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DrawingBasic Drawing — Materials, Methods and ResultsDrawing is a skill developed over time, one that can offer many rewards. It is one art discipline that requires very little in the way of investment in supplies, and there are tons of classes, instructional books and DVDs to help sculpt your skill level from beginning to accomplished in no time. Drawing is the basis for most realistic paintings, almost without regard to the chosen media. What do you need to start drawing? All you really need is a drawing pad and pencil. But there are many options that make the experience so much more interesting. Bound journal-type drawing books make it easy to keep a record of your progress. Surely, practice pages and newsprint for quick studies are important, but when you start to develop a personal style and “see” with an artist’s eye, you might want to consider bound books in which to record your sketches. The degree of complexity, or detail, in drawings is entirely up to the artist. Many artists prefer to do sketchy, swirling drawings full of movement and action. These might be considered studies or warm-up exercises for some artistic styles. Other artists prefer to do intense studies, with items set up for long periods of time yielding completed drawings. Still others “walk” somewhere between. Sketches to format a painting might be done in pencil or charcoal and render only bold shapes or sections. Preliminary drawings for works on canvas might be done in diluted earth-toned paint –right on the canvas. But it is clear that most painting styles do start with some sort of drawing. As a basis for drawing, most start with learning the basic shapes and the way light plays on the surface. What happens when light direction changes? Where do shadows and highlights reposition? Visual study along with drawing basics will help anyone learn the simple combinations of shapes and shadows that combine to create well done, completed drawings/paintings. Pencil is the most prevalently used drawing tool. Varied hardness and softness of drawing pencil leads can yield great tonal variations. Consider using broad, flat-edged tools like graphite sticks for shading, shadows and drama. (See www.generalpencil.com.) Conte crayon and pencils, markers, charcoal and ink can be dramatic and enlivening in the hands of a talented artist. Pastels and oil pastels also offer a wide range of possibilities to those with a slightly advanced level of adventure.
Drawing paper or other substrate materials can make all the difference in your results. Low quality paper, such as newsprint, used by every artist for practice, studies and for quick diagramming of ideas, is short lived. Medium quality pad papers are much better and give the artist a better “tooth” upon which to work. High-grade papers are always the best for completed artists’ drawings, especially those offered for sale. The quality of paper is a direct reflection upon the way artists feel about their own works. It is sometimes hard to justify for artists, but using the very best materials at all times is always a good work ethic and lets the buying public know you are serious about what you do. (See www.strathmoreartist.com.) Working on your own is a great beginning, and almost any book or DVD of basics will get you off to a great start. If you can enroll in a class, workshop or seminar on drawing you should dive right in. Advanced training will add immeasurably to your enjoyment and skill level. With the New Year, it may be the perfect time to do something for you. Exhibitions —The Drawings of Bronzino, the first exhibition ever dedicated to Agnolo Bronzino (1503-1572), brings together approximately 60 drawings by, or attributed to, the great Florentine court artist of the Medici. On view through April 18 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. —Drawings by Rembrandt and His Pupils: Telling the Difference features drawings by 15 of Rembrandt’s pupils in close comparison to drawings by the master himself. On view through February 28 at the Getty Center, Los Angeles.
The Artist’s MarketplaceDrawing with General Pencil Company
New Cloud Clay from AMACO
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Kinetic art is art that either moves, usually by employing wind, or that depicts movement. Kinetic art can employ actual items that once moved, such as paper fans, propellers, blades or wheels, etc. Photography, drawing and painting all can be viewed as kinetic art when the mentioned conditions are met. But sculpture is the one application of kinetics that seems most remembered by art viewers.
The term kinetic sculpture refers to a class of art made primarily from the late 1950s through 1960s. Kinetic art was first recorded by sculptor Naum Gabo and his brother Antoine Pevsner in their Realist Manifesto issued as part of a manifesto of constructivism in 1920 in Moscow. "Bicycle Wheel" (1913) by Marcel Duchamp is said to be the first kinetic sculpture, although it was not called that until the later movement created the title.
Sculpture and movement seem to be joined more than any other two elements of kinetic art. Moving parts or the moving of the entire items is often needed to achieve the full effect of keneticism. In the case of sculpture, the force of winds can be used to provide movement and create an illusion of self propulsion. Such is the case with many large-scale metal sculptures that would be rather ordinary were it not for their ability to move with a breeze. Many artist/engineers are able to construct actual self-propelled kinetic sculptures that move unassisted, powered only by wind. Go online to “kinetic sculpture+youtube” and see many samples in many categories.
