Friday, July 27, 2018

"I Teach What I Want to Learn"

The first time I heard that expression, it resonated with me.
I enjoy teaching new approaches that I've never taught before,
and my last class was willing and able to try anything!    

After a quick review of the many new approaches to painting the figure
we've covered over the six weeks,
we did an old favorite
and painted the figure upside down.







To me, this is one of the best ways to 

see the big shapes and let go of detail. 

So, as much as I love experimenting and growing as an artist,
I equally love sharing ideas and exploring as a teacher.

"I teach what I want to learn!"
Have a great rest-of-the-summer! 




  

Monday, July 23, 2018

Summer Play Time

I've started the third on-line session of 
Mark Daniel Nelson's 
year long course;
 Abstraction! 

Perfect timing for me, as summer is the season to 
experiment and explore.
This class is getting me there! 


Some rectilinear, geometric ideas

"Harbor Town"
8 x 8 gouache on paper 


"Moon Rise" 
8 x 8 gouache on paper




"Recycle" 
I Pad sketch over an image of signs


 gestural sketches getting warmed up  

Some 8 x 8 "linear"and "gestural" 
abstracts 
acrylic, crayon, graphite on paper 


This series of "classes" every Thursday, 
along with the very supportive Facebook group
has been fullfilling and fun.
Stay tuned! 












Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Zooming, Cropping; Adding Textures and Patterns

This week we talked about cropping, 
and adding textures and patterns
to our Expressive Figure Paintings.  

The idea is to focus on the whole painting
fitting the shapes of both the figure and background 
into the picture plane. 

The addition of texture or pattern can
lead the eye and add interest.



My 20 x 16 quick demo
incorporating some of the techniques.

NOTE:
We all agreed that this approach may be easier with acrylics. 
Layering with oils can be tricky and frustrating. 
Mud can happen. 


NOTE 2: 
Admittedly, the reults are surprising and unexpected. 
A terrific shake up for all of us. 
Sadly, I was so excited about the work everyone did,
I forgot to get any images! 






Thursday, July 12, 2018

Flattening and Pattern Painting



Today in our Expressive Figure class
we talked about the approach known as
Flattening or Pattern Painting.

Example:
Milton Avery 
"Artist's Wife" 

The form is flattened and the design is arranged by 
one shape next to another 
NO LIGHT AND SHADOW!
Use of repeated patterns break up some of the flat shapes.
(Her sweater and the chair)
Proportions are distorted.
(Her feet)


This abstract approach uses just shape, line and color
to design an exciting compositon;
a definate challenge for representational painters 
who focus on value and reality to make the statement. 

My quick demo

and some student work:







None of us were thrilled with the results but
recognized the value of opening new doors.

That is what summer is all about.


Friday, July 6, 2018

"Hat Paintings"

I'm excited to be part of a show at the 
in Wellfleet, MA
that opens Saturday July 14 from 6 - 8 pm. 
Some of my newer "hat paintings" will be showing with 
new still lives by well known Cape artist 

Here are a few: 
 
"Looking Forward" 20 x 16 oil

"Retired" 8 x 20 oil

"Spring Clean Up"
16 x 16 oil 
Sun Hat 
16 x 16 oil 


Day Off 
20 x 16 


Orange Hat 
20 x 16 oil 

If you are on the Cape I hope you can stop in! 
The show will be up for two weeks.