Glasses And The Hat

It looks like I spoke a little too soon.  A regular visit to the optometrist, and a few days later … my very first prescription glasses!

At +0.75, it is very mild.  I will be using them only for reading and drawing.  I now have something to blame all my previous art failures on.  :)

I put them to the test and doing detailed work feels much more comfortable.

An Exchange

"Work in the invisible world at least as hard as you do in the visible."

-Rumi

Portrait Drawing

I don't remember the last time I drew a portrait.  It is not my favourite subject to draw.  However, once in a while when I see a photo that I like, I do give it a try.

I saw a vintage photograph online a long time ago and had it on my computer to use as my drawing reference.  What I liked most about the photo was the elegant attire.  In terms of design, there is good contrast in values and variety in lines.

I used the grid method to do the initial contour drawing.  That is drawing a grid over the reference photo, and then one of equal ratio on my work surface (paper). 

Drawing from a reference photo is not difficult at all.  You just need to pay close attention to every detail.  You should not focus on drawing an eye for example, but on the change in value of abstract shapes!  

The border around the image measures 11 cm by 14 cm.  For the shading I used three pencils; 8H, 2H and 6B. 

I think I will continue working on drawing/painting portraits for a while.  

"Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence."

- Ovid

    

Mark Making

Our ability to draw depends on perceptual accuracy, visual memory and the necessary elements we select to draw.  This can significantly improve with practice.

During the beginning stages of our artistic journey, the aim for realism seems to be a priority.  At some point however, after a level of mastery over the basic skills of realistic rendering is achieved, we need to take risks and create something unique that becomes our artistic style.  "Mark making" is one of the contributing elements of artistic style.  Marks add expression to our art work.  Our style is the result of our skills, absorption of information and influence of artists whose work we love.  This means it can change as we continue to grow as artists.   In order to build our skills, we immerse ourselves in the works of artists whose creations we admire.  However, practicing is not the end.  The process of growth never ends.

my oil painting after C. Klein

"The artist sees what others only catch a glimpse of."

-Leonardo Da Vinci

Sketching Seabirds

This fall morning, as I was adjusting the blinds to let in more light, I noticed outside, my few pots of kale, mint and chives were still green but definitely in need of some sunshine.  The sky was blanketed with yesterday's grey clouds.  It reminded me of the colour Payne's grey which is often my go to colour when I want to do a value study.
 And so, I completed this little painting. : )

Many view seagulls as noisy little scavengers.  I on the other hand, find them beautiful and free.  There is a great deal of diversity between them.  About 44% of world's gull species are found here in Ontario Canada.  Furthermore, for artists they are simple and a lot of fun to sketch and paint.  :)

Here are some of my recent sketches.

I used about 5 values including the white of the paper.

The last several days have been calm and enjoyable thanks to the beautiful seagulls!  I hope you too will have the opportunity to express yourself and nurture your soul.  

Gratitude

    

acrylic impasto painting sold

''Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls bloom. " 

- Marcel Proust 

Feeling a Little Rusty

The unpredictable and flowing cloud shapes are always great warm up subjects.

To start, dedicate a portion of your paper to the sky and lightly draw the outline of your cloud shapes. Then using your various pencil tones, create your values.

It can have a simple landscape ground, a body of water or you may add other elements such as trees.

Here is an old cottage. A little drawing tip to share with you here, is placing your darks and lights in a way that is more interesting and perhaps pleasing to the eye. For instance, the top tree branch over the little window has a light value just as it crosses the dark window, and it changes to a dark value as it goes over the light tone of the house!
Also, if you are drawing an old building, allowing some of the architectural lines to be uneven, helps portray its rustic character, such as the small wooden steps leading to the porch.

Lastly is a somewhat “neat” sketch. :)

“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own nature into his pictures.”
-Henry Ward Beecher