crazy month, I'd say.
I'm also working on a skyline mural based on my client's 23rd floor
panoramic view of Detroit, and several other works in progress. I love
busy! Bring it on, baby!
October Giveaway (TBA)
Every two-three months, I do a giveaway. I draw a name from among my
subscribers and gift that person with a small work of art. It's just my
way of saying thanks. So far I've given away small 4"x4" unframed oil
paintings and a set of six bluebird note cards. Other ideas include a
poured acrylic resin coaster or a set of art cards made from one of my
daily 'Sketch Endeavor" sketches...like the chickadee above. I'd like
to hear from you, my readers. What would you like most? I will decide
based on your responses and announce it in the next newsletter.
Brush Jar
Brush Jar
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