To be considered kinetic, photography shows images of items that move as the photo is taken. The blur that occurs is part of the appeal of such scenes and classifies it as moving/movement/kinetic. Lights that leave a ribbon-like image and photos that slow a speeding object so that it is captured while in movement are examples of such shots.
Mobiles are also kinetic. While the individual parts do not move in unison, and each is displayed to move in such a way, the end result is a moving group of items, attached together. Sound plays a great part in many moving sculptures, and mobiles are one such form. Any contact between pieces of a mobile offer a specific sound.
Artists who employed the use of movement include Alexander Calder, Paul Klee, George Rickey and Jean Tinguely, along with many contemporary artists. See samples at www.moma.org. Although engineering and certain physics issues are involved in the making of mobiles, the challenge and end result can be rewarding.
Exhibition
Alexander Calder: A Balancing Act is at the Seattle Art Museum through April 11. From miniature maquettes, works on paper and jewelry to monumental sculptures and one of the artist’s largest mobiles, this exhibition offers viewers a sense of the range of the artist’s work from 1927 through the mid-1970s. More than 40 original works of art trace the development and amazing creativity of this master sculptor.
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Painting Workshop Instructor Opportunity from Grumbacher
Grumbacher art supplies is excited to partner with a prominent retailer to offer fine art workshops in retail stores. These will consist of two hours of instruction, during which time students will complete an acrylic painting. There are four curricula in the current line of acrylic workshops: floral, still life, landscape and seascape.
Scheduling of workshops will start in March and continue indefinitely. Traditional florals will be first in the rotation of curricula. An exciting opportunity on many levels, this benefits both new and veteran artists. For instructors it presents an opportunity for steady income. Director of Education Sasha DeMarino says, “We are helping provide jobs to art instructors across the United States during a down economy.”
For the students, the beginners’ workshops are designed for new artists to try their hands at painting or for veterans looking to brush up on their skills. They will provide a creative outlet for those wishing to learn to paint in a comfortable environment.
Grumbacher is pleased to be able to both provide jobs and introduce new artists to painting with one program. To join the Grumbacher team of workshop artists, please contact Educational Coordinator Ellen Cunningham at 1-800-628-1910, Ext. 222.
Grumbacher is a brand of Chartpak, Inc., that has served the artists’ community for over a century with high quality products, including popular lines such as Pre-tested Oils, Max Water-miscible Oils and Finest Watercolors. Visit www.grumbacherart.com.
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Poster Contest
The Detroit Institute of Arts and Let’s Save Michigan have issued an open call to artists, illustrators and graphic designers for original posters to inspire Michiganders to revive their state. The new posters should be a call to action and serve as part of a campaign to rally citizens to do the hard work that’s necessary to position Michigan as a state that will thrive in the future. Ultimately, the posters should aim to be forward-looking, inspirational and must include the phrase “Let’s Save Michigan” in the design. Ideally, the new posters will be in the fashion of Works Progress Administration artwork of the 1930s, which is the subject of a current DIA exhibition.
Participants can submit entries here: http://www.letssavemichigan.com/page/s/contest.
From this group, judges will select 25 finalists whose works will be featured on the site, and visitors will be able to vote for their favorites. Winners will be announced in early March. The winner will be awarded $1,000 and the runner-up will receive $250. All of the finalists’ works will be displayed during a special reception in the spring. Deadline: February 15
Craft Festival Opportunities
If you are an artist or craftsperson who may be interested in exhibiting and selling your work at a Sugarloaf Crafts Festival, visit the “Become an Exhibitor” section of their web site at www.sugarloaffest.com. All exhibitors are jury-selected based on the uniqueness and creativity of their design, the quality of their craftsmanship and the “sell-ability” of their work to discriminating festival guests. Space is available for artists working in ceramic/pottery, fiber/fashion, furniture/home accessories, home décor, jewelry (fall shows only), leather, metal, blown and stained glass, photography/fine art, sculpture, clothing/fiber, stone and wood. Shows are held from the Mid-Atlantic to New England areas.
