Thursday, July 17, 2008
ArtPact #61
Thursday again. Figure drawing class begins in less than an hour, and I am - yet again - amazed by how fast the week has gone. Been busy putting the house back in a civilized state of being, so obviously, I didn't paint this week. Nor sketched. Nothin'.
But before I rush to class, I might as well post the fruits of the last one.
I almost didn't go last week. I was so demoralized by the previous one, that all desire to go through it again became extinct.
And yet - I know very well that this is the best mood to go to class with - zero expectations. I decided I'll go and see who the model is, and then make up my mind.
I arrived late, went into the room, sans my drawing board and paper, and one look at the model made me rush out to get the rest of the stuff. For once - someone who dressed for the occasion! She had a black fancy hat on, with a feminine figure and carried herself in a great way.
Only... this class was about 10-minute poses, and by the time I arrived, she went through the more interesting ones, so it seems. Or maybe she never had any.
I didn't feel like messing around with charcoal this time. So I took fun kids pencil I got a while ago (Michael's. 99 cents..), the one whose nib is made of endless colors and any line you make comes out very rainbowy.
A 10 minute pose is tricky. It doesn't allow enough time for a drawing, but it's too long for a sketch. I tried to keep it short - spent time examining the model, deciding what it is about her pose that makes me want to capture it, and then took the pencil in my hand.
That impressed the hell out of the teacher, who announced to the class "I want you to follow what this lady is doing" (lady? moi!?).
"You see", he carried on, "how she sits and first looks at the model, deciding WHAT it is she wants to paint? That's what I would like you all to do. Don't just jump at the paper - LOOK first. OBSERVE".
Being the sweet soul that I am, I did not share with him the fact that some poses were so uninspiring, that in some of them I spent the whole time observing without doing anything... especially when the model threw a shapeless sweater on, as she was getting bit cold. All that did not prevent her from repeatedly annoucning to us - and to the world in general - what a good model she is, and how she's been modeling for her mom (who's an artist) her whole life.
At the end of the day, I had 3 sketches that I like. I worked on losing edges, keeping it simple - putting in only what's necessary. All in all, I'm glad I went.
OK then - time to run to the next class.
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
A Little Lunch For Thought (TM) #16
Val has sent me this, and I just had to share it with y'all. (Thanks, Val!!).
President Bush's economic stimulus package, which appears so far to have
been ineffective in stroking the economy to life, is giving an unexpected raise to the porn industry.
From an Adult Internet Market Research Company press release:
An independent market-research firm, AIMRCo (Adult Internet Market Research Company), has discovered that many websites focused on adult or erotic material have experienced an upswing in sales in the recent weeks since checks have appeared in millions of Americans' mailboxes across the country.
According to Kirk Mishkin, Head Research Consultant for AIMRCo, "Many of the sites we surveyed have reported 20-30% growth in membership rates since mid-May when the checks were first sent out, and typically the summer is a slow period for this market.
OK then. I guess they called it 'Package' for a reason...
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Labels: Little Lunch for Thought, Major Achievements, Making a Difference, Meta Bloggin', Stating The Obvious
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Two Years of Blogging!
...or more accurately: two years and three days.
This highly crucial anniversary totally flew by me, till I've noticed it just now.
Thing is, as opposed to my first blogging anniversary, I am to exhausted to post anything profound, witty and significant about this historical event.
No, it's not the two years of blogging that did that to me.
Y'see, for the last couple of days,. I've been organizing and tidying and cleaning and throwing and giving away and getting rid of all kinds of stuff, house-wide, from the walk-in closet to my studio. I am dead tired. Dusk finds me walking like a zombie between the rooms, trying to do one more shelf, fill up one more box, and by the time evening takes its shift, I collapse on the sofa, looking for some mind-numbing TV show that will help me wind down.
And today is no different.
So, I'll go for the nutshell summary: two years of blogging. Yet another opportunity to reminisce about my very first post.
Labels: It's All About Me, Major Achievements, Wow
Friday, July 11, 2008
ArtPact #60
One of my favorite art sites, "The Painter's Keys", who's originator (Robert Genn) sends a bi-weekly email, has finally addressed the mood I am in recently, of more casual art, or as he calls it: "Lapworking". Among other things, he says "You might find that the 'hobby-horse' feel of lapwork generates the languid ease that helps get you into the "zone." While it appears nonconforming and casual, ideas and motifs flow remarkably well. Further, when the work is already in your hand, it becomes easier to put it down and pick up another. In lapwork there's a feeling of embrace as you move lovingly here and there, following whims".
