Instructors Exhibit at Leigh Square Artist's VillageDrawing Workshop Feb 4 & 5, 2012

Stand Off - Graphite on Paper

Several of my pieces will be on display at the Artist's Village in Port Coquitlam from Jan 26 until Feb 20, 2012.    There will be an Opening Reception on Jan 26^th from 6:30-8:30pm.  The opening takes place in the Gathering Place, my pieces will be at the Outlet across the courtyard, but both buildings will be open for viewing.

The coordinators decided to host instructor exhibits to help promote upcoming workshops.  My Drawing Realistic Portraits is coming up February 4 & 5, 2012.  If you are interested you can  Register online or by phone at 604-927-8400.  You can also contact me  directly at info@stateofartportraits.com for more information.  

Registration is Now Open for Realistic Graphite Portraits Workshop February 4 & 5, 2012

Graphite Portrait Commission

I am happy to say that I will be offering another portrait workshop at Leigh Square.  This two day workshop will help you to bring your drawings to a whole new level of realism and depth.

We will combine short demos followed by hands on applications of each technique and lots of one-on-one instruction.

Some of the skills you will learn are:

• how to choose great reference photos
• an easy way to create accurate line drawings right from the start
• realistic shading and textural techniques
• an in depth overview of the materials used to make the process successful for any subject matter

Whether you are a portrait, landscape or still life artist your drawing skills will reach a new level of realism by the end of the workshop. A full supply list will be provided after registration.

Feb 4 & 5, 2012
Sat 10-4pm & Sun 11:30-4:30pm
$150.00 

Again, if you are interested in this workshop, please don't wait until the last minute to register as spaces may run out.  You can Register Online  or contact me at info@stateofartportraits.com  for more information.

Packing up for the Winter Artisans Fair November 26 & 27, 2011

Autumn`s Fire - Oil on Panel

Wow, I have way too much art I am bringing....now how to fit everything!  I should really be packing up stuff but I just can`t pull myself away from the easel.  I learned so much at the workshop over the weekend and I want to get it all out before I forgot too much, I have a very limited attention span ;)

I am hoping to bring various pieces from miniatures to quite large pieces in acrylic and oil.  I do not plan on bringing any watercolors this time but ya never know.  Hopefully we have nice weather and lots of visitors.  If you are in Port Coquitlam (1100-2253 Leigh Square - Behind City Hall) over the weekend, please stop by and say hello :)

What a totally awesome weekend!

David Gray and his portrait....and mine :)

I am still decompressing from David Gray's workshop on Whidbey Island hosted by the lovely Cary Jurriaans of Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio.  David is an AMAZING artist who also is an AMAZING teacher!  I learned so much in three days and I am sure I will continue to have things pop up in my head from the weekend for some time to come.

It was pretty challenging as I have never drawn with charcoal (other then the week before the workshop in a panic ;)) and then to paint from such a loose image was really an eye opener.

That is my portrait, actually not too bad, I was expecting worse.  I figured if  it looks human in the end and I learn lots I will be happy, so I am pretty happy....although other than the image here the painting may never see the light of day again ;)  Also, we all drew for easels so those of you that know me, no I did not ambush him and grab the closest easel to him :)  It was quite handy though as I was able to lean back at times and see what a painting should look like :)

Apparently I am much more stubborn than I would like to admit as even though I would tell myself I would draw/paint the way David was showing us, I kept reverting back to my old ways...argh :)

I redrew my portrait several times as I kept smudging it off by accident.  Apparently that is the beauty of vine charcoal in that is erases so easily :)  I then repainted my portrait several times as well but I learned so much that I really didn't mind whereas usually I would have been so frustrated.

There is so much to see when working from a live model which makes it really challenging but what a great experience.  I am definitely going to try painting in my life drawing sessions in the future as well as some more self portraits, although I need a break at looking at myself for awhile after doing so many self portrait drawings!

I really, really enjoyed David's process and will be spending all my spare time trying to absorb as much of what he tough as possible.  He spent a fair bit of the first day teach us to draw using the sight sizing method which I have read about many times but never really tried and I really enjoyed it, even though it is hard to break my old ways :)  David was also full of great tips and exercises which really helps break things down to more manageable pieces, now it is just putting in the time...and more time....and more time ;)

Life Drawing - Self Portrait #5

Self Portrait from Life
16x20" Charcoal on Paper

Well, technically this is Self Portrait #7 but the other two are not done....they may never be done ;) I started my 5th portrait in pastel, I have never used pastel before...I learned a lot. I seem to learn by trying what not to do first, takes longer but works in the long run :) Self portrait #6 I started using charcoal only, no graphite, which I have never done before and chose a really rough surface. Why do I do this to myself? So, again I have learned a lot of what not to do and will likely finish it in the new year when I have more time.

Ok, so that brings me to Self Portrait #5 which I did last night. I spent roughly 2 hours on this one and it is gigantic!  I made all my landmarks in charcoal then realized I wanted to tone the paper first...so I toned the paper and made all my landmarks again. Probably a good think as getting my landmarks correct is my biggest challenge I think. I used only charcoal starting with a soft charcoal and then using a compressed charcoal for the details. I think I rubbed off as much as I added and not on purpose but again, I learned a lot...a common theme :) I did do all of the hair but it is at such a un-finished stage that it was just distracting so I cropped it out :)

I am not sure if I will do more on this one, it needs a fair bit more tonal range but as it is just a study it may just end up in the trash bin as I move onto the next. I think my proportions are slowly getting better and although I have a love hate relationship with the charcoal, I can see that it will eventually turn into a long loving relationship, just maybe not anytime soon!

Ensemble 2011 Show at the Act in Maple Ridge - November 19 - December 17

Letting Go - $460
Watercolor on Paper - 16x20" Framed

Letting Go is one of the pieces that will be on display for the juried Christmas Show and Sale, Ensemble 2011 at The Act Art Gallery in Maple Ridge from November 19 until December 17.

This annual exhibit features small ensembles of individual artists' work that is related by theme, style or some other unifying factor. 

Ready - $460
Watercolor on Paper - 16x20" Framed

Reach - $460
Watercolor on Paper - 16x20" Framed

I will have three of my figurative watercolors on display, Letting Go, Reach and Ready.

I hope you can make it out if you are in the area.

Life Drawing - Self Portrait #4 Completed

Self Portrait Study from Life
11x15" Graphite & Charcoal on Paper

Well this is as far as I am going to go on this one. I could keep going for at least several more hours but I am forcing myself to stop as it is just a study, it appears I am very stubborn ;)  I am quite happy with the way the toned paper works with the graphite layers and will definitely be playing with toned paper a lot more!

I was not able to try the charcoal until near the end as the charcoal I had on hand seemed to waxy so I ran out and got some other stuff that seems to work much better so I am excited to try mixing from the beginning for the next portrait.

So other than the proportions being off I am pretty happy with this one and am looking forward to the next study :)

Glittery Texture

 I thought I would include a few closeups of the texture as well.  The first image hopefully shows the gold glittery texture (why is it the older I get the more I like shiny stuff?).  It is quite subtly and may not show well online but looks quite cool in real life.  I really like how it peeks through in areas of the portrait as well.

Untoned Paper Texture

The second image shows where areas of the paper were left untoned which I also REALLY like.  I think the paper texture is the main reason I spent so much time on the shaping of the portrait.  I wish I had spent more time on the proportions...sigh.  Live & learn right?