“Made Fresh Monthly” Teen Art Competition
The Walker Art Center Teen Arts Council (WACTAC) has launched a new opportunity for teen artists to gain exposure. Made Fresh Monthly is a themed, web-based art competition for high school artists who work in any medium. Each month WACTAC will provide a theme (February: People; March: Rhythm and Motion; April: Epic; May: Dystopia; June: Color) and select a winning artwork that best exemplifies the theme. All submissions will be posted on the art gallery section of http://teens.walkerart.org/#tac.
Monthly winners will receive a $25 Best Buy gift card and will be automatically eligible for the grand prize: Freshest of Made Fresh Award, a $100 Best Buy gift card.
All submissions must be sent digitally. Send digital files of artwork with the artist’s name, age, high school, address, title and a brief description of the piece to madefreshmonthly@gmail.com. Files must be less than 5 MB; videos must be less than 2 minutes. Limit one submission per month. All entries must be received by the last Monday of the corresponding month. Check out http://teens.walkerart.org/#tac for more information.
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Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO – Celebrate the Chinese New Year (Year of the Tiger) on Feb. 5 and 6 with family-friendly activities including special performances by musicians, dancers and acrobats along with gallery games, art demonstrations and delicious Asian-inspired food. All events are free; tickets or reservations required in some instances. See www.nelson-atkins.org for times and schedule.
Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn – The Feb. 6 Target First Saturday celebrates Black History Month and Mardi Gras with an exciting lineup of programs beginning at 5 p.m. that includes music, performance, hands-on art, film, a curator talk, Young Voices gallery talk, book club and dance party from 9-11 p.m. Some programs have limited space and must be ticketed, and lines for free tickets often form 30 minutes in advance. Programs are subject to change without notice. www.brooklynmuseum.org.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles – The Plant the Perimeter Fruit Tree Giveaway will be held on Feb. 6 at 12 p.m. at the Watts Towers Arts Center and Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center and on Feb. 7 at 12 p.m. at BP Grand Entrance. Artist collective Fallen Fruit kicks off a year-long project, EATLACMA, so pick up a free fruit tree along with planting instructions for your garden. This is the first in a series of events that will include an exhibition opening in June and a series of food-related events throughout the year. Free, no reservations.
High Museum of Art, Atlanta – Valentine’s Day at the High is a special event scheduled for Feb. 13 from 6-10 p.m. Enjoy a romantic evening of art, live music, salsa dance lessons and other special treats. Champagne and desserts will be available for purchase. Free for members, fee for others. Info/tickets at www.high.org.
Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore – Enjoy A Night of Romance with your sweetheart on Feb. 14 with card-making from 6:15 – 9:30 p.m. Gaze upon the BMA’s most romantic works of art during a guided tour (6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m. Then sip champagne and nibble on sweet and savory treats before creating a Valentine’s Day card with materials and guidance from the staff. Soulful live jazz is on tap during this special evening. Fee. Also, Couples Yoga is available at 6:30 p.m. and the fee also includes admission to A Night of Romance. Registration: 443-573-1832 or e-mail programs@artbma.org.
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. – The NGA Sculpture Garden ice-skating season has begun and continues through mid-March, weather permitting. Located on the National Mall at 7th St. and Constitution Ave. NW, the ice rink is a favorite destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Enjoy a truly unique experience skating in the nation’s capital surrounded by the architecture of national museums and monuments, winter flora and views of large-scale sculptures by renowned modern and contemporary artists. Admission fee.
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A unique feature of airbrush technique is that you don’t touch the work surface with the tool that’s applying the paint. In essence, all papers can be airbrushed on —from crepe to drawing—as long as you work freehand. But, if you require the use of self-adhering frisket film or stencils, you are limited in the papers that can be utilized. This is because (1) the surface strength of the paper must be strong enough so that it doesn’t pick or lift upon removal of the film and (2) airbrush artists cut frisket film over their artwork with a very sharp knife and if the paper is inadvertently scored, it is likely to tear if it’s not strong enough. TIP: A test to see if the paper surface is compatible—Place a piece of masking tape on the paper and then slowly remove it. If the paper lifts, it’s not appropriate for use with self-adhering frisket film.)