Exactly!
Great minds, eh?
And why am I so joyous about this?
'cause I am still clinging to the convenient excuse of my studio being too messy to actually paint in it, and am trying to find validation for this mood. Plus, when one is recovering from a long stressful period, and is getting ready for vacation, it's hard to start something serious.
Ah, if only I was as good in painting as in making excuses... But hey, at least I am keeping my hand going, and my brush wet. Sketching from TV is fun, and I keep pausing whenever I see a compelling image. Obviously, being me, most of the images are faces.
This time I was glued to the British movie "Breaking The Waves" - a very unique, emotional and quite bleak movie. I watched and paused and sketched and paused again.I have to say that this way, parts of the movie really stay with you. Especailly those that you drew.
Rather than using a pen, pencil or marker, I limited myself to drawing with a brush. It's somehow more committing, but also providing a big spectrum of strokes, so I can play with edges and shapes rather than use lines only.
Pushed by my figure drawing teacher comments, I am working on getting out of my comfort zone, That means using line as an accent and a final touch rather than as the underlying structure. I decided to give this a try for a while, and see where it takes me.
These sketches are done on smooth surface Bristol paper (which shows every brush stroke you make), using the Daniel Smith's Graphite Gray watercolor paint. While this paint doesn't always go well in a wateroclor painting, it's perfect for drawing, allowing for great control of the value while keeping the graphite hue, which I like.
Oh, and if you think the mood of these sketches is a bit on the dark side, well, watch the movie.
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Wednesday, July 09, 2008
I've Been Arte Y Pico-ed!!!
Blueberry of Texas Oasis has awarded me the Arte y Pico award. Arte y Pico is a blog from Uruguay, whose blogger has come up with this award. It features this angel with a very cool dress (oh, it's a she-angel, or is she one of the muses?), that totally matches her wings. And she is wonderfully balanced on this golden, uhm, thingy - very impressive!
What does Art y Pico mean? As Ana, the award originator puts it, "Basically, ironically, it translates into a wonderful phrase in Mexico, 'lo maximo'. It will never find its counterpart in English, but if it HAD to, it would be something like, Wow. The Best Art. Over the top".
The online translator tells me it means "Art and tip".
Whichever it is - I am honored! (although I am quite confident that Blueberry awarded me before she saw my results from the last drawing class...).
It feels very reassuring to get recognition for something you do. When it comes to one's passion, it becomes even more important.
So - Thank You, blueberry! I'll do my best to keep being worthy of it.
OK then, to business.
First, the rules:
- Pick FIVE blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also for contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language.
- Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
- Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.
- Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of “Arte y Pico” blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award which is here: Arte y Pico.
To make my life easier, I am going to take this award literally, and go for blogs of visual artists.
Now, opening the five envelops... (Only five??) here we go [drumroll]:
Creativity Journey: Myrna Wacknov, a great artist, teacher and friend, who's becoming more and more famous with her art blog, being a true inspiration to many. Myrna, a relentless experimenter and a curious soul, is constantly sharing her new findings, ideas, successes and even what she calls failures (of course we would kill to paint like her failures!), garnished by weekly and monthly challenges to keep you painting and drawing. Oh, and - don't ever let her catch you tracing a photo!!
Sandy Maudlin's Art Journey: As opposed to Myrna, I have never met Sandy, but I feel like I know her. Another wonderfully prolific artist, she is all over the place with so many styles and subject matters, sharing her art and insights.
Nathalie With An H's confessional: A great blog I discovered very recently. Nathalie is an awesome photographer, whose black and white photography seems to be full of color - as does her writing.
Paintings by Holly Van Hart: an emerging blogger, Holly's blog shows her bold style and uniquely designed compositions, whether it is her intriguing abstracts or her current favorite subject: Rodin sculptures.
Watercolors And words: The art blog of Rhonda Carpenter, who is sharing her art, from figure drawing (which almost got her in trouble, as they are - how shall I put it gently - nude! Ahhhh!! HELP!!... C'mon people - this is art. Grow up already!!) to experimental watercolors, with her husband's great photos sprinkled in between. It's a fun blog.
OK, you know what, I'm going to follow the footsteps of Blueberry and expand the award to six blogs (hey, we can share!).
On Painting: another blog I discovered lately, shared by Bill Jones and Lisa Towers, who combine witty writing, laughter and venting with painting.
And now, dear awarded artists, go pay it forward.
Labels: Art, Creativity of Others, It's All About Me, Major Achievements, Ode to other blogs
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
ArtPact #59
It's hot today.
