drawings

Looking at Faces

artist book, drawings / /

I have been playing with quick sketches of faces.

loose portrait sketch

I think my seeing is improving. I am starting to see the different shapes that the facial features can take.stylized portrait

I practice my “seeing” the shape of eyes, nose and mouth, as I watch videos and talk to people. I am enjoying this relaxed way of learning.

crayon and watercolor portrait

I have been exploring different drawing materials. My current favorites:

  • Gray crayola crayon
  • Prang watercolors
  • Black gel penportrait with crayon and watercolor

I like to work in 2 or 3 small notebooks at one time. That way the watercolors have time to dry. I have bound a bunch of Enso’s that I did earlier this year. I was wondering what I was going to do with all those zen circles.

zen circles - enso

They are painted on 90 lb. drawing paper and the paper is a little warped, but I was still pretty successful in using the double fan glue binding to hold 20 pages together.

If you have a lot of single sheet papers that you would like to bind into a book, then check out the class Bound Prints. I teach you how to use the glue based, double fan binding.

artist book

Enjoy!

Looking at Faces Read More »

Creating new habits

drawings / /

Every so often my subject matter changes. I am usually drawn to:

  • Trees
  • Leaves and weeds
  • Text and fonts
  • Birds

However, I often will do a quick contour line self portrait.

self portrait

But recently I have wanted to develop a loose line portrait style. So I have been playing in 4 sketchbooks and creating some sketches with varying degrees of satisfaction.

scribbly face drawings

I am looking online and tried the Sktchy Museum app that has all kinds of portraits that I can use as reference. But they did not mean much to me and so I was not very interested in the drawing.

stylized portrait

I also noticed that my subjects often have a sad expression. I looked closer at eyes and mouths to see what is involved in producing a happier expression. I am still learning.

contour line drawing

So I searched my own photos and found some family members that I plan to use as a photo reference for my next set of sketches. I have more interest in these subjects, so hopefully I will want to put a little more effort into the drawing.

pencil sketch

I am hoping that:

  • My seeing skills become stronger
  • My hand and eye become more coordinated
  • I learn ways to stylize elements of the portrait
  • I have fun doing it!

If you are looking for an online art class check out the self-studies that I am offering.

Creating new habits Read More »

Try something new or different

collage, drawings, inspiration, mark making, mixed media printmaking / /

I have been making painted pages and collages lately. It is a bit new and different for me.

mixed media collage

Experimenting with a new technique or material can breathe new life into your art making practice. It might be a great way to stimulate ideas for your next series or project.

collaged houses

Or you could find a way to integrate new skills into your traditional practice.

gelatin print on painted book page

Are you inspired by images that you see online? Ask yourself what is the quality that you admire and then see if there is a way to bring that quality into your work.

It could be:

  • the subject matter
  • the shape, color or simplicity or
  • the medium or format

I encourage you today play with something new or different and then notice if it stimulates something in your practice.

An art class is one way to try something new, check out the current workshops and see if any are a good fit for you.

mixed media collage

Try something new or different Read More »

Play with Contour Line Drawings

drawings, trace monoprint / /

Contour line drawings can simply an object to its essence. I love the flow and energy of contour line drawings. So little can say so much.

Trace Monotype print contour line drawing

This type of drawing requires that you observe and follow the edges of the parts and notice how they meet and interact.

trace monoprint line drawing

In the images above I used contour line drawing technique to make trace monotype prints. The original drawing is used as a template/reference to produce this fuzzy line and plate ink print.

multiple trace monotype prints

With the trace monotype printing process you can use one drawing that you love to make unique multiple prints. They are all similar and yet a little different too.

I like this process because I don’t love to draw and this is one way to give my drawings that I do like new life.

If you would like to explore Trace Monotype Printing then, check out the details of the online class, Draw into Print.

Play with Contour Line Drawings Read More »

Produce play – pears

drawings, inspiration / /

Let the fruits and veggies of the season inspire your artwork today.

pears to inspire drawings

I arranged my “models” (pears) at eye level and started sketching with a nub of soft charcoal. You could do something similar.

  1. Gather colorful produce
  2. Arrange in an easy to see manner
  3. Grab your favorite drawing tool
  4. Capture the essence

draw pears with charcoal and water color

If you take pictures then you will have drawing references even after the produce is gone. Enjoy!

If you are looking for a quick gelatin printmaking class that will help you to pull some powerful prints, then check out the details of the online workshop, SIMPLIFY.

simplify gelatin prints with threads and circles

Produce play – pears Read More »