September In The Studio

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 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 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