Too hot to do anything.
I have grand plans to tidy up and organize my studio, so I can start painting there, but it's just so damn hot!
With no air condition in our house, couch-potatoing with a wet towel around my neck and a big bunch of grapes, is the only way to go.
And yet, I have those pangs of conscience that I am yet again reverting to the status of I-am-painting-in-class-hence-I-don't-need-to-paint-at-home; a known place many of us tend to get stuck in when we participate in an art class, be it a figure drawing class or a full-blown watercolor workshop.
It's an easy and convenient self-deception excuse, but very, very wrong.
While watching TV, there was a phone call. LimaB, telling me that in between remodeling going on in her house and her husband staying home, doing contractor-sitting, she actually managed to sketch and draw. Hmm... well then, who am I to just sit around? Went back to the paused Aussie film, and realized that the frozen face on the screen had an interesting expression. So, I went to the studio, dug in the skyscrapers of stuff piled all over the place, and found my new vis-a-vis marker (just had to try it after WackieM's recommendation!). My excavations also revealed the smooth surface Bristol drawing pad, and - armed with those, I went back to the TV (with a detour to the fridge for a refill of grapes), where I sat watching and pausing and drawing images that spoke to me.
I went for quick sketching, capturing the movement and main lines, softening some of the edges with a we brush, letting the vis-a-vis ink run and separate to blue and orange, and - as I was getting more into it - I allowed myself to add some touches of color with watercolor crayons.
That was fun!!
Can't think of a better way to spend a hot afternoon (actually, a cool swimming pool does come to mind, but it would be a bit hard to sketch in there, right?).
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Monday, July 07, 2008
ArtPact #58
Had the second session of the figure drawing class on Thursday. This time, a male model. An Asian man, who held the same pose throughout the whole 3 hours (yes, of course with 5-minute breaks!). The teacher intended that we have the opportunity to draw him from different angles, and have a sculptural comprehension of the figure.
The guy sat in the chair, very upright and calm, and took an emperor-like pose, looking very dignified and royal (save the missing teeth in his mouth). He had a great face, wonderful arms and expressive hands, his poise was so utterly perfect! everything I could wish for - - -
- - - and it made me feel so intimidated, so inadequate to capture him. The words of Alex Powers echoed in my head, yet again: "When a subject for a painting is extremely exciting... it inhibits changes and consequently curbs creativity".
Sure is.
In such a situation, one should make it easy on oneself, get acquainted with the new subject via drawing, keep it simple. Right?Well, not when the one is yours truly..
Rather than going for charcoal, I decided on watercolor as my first attempt, introducing color to the challenge. This time, I did use my better paints, but did not get rid of the low-grade paper (I know, I know, Sandy... but hey - one step at a time).
I was loose, and daring, and colorful, and expressive - I was having a good time!
Then came the teacher.
"Too much line", he said.
"Too much information", he said.
"Less is more", he said.
"Too much going on", he said.
"It reminds me what my pappy used to say to me: 'Don't put on your plate more than you can eat'", he reminisced.
Ahhh, the hell with it! I put the watercolor aside, abandoned my table and went to sit on the floor below the model, this time reverting to the charcoal, which gave me fame last week.
But - I was already pissed. I keep telling myself that I should not draw/paint in order to get a "wow" from the teacher, as teachers tend to wow about results that match what they like (by now I know that critique is never objective, nor is it detached from personal taste). And yet, negative feedback still gets to me, carrying a short-term impact.
I started to draw aiming at putting less details in, trying to leave a lot for the viewers to complete in their minds.
I came up with quite a decent drawing, that got a lot of appreciative looks from a fellow-drawer who was sitting next to me. Cool.
Then I started to ruin it. Don't ask me why. I was annoyed, hence I got into this vicious circle of making myself more irritated. I am good at that.
Then it was time for the last 20 minutes.10 minutes, actually, as the end was near. (of class, that is).
I rushed to the restroom, restored the pinkness of my hands (I believe I broke a whole new record of being covered with charcoal!), and reached for the watercolor crayons and a new piece of paper. All these preparations have cost me 5 more precious minutes
"I'm just gonna have fun now!", I exclaimed to my angry self.
I chose to concentrate on the hands this time, did a quick study in 5 minutes. Wrong proportions, totally unfinished, but I kinda like it.
The good news is that the model allowed photography. ("only for reference, not for publishing", he warned me. Well, Duh!). I cannot grasp how come I was the only one who took his photos!
