Project "Master Artist" - Nicolas Poussin

I've been taking painting class with a wonderful artist and great art teacher (actually a professor) Steve DiGiovanni who he has been quite inspiring personality to me in the past two months. His ways of teaching and his insight at many different artists, their work and their techniques opened horizons not only for me, but for many students in my class as well. Now that I am finished with the introduction, I would like to share one project that we were recently working on for couple of weeks.

FirstSteve gave us several names of old masters. We had to chose our favorite painting of one master. After I saw many paintings on line, I settled on a detail from "Triumph of Neptune and Amphitrite" by Nicolas Poussin. I found out that the painting was commissioned by Cardinal Richelieu (which I found interesting) and which is in possession of Philadelphia Art Museum.

The next step was to paint an 8in x10in painting of the chosen master. This study was supposed to help us to understand the light and shadow, the color, while at the same time to teach us a bit about figure painting as the old masters did it. We didn't have to be accurate in making and exact copy.

My study of Poussin's "Triumph of Neptune and Amphitrite"

Couple weeks later we brought our small "master paintings" to school and had a class discussion about what we learned from this practical study (above).

Then, Steve showed us several famous artists' interpretations of other famous artists. For example, Pablo Picasso's "Las Meninas. After Velazquez", which was take on DiegoVelazquez's "Las Meninas" (The Maids of Honor) painting. See below.

Pablo Picasso's "Las Meninas. After Velazquez"

Diego Velazquez. Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor), 1656

And as you probably guessed it, we had to interpret our chosen painting in our way on a 30in x 40in canvas.

In my early twenties I was in "love" with pointillism. I had attempted this technique once, but nothing ever came out of it. So, this time I got a chance to use this method again and to depict the old master's classical painting with a different approach.
Last summer I saw Seurat's paintings in MoMA, so I was somewhat familiar with his work. I went to our library to borrow art books about Seurat to remind me of his style some more. And I "googled" images of his paintings. Then I set to work on my project.

First I prepped my canvas and then outlined figures. Then I mixed my colors and started making dot after dot after dot after dot...... For many hours each day.

One week later I could see some development. Some of the background was done, as well as some of the women and sea creatures they were riding (the image below).

About three weeks later, after spending on it approximately 40+ hours per week, I took my nearly finished painting to school for a discussion. It still needs some fine tuning, such as leashes for the sea creatures, which are missing. However, Steve accepted the work as is. And did you know that Seurat would paint each of his paintings for about a year. When I was working on mine, I realized, that you really have to spend quite a bit of time on this particular technique - you need to let the paint dry in between. Otherwise it just doesn't look (or come out) right (or as nice as Seurat's).

And this is my almost finished product

Painting With A Palette Knife

My computer died and that is one reason why I am not visible as much in the viral world lately. I depend on other people's computers now and for a while I will be here sporadically.

In the mean time I've been taking some art classes, which are very enjoyable. In my painting class, I was learning how to paint with a palette knife today. I would never guess that it can be so much fun and I am totally falling for this technique (I sound like I am talking about some nice looking man) and I would love to create many paintings with my knives.

Our task was to carefully look at the objects in front of us, and study their colors very carefully - a light and a shadow, a color hue etc. We had to "see" as many color shades of the background, the block and the pear as possible, mix those colors, and then apply them in "blocks" or "spots" on the canvas with our knife.  Next week we will continue with our project.

 I took a picture with my phone, so it is not the greatest image quality, but it is sufficient enough to show my friends a peek preview, how I am "tackling" my background and the pear sitting on the painted styrofoam block.

Until next time.

Easton Arts Council - Happenings

EASTON ARTS COUNCIL UPCOMING EVENTS - for more information click HERE


Art Show on view now:
January 10 through February 25 - 2012 Annual Members Show
(I have a couple of painting in this show)


Easton Events for young artists coming up:

• Feb. 4 (1pm – 3:30pm) - Youth Art and Frame Workshop - Acrylic on Canvas (Ages 4 – 12)
• March 11 (2pm) - 2012 YOUTH TALENT SHOW
• March 11 (3pm-4pm) - 2012 YOUTH ART SHOW

LIKE THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE

Pastel Drawing - Stormy Clouds

I have one obsession - looking at the sky. I absolutely adore the clouds. The shapes. The colors. Sometimes heaviness. Other times luminosity. I must be extra careful while driving, because I tend to steal a look at the clouds and it could be.... you know what I mean.

Over the years I have seen many cloud paintings and drawings from other artists. Some exquisite, some pretty bad. I have been trying to get courage to paint or draw clouds for a long time. And in these past few days, it was my first attempt. I think I didn't do too bad, but neither great. I still need to perfect the feel, the colors..... But not too bad at the first try :-)

(I just have to pat my own back a little bit - it is my personal encouragement to do it again.)


Stormy Clouds
Pastel on Cotton, Acid Free, Archival Paper
24x18

Motivational Video For Artists

While browsing the internet I came across this video that I think is very encouraging for anyone who like to work, create or do something in their life and not just sit around :-)

Although this video by Derek Sivers is unlisted, it had many visitors! Oh man, this "viral" thing is quite powerful, isn't it?

HAPPY, HEALTHY, PROSPEROUS, FUN AND BUSY NEW YEAR!