Borrowing From Others or Imitation is the Best Form of Flattery
November 18, 2015 § Leave a comment
This is an oil completed many years ago while in my early learning stages of painting and drawing. Yet, are we ever done learning? Part of my self instruction in the beginning was to copy and this was taken from a published photograph. Therefore, I was never able to use this for exhibition or for sale. I learned a lot by examining the work of others. The goal at the time was to try and capture the tender portrayal by the photographer of a grandmother and small girl. I was taken by the dramatic light play across the subjects coming from one source, the window; and the added contrast of the darkened room. While I appreciated the work of the photographer, I began to add touches of my own personality.
Garlic Still Life
April 8, 2015 § 2 Comments
I’m showing the informative nature of the contour as it provides the framework for the finished gradation of garlic and cloves. Notice how the contour allows you to reveal your thought process of compositional considerations, the light source, area of emphasis. Once you have determined those elements, you are free to keep your eye on the subject and allow your personality to flow out onto the page. At this point, I keep my eye on the subject, let my hand become an extension of the eye, and rarely look at the surface of the paper. The contour line moves from light to dark describing the three dimensional nature of the subject, the light source, and the storyline you have set forth. Notice how my contour is curvilinear in nature. Yours will be very different. You can find examples such as these in my book The Little Book of Drawing; a Friendly Approach. My teaching style is encouraging in nature and allows you to try different media, techniques, and to find your own personal style of story telling through drawing.
Face of Hope
March 15, 2015 § Leave a comment
At an event I attended, a remarkable young girl caught our attention and imagination. She was with her father and another male family member and they were so protective and caring towards her. She had these beautiful eyes which spoke volumes about her. Patience, hope, and caring were all traits I saw in her small face. I was honored to be able to capture that essence.