So, some day I might actually make a successful piece with the photos and based on these studies.
He really does have a great face!
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Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Going Emeritus
Ahhh, that sounds so good.
Yup - June 30th was my very last day as the president of our watercolor society. I announced my stepping down several months ago, and since nobody agreed to take the baton from my hand (like Taltul in his time), I had to cope with a lot of requests, pleas and emotional blackmail, all aimed at making me change my mind and stay put. I spent hours, days, weeks contemplating, consumed all the assertiveness I had in me in order to stick with my decision - and the day has come.
Oh say can you see the air going out?
. . . Can you spot my dropped shoulders straightening a bit?
. . . . . . Can you hear the large rock falling off my weary chest?
. . . . . . . . . . Can you trace this wrinkled forehead getting a bit looser, with less line work and texture?
Let's have a moment of quiet here, if I may. Zen, almost:
My sister, who during her visit witnessed me in action as president several times, both at an all-member meeting as well as at home, asked me if I won't be missing all the action and responsibility and fire extinguishing and crisis solving and peace making and never-ending phone calls and emails and the adrenaline rush and the status (the WHAT!?).
Yup, she is smart.
And she knows me well.
And yes, to be honest, I was somewhat afraid of having mixed feelings, of a sense of regret, a void even.
But, y'know, on the morning of June 30th we had the last board meeting arranged by me. As I did in the year of being the president (and actually, in many a month before I became one...), I arranged-the-meeting-called-for-committee-reports-sent-them-to-the-board-members-ran-the-meeting-assigned-tasks-took-minutes-and-distributed-those-to-the-board. (and the monthly board meeting, mind you, is only one part of what kept me occupied full-time during this year).
And now that it's all said and done, reverting to dude-language: I am like, "Cool!".
Man, was this a busy year!!!
To quote a fellow president (well...), I sometimes feel that during this whole year, "I did not inhale". Only exhaled. Looking at the blogpost I wrote when I just started, I smile at that young enthusiastic girl, who was so full of energy and excitement and goodwill and plans to change the world (or at least the organization) and I think, "Ah, duckie(*), if you only knew..."
And yet... of the feedback that I hear, I did achieve some things.
We are now on the road to becoming an incorporated non-profit organization (yup, after over 40 years of existing!!! about time, don't you think!? and it was not a trivial thing to pass to some of our members who are not too keen on changes); I drove some other novel ideas in several domains, and I guess I did have an impact.
Oh, also, despite all I've been told, I did not manage to make a certain member hate my guts, as he did with many former presidents. On the contrary - when I announced my stepping down, he came and spoke to me, and actually had tears in his eyes. (and yes, so did I).
And yes, I have gained a lot. A turbo speed steep learning curve from almost zero to nearly 100% has granted me a vast and invaluable knowledge of so many aspects of being in the art world, as well as what makes such a big organization tick. I won some friends, I made a couple of enemies (but hey, one of Mother Theresa’s Paradoxical Commandments says, “If you are successful you may win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway"... and who am I to argue with that remarkable woman?). And, I got acquainted to so many people, from fellow volunteers to art museum directors, that this may have been the biggest advantage of all; being a relatively newcomer to this country, it's not easy to have your foreign-hard-to-pronounce-name be known. And now it is.
So, what are a bunch of white hairs, a few sleepless nights, a collection of (well documented!) emails that caused serious palpitations, and some showers of tears (oh yes....) comparing to all this?
I was lucky to work with a board that has some truly incredible women (and one great guy) on it, which made it easier, as I did not really need to know everything. I also got a very helpful hand (and sometimes ear), from a couple of former leaders, whose wise advice was like a CPR and kept me going. And - The JohnnyB was beyond supportive the whole time. He provided some priceless ideas (for which I got the credit, alas) and insights, suffered through going over the monthly Leader's Notes to help me polish them for the newsletter, helped me phrase some responses to some ultra-bitching emails (yeah, those were fun) - I am pretty sure he is also relieved that these days are over. Yup, he is a keeper.
In hindsight, I would have done it again.
But now it's time for becoming Leader Emeritus (that is music to my ears!), and thinking about moi for a change. Yes, I am still volunteering, of course. I'm stayin' as a working bee on our exhibits committee and the website committee (coz those are fun!), and will also be busy supporting our board in leading the organization, and initiating our incoming leader (yup - someone has finally agreed to do it starting January!) - but still, I feel like I am getting my life back.
Did I mention Pheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew?
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Labels: It's All About Me, Major Achievements, Making a Difference, Time Out