Another feature of paper to consider for airbrush use is the texture—smooth hot press, or cold press with a slight tooth or rough such as watercolor paper. The final appearance of the spray on the surface is dictated by the texture. With a smooth hot press surface, the spray is at its densest, while the coarse texture of a 300 lb. watercolor paper is highly visible when sprayed.
Also of importance is the weight of the paper. Thin paper will buckle when inks, dyes or airbrush colors are applied, so most airbrush artists work on paper that is at least 2-ply, 145 lb. or so. Because the white of the paper is often used for highlights in airbrush rendering, this is also an important feature and the brightest white is preferred.
So if you desire to airbrush on paper and use frisket film in the process, look for paper that is preferably 100% rag, 2-ply, hot or cold press, with a bright white surface. You can be confident the paper won’t tear. See your retailer and visit www.strathmoreartist.com for suitable papers.
Airbrush Newsletter
See the new free issue of AirbrushTalk at www.airbrushtalk.com and sign up for your free subscription to this bi-monthly newsletter for airbrush enthusiasts.
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Artwork Auctioned – Bloomsbury Auctions recently held a sale titled “Capture the Imagination: Original Illustration & Fine Illustrated Books.” Fetching the highest prices were Tom Feelings’ (1933-2003) original artwork for Soul Looks Back in Wonder—15 mixed media pieces consisting of original watercolor, charcoal, pen, ink and wash figural drawings over painted cut-paper collage - $15,000; William Steig’s (1907-2003) watercolor, ink and pencil preliminary illustration for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble—$14,000; and Aubrey Beardsley’s (1872-1898) pen and ink cover design for circular advertising, Keynote Series of Novels and Short Stories - $9,500.
Milestones – David Levine, artist/caricaturist, has died in Manhattan at the age of 83. Levine’s drawings of politicians, celebrities and others appeared in The New York Review of Books for more than 40 years and also The New Yorker, The Washington Post, Sports Illustrated and other publications.—Art Clokey, who for more than 50 years worked with clay to produce works of art that form a catalog of “firsts” in the medium of film, has died in California at the age of 89. A major part of his legacy is everyone’s favorite clay character, Gumby. –Abstract painter Kenneth Noland has died in Maine at age 85. A major figure in American art, he was known for his color field style of painting.
Paintings Lost & Found – Sometime between Dec. 30 and 31 a pastel by Edgar Degas was stolen from the Cantini Museum in Marseille, France. “The Chorus” was on loan from the Musee d’Orsay in Paris. – A painting by Monet that was stolen from the National Museum in Poznan, Poland, 10 years ago has been recovered. A suspect with “Beach in Pourville” in his possession has been arrested.
Stamp News – The U. S. Postal Service has issued the third of 12 stamps in its Celebrating Lunar New Year series, which began in 2008. The Year of the Tiger begins on Feb. 14 and ends on Feb. 2, 2011. In commemoration, art director Ethel Kessler and illustrator Kam Mak chose narcissus flowers, considered auspicious at any time of year and thus especially appropriate at this time of renewed hope for the future. The illustration was originally created using oil paints on a fiberboard panel. People born during this year are said to be courageous and to possess hidden reserves of strength and are also thought of as candid yet mysterious!
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Basic Airbrush Techniques
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| •ARTtalk's Manufacturer Art Materials/Product Info. Center • |
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Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 20 No. 4 — February 2010
The General Pencil Company manufactures products for all your
sketching and drawing needs, from beginner to advanced. Visit
AMACO has introduced the latest in arts and crafts supplies: Cloud
Clay. This AP-certified, non-toxic product is safe and easy to use for
artists of all ages. Made of a strong pliable material, Cloud Clay
stretches more than other brands so that the material resists tears. This new
air dry clay comes in eight colors and offers endless options to stir the
creative mind. Orange, red, blue, terra cotta, green, yellow, white and purple
provide the foundation for creative clay expressions. Art teachers will love
the white-colored Class Packs available in three-pound and six-pound
packs to meet the needs of busy art classrooms. Art students young and old can
enjoy this new modeling material that is both fun and easy to mold and model. Cloud
Clay is easy to use in the home setting as well as the school or office.
It is also reusable when stored and sealed properly after each use, so art
projects can be saved day after day. This material is easy to manipulate and
is dry to touch. Cloud Clay dries overnight and is easy to decorate. There
has never been a better time to make clay art! Visit
New European Light Box from Gagne