Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Starting "Visceral" and Skipping Town


Above is where this painting currently stands. Below you will see an earlier stage. The drawing was first done on the canvas with conte and graphite, and then I went over those lines with diluted oil paint. The next step was to fill in the darkest areas of the painting, simplifying while simultaneously being as accurate as possible with value and hue.

After those dark areas were blocked in, it was much easier to judge the adjacent values. Against a white surface, everything can look too dark, which is why many artists start by toning their canvas. The paint here is still very thin, slightly diluted with OMS, yet note that it is not a monochromatic under painting but a chromatic under painting. This will make a great base for the following layers of paint.

I may get to work on this some more tonight, but then in the morning I am leaving for the weekend. I'll report back about this when I return next week.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Drawing Completed, Opening Report

"Visceral"
Graphite heightened with white pastel, ~ 16" x 12"


This drawing is done, and it was very satisfying to work so slowly and diligently on this. I haven't treated myself to careful drawing in a very long time, and I hope to make it a more regular habit now. I will promptly start the painting of this subject.

Friday night's Beyond Mimesis opening went very well. I received a ton of positive feedback from artists and non-artists alike, which is very encouraging. There's nothing like chatting with other artists who understand the struggle of the market and the drive to keep going who also have common interests in subject matter.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

"Beyond Memisis" Opening, Drawing Progress

This Friday the 22nd from 5-8 p.m. is the opening for "Beyond Mimesis - Contemporary Realism" at Strecker-Nelson Gallery in Manhattan, KS. This is a group show featuring 2D and 3D realist artists. I will have several pieces included, and am happy to see that my work is front and center on the postcard!

The drawing is very near completion now, but I am going to continue fine tuning. Now I need to start a less detailed, yet equally accurate, drawing on a canvas.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Nude Drawing

This is an unfinished drawing of a subject that will also become a painting. I've spent three days working on the contour and proportions, and I will continue to work carefully until it's as perfect as I can manage. Then I will start to do the same on a canvas.

In non-art news, the Hospital Hill 5K was so much fun that I couldn't wait to sign up for another race. This Saturday I will participate in my second running event, the Teri Mathis Zenner Memorial 4 Mile Run. After that, who knows?

Monday, June 11, 2007

Completed Seppuku Painting

O/C 40" x 30"

I haven't officially come up with a name for this one, nor have I officially signed it. It's still wet, and there's some glare in the picture. As it dries I will think about a good title for it. Until then, it's on to some new work!

May was the last month of classes with my various students until fall. One group, two boys and their mother, moved onto painting this year. I gave the mom, Amy, a chance to try my oil paints before deciding if she wanted to purchase some for next year. She loved the oils, and look at her painting! I am very excited for her accomplishment, as is she.