Month: August 2011

Timed sketching

In order to keep my representation of perspective and detail in tact, I have been practicing with timed sketches. Giving myself 60 seconds to sometimes 10 seconds to not only find the subject on the spot but draw it too. I find the outcome never fails to surprise me. Obviously the drawings as a whole are not works of art, but I find there are sections within the drawings that I love, yet could not possibly recreate because of the speed, spontaneity and completely momentary situation. This makes for good practice and sometimes, good inspiration. One sketch can lead to a tangent.

Lucian Freud

A rather delayed reaction to the death of another fascinating and influential artist last month, Lucian Freud. Another prominent artist throughout my university years, used as an example of the connection between subject matter and creation. Grandson of Sigmund Freud, Lucian is known for his psychological overtones embedded within his portraiture. His relationship with his subjects were deep and often questionable. His enthusiasm for grasping the nature of his subjects on a level that excels from just skin deep formed the backbone of my 10 000 word dissertation. Alongside this his style of painting was very honest and beautifully crafted. On another note.. I am currently drowing myself in research for the process of selling art. Technology is not one of my strong points, and I have never partaken in photo-shopping or even used the program before in my life, therefore many things I have planned such as developing websites and business cards will be of very slow progression. Any help/tips at all will be of huge help!

Mixed media, jumbled mess

After finally getting re-equipped with some basic art materials as a result of my post-moving clear out, I have begun the sketch for my first large scale painting in quite a long time. I am not expecting to bang out any masterpieces, just merely blow away the cobwebs.  Inspiration: mixed media, jumbled mess. Subject however, completely random… I always find myself not trying to enhance the piece but trying to follow the guidelines for the composition that I set out in my head. For some reason unknown to me, I know where I want a dark patch, and I know where I want to express delicacy.. I seem to know this and apply this without considering fully what exactly I am trying to paint/draw. This makes for frustrating work. A few hours down the line and I have myself a foundation for my piece. I am now stopping for the night! I have ideas for improvement. (Whether to tone it down or make it bolder however I don’t yet know!) If I were to carry on for another …