Staying in Touch

Today I sent out an email, blog, and advertisement for a workshop I'm teaching this coming weekend.  What I received was not only interest in the workshop, but little snippets of people's lives, what they're doing and where they've been.  Some of you who responded I haven't seen in a very long time; others I see weekly.  It matters not.  What was best for me was hearing from all of you!

On location painting with students. (BTW - Great shadow shapes!)

I love knowing what is happening in your lives, how your painting and drawing is coming along, where your interests lie now.  I know that I can't respond in length to everyone, but I do try to send out a few words just so you know how much I enjoy hearing from you.  It is one of the most satisfying parts of teaching for me - getting to know you!

Why take classes?  Of course, to learn, but to also participate in the art community; to form friendships with people of similar interests; to help one another with getting past moments of frustration and to celebrate together those moments of fun and accomplishment.

How else do we stay in touch?  Through the blogs.  Through email.  Through painting groups.  Through shows and paint outs.  There are lots of way to stay in touch.  With the solitary nature of painting there is always a risk of ending up alone and unconnected.  So, don't forget - it's great to hear from you!  No matter how you do it or with whom -  stay in touch!

Sketchbook Journal Workshp

It's happening this coming weekend!  Sign up now if you're interested.  This is a great workshop that I have taught several times and it has always been a lot of fun for everyone so if you or someone you know is interested, come join us.  Don't miss out - it will not be taught again in the Summer session.

Hope to see you there!

Workshop: Sketchbook Journal Workshop #16782

Saturday, 10 AM – 1 PM, May 14 & May 21

Sunday, 10 AM – 1 PM, May 15 & May 22

Shadelands, Annex A; 4 classes; Fee: $88 plus $2 registration fee.

Registration: www.arts-ed.org or (925) 943-5846

Have you always thought that it would be fun to maintain a sketchbook journal?  Whether you are traveling around the globe or making observations in your own backyard, journaling is a wonderful way to combine the joys of drawing with your experiences in life.  If you think that you can’t draw, journaling is a wonderful way to learn that you can.  There are many ways to make your sketchbook journal a personal and creative experience.  We’ll be learning the methods and materials for “quick” sketches, long sketches, what to focus on while you sketch, how to add color, how to personalize your sketchbook, and how to keep it all compact and travel ready.  First class in studio; following three sessions on location.

Materials list: A small sketchbook (5.5 X 8.5”), an HB or #2 pencil, a fine-tipped permanent black pen, a light (1-3 value) grey and a medium (about 5 value) grey felt tipped pen (Tombow N65 & N95 waterbased, Faber-Castell Pitt Brush Tip permanent, or Copic sketch marker, warm or cool grey, all work well.)

To Draw or If Not To Draw, To Sketch

If you’re like me, the inability to draw was my biggest hurdle to creating art.  I can state without exaggeration that I loved to paint as long as I can remember, but as a young child I looked around and I knew by watching people who could easily draw that I could not.  I certainly had very straight, neat lines; a sense of good composition; and I finished my drawings with perfectly even coats of crayon.  As I grew I took every variety of art class I could, but none of this compensated for the fact that drawing wasn’t/isn’t taught in our schools; and that ability to draw is looked upon as a “talent” by our society.  The result was I had some aptitude, but although I worked on attempting to learn through books I never became comfortable until I was taught.  Gregor

Drawing takes time and practice.  In that respect, it is like any serious discipline.  The more you do it, the more you practice, and the more you learn, the easier it becomes.  Drawing and painting can be complex and deep as well as light and fun.  Yet for those who yearn to draw and paint there is no greater satisfaction than to complete a piece with competence.

You may have to give up some things:

            being a perfectionist (some of the time) – that can get in the way of learning;

            being embarrassed by mistakes or lack of knowledge - mistakes are part of learning

            and expecting every drawing or painting to be perfect – that’s why we “practice”.  Great pieces will emerge from practice.     

Still, if you want, you can learn to draw:  Take classes.  Read books.  Copy masters.  Have fun with the process.  Find the joy in what you choose to do! 

If you would like to have help kick-starting your drawing or just learn enough so you can enjoy sketching, come join a fun workshop that I teach starting next week: 

Sketchbook Journal Workshop,  May 14-15 and May 21-22, at Civic Arts in Walnut Creek.  It’s class # 16782 and you can sign up by going to www.arts-ed.org , following the link:  http://ezreg.walnutcreekrec.org/Activities/ActivitiesCourseDetails.asp?cid=17304 or calling (925) 943-5846.

There’s a full description under “Classes” on this site, close to the bottom of the page as well as on the Civic Arts web page.  See you there? 

Keep Drawing and Painting!Sketches from Journals

Finding that Rhythm

Across the Vineyards - plein air demo

Well, the good news is that I have been painting.  The bad news is that it's not as easy to blog as I thought.  Taking photos of my paintings and posting them is my weak link.  That said, I know what I need to work on.  Painting everyday (okay, let's be honest, several days but not seven days a week) is nowhere as difficult as taking a photo and posting it to this blog. 

I have two hard steps to overcome.  1) Taking the photo.  I know, it sounds easy.  But set your painting up, photograph it without distortion and glare or some weird light that changes the color of the painting and you'll know what I'm talking about; and 2) Posting.  This requires loading, cropping, adjusting, and attaching.  This isn't always as easy as it should be.  Of course, like painting, the more I do it the better I'll get.

So, if you're having trouble with some aspect of your painting: finding time; color; composition - you name it.  Just figure out what is keeping you from your art and focus on conquering those one or two items at a time.  They will be forever changing and challenging in different ways.  Just don't let them stop you from being the artist you are! 

My present challenge: Blogging 2-3 times per week from now on - with the exception of those few moments I escape to visit family (which I did).  Those moments are important and count as part of your rhythm too!!

Balance? A question of....

So much for posting daily!!  With taxes just days away and a missing kitchen it's just not going to happen, at least for now.  It's all a question of balance.  So, I am painting... and I am balancing it with the other obligations of life.  Likewise, your painting should incorporate balance.  This includes composition, color, value, and probably a few dozen other "balances" that have skipped my mind at this late hour.  The catch is "balance" does not equate to "equal".  A balanced composition is not exactly the same on all sides but rather it has an interesting assortment of large, medium, and small shapes; balanced color can indicate any number of different color theories, but doesn't mean using every color in your paintbox; and a good balance of values means letting either lights or darks dominate. 

Goal: more painting/less taxes!  That sounds like a great balance to me!!

Return to Regency Trailhead, oil on canvas, 6x8"

Balanced painting? 

values - predominately light

color - complimentary green/red

shapes - varied; not equal