Thursday, December 31, 2009

Zig Zag

How many variations can an artist find while sketching from the same seat? I don't really know, however I'm starting to find some answers. This morning I went vertical and began to sketch by centering the handle of my funky coffee mug at the bottom of the paper. One line leads to another and, lo and behold, a subtle zig-zag emerges! It may not be as profound as Prometheus bringing us fire stolen from Zeus, but I'm seeing something new just the same. The more I observe, the better I see as I continue to draw. And there's no risk of being bound to my chair and having my liver eaten daily by an eagle.  

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Sometimes the Pen Has Its Own Agenda

I usually begin the morning with a journal entry and a sketch, somewhat like Julia Cameron's suggested morning pages from her book, The Artist's Way. I haven't actually read the book even though it's sitting on my shelf, but I have often listened to the tapes while working in my studio. As with the pages, I've found that the morning is the best time for grounding exercises. They set the tone for the day. All mine happen early including the sketch, which is why a coffee or tea cup has been ubiquitous in my drawings. The cup becomes a familiar starting point and from there anything can happen. I might draw just the cup or sometimes the pen has its own agenda.   

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Triton Museum Drawing Exhibition 12/11-3/4/09-2nd Place Award!

Last night was the opening reception for the Triton Museum's annual drawing and printmaking exhibition. I'm impressed that the rain did little to keep the crowds away from an uplifting visit to the art show. The museum staff hosts quite a reception so perhaps I shouldn't be surprised. However, I was indeed surprised to see a second place award posted next to my charcoal drawing. It's both unexpected and gratifying to receive added encouragement for my creativity. The drawing is a study for a painting of a migrant field-laborer harvesting cauliflower. It has been on deck patiently waiting to be made into a painting. Maybe this is a sign to move it up in the lineup.    

Friday, December 4, 2009

The Uni-ball Vision Micro...



...is the sketching and writing pen I've been using since way back in the late 20th century. When I first gave it a tryout I was regularly using watercolor in my sketches. So I chose this pen for its waterproof ink. Unlike pens designed solely for sketching this one also works well for writing run-on sentences in my journals. I've gone through heaps of them. I'm unaware if it's a popular item and sometimes wonder if the company will ever discontinue this model, but so far there's always a box of them in the shop when needed. However, If that day comes when they are retired, I'll discover a new pen of choice... and cross-hatch that bridge when I come to it.   

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

The Jam Reversal


The text on the bottom of my favorite coffee mug reads: "The Jam Reversal." I have no idea what that means. I do know the cup was designed by Toshihiro Aoki on June 27, 2001. That's about when I bought it at a shop on Clement Street. Blue dots sit on a red field wrapping around the sides. Lately this familiar vessel has been finding its way into my morning sketches. Familiar things make for great starting points.