Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Working in a Series: The Value
Why are we working in a series this summer session? Staying with an idea or theme over a period of time will enable you to establish a definite and considered attitude in your work as possibilities in the subject are discovered. You can see this attitude in Hilary Brace's cloud drawings and in my ashtray drawings. This attitude and the specific possibilities that are pursued in a series distinguishes one artist's work from another. Work that remains on the surface of an idea merely travels where many artists have been, such as many of the "out-of-class" projects from previous semesters. Conversely, an intense immersion in a focused direction will get you to a place in your work that you did not realize existed. Again, going back to Nate's series that is hanging in the gallery, that body of images is the result of a lot of experimentation, risk taking, and focus. Exploring a combination of media has opened up some pretty exciting possibilities for him as an artist. So, working in a series most often leads you to do drawings that you would never have made otherwise: drawings that will communicate your ideas, insights, feelings, and/or gut responses in greater depth. With this level of involvement, it stands to reason that you will have more invested in your series than in daily studio class projects because you will determine its direction. That creative freedom with this project will allow you to take the risks you need to take in order to grow. Enjoy and work hard.
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I started looking through all my old sketchbooks today. I actually found some sketches and experiments that might be worth exploring further. At least I will be in my sketchbook. Something might inspire a worthy series. It seems that lately my inspiration comes when I least expect it, like the Spanish Inquisition. As long as I keep drawing it will happen. I also found a really nice series on the web that looks interesting http://www.lorraineshirkus.com/images2.html
ReplyDeleteBrian, Beth went to Hobby Lobby and they don't carry the Caran Dache oil pastels. She also went to Preston's and they didn't have them in till Friday at least. Well, I just called there to see how much they were and when the man looked it up he said they weren't getting the Caran Dache in but another brand instead. Did you realize that? If not, is there an alternate brand you would suggest?
ReplyDeleteI also called Hobby Lobby to get details on what you want us to have. They have a brand called Mungyo with a 30 pack at $24.99. This is what I was able to find out about the brand.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.explore-oil-pastels-with-robert-sloan.com/mungyo-gallery-review.html
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/
ReplyDeleteThey have the Caran D'ache NeoPastels. Are those the same thing?
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/Pastels/Oil-Pastels/Mungyo-Gallery-Oil-Pastels-and-Sets/Mungyo-Gallery-Standard-Oil-Pastel-Sets.htm
And this is some of what they offer in the Mungyo brand.
I like the Sennelier pastels but I dont know how they compare to the Caran D'ache. I think they have them at Hobby Lobby and Prestons.
ReplyDeleteThe other brand the woman told me they had at Hobby Lobby was Pentel and they were really cheap in price, thus, from my limited experience with the soft pastels I'm thinking probably pretty cheap quality. I'm finding I get what I pay for.
ReplyDeleteI went to the Preston's in New Albany and bought their last 12 ct box of Caran D'ache. They aren't getting the bigger box of these in. They are getting another brand. (I didn't ask which one.) I asked why they weren't getting the Caran and was told that they would have been over $50+ for a 24 pack. I told him I would have paid that for the variety. I wanted the quality though and would go with less and have the best.
ReplyDeleteIf we all want that for the future others might want to let them know too. But, make sure they have some in stock before you go there. Like I said, it was the last package of any size they had on the floor that I took from there.
There are several great places for art supplies online as well.
ReplyDeletewww.misterart.com
www.dickblick.com
www.utrechtart.com
If you live in Louisville, the Michaels store often runs a 40 percent off one item coupon in the newspaper sale ads. I have used these to purchase larger sets of markers and colored pencils.
There is also a newer art supply in downtown Louisville called Artist and Craftsman Supply. They have probably the best local prices in general. This might make a great stop on one of our field trips. They have excellent galleries and studios to explore.
Definitely shop around and compare prices on everything. Normally online has better pricing. Try to team up with a friend to split the shipping costs.
Ebay is another great source for good deals if you are comfortable using them.
And, finally, be creative. Go dumpster diving for materials to draw on or draw with. Using materials you find is very fun. You can draw with a rusty nail on a flat rock.
http://www.jerrysartarama.com is a really cheap site as well and they usually have coupons:)
ReplyDeleteI have made my first attempt at beginning my series tonight. I am not sure if the images and colors will come together as clearly as I hope, but using the pastels is probably my best route in achieving a "soft" cloudy feel. I'm experimenting with a series of "storm" scenes. I want the clouds to be dark deep blue and the green trees and grass to pop...any suggestions regarding medium are welcome.
ReplyDeleteIn our last class I was doing a pastel drawing and Brian had me combine the colored pencils with the pastels. The drawing was of my pups. The colored pencils were what gave it more definition. I don't know if that would work for you but you might want to experiment with it.
ReplyDeleteAnd to those that posted the links to other art stores thanks! I'll save them for future reference.
One thing though. The Dick Blick store didn't have the Caran D'ache oil pastels that Brian had mentioned. I might have just missed them there. Personally, since he recommended it that was the brand I really wanted to get.
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ReplyDeleteI am finding that the class project is not so difficult once I really started looking at the stipes and the way they flowed. The shades of color does change within and out of the objects and I will continue to work on the value.
ReplyDeleteToday's project was pretty difficult;however, it helped me to focus on detail and to develop a wide range of values.
ReplyDeleteI have some ideas on what I want to do my series on. I also plan to use charcoal as well as pastel. I want to experiment with a textured background similar to the ashtray drawings.
ReplyDeletei am very glad that the outside project for this class revolves around a central theme. I think that it is a better way to prepare a student for what will be required of them later in their career. BFA students will really benefit from a project like this, since their final show will be structured around a body of work.
ReplyDelete