Intro to Drawing - at Mansfield University!

ARTISTS REVEALED!

2009-12-28T18:52:00.000-08:00

Here the artists appear with their final projects. The sun shone on a few early in the critique. Thanks for all your hard work.

More Triptychs

2009-12-18T07:27:00.000-08:00

Steffanie has nearly completed her ambitious project - if you click on the thumbnail you'll see a larger image which shows all the small details -
Justine'a graceful portrait in her prom gown -

Above is Ashley's finished project. Below I forgot to get a photograph of the third panel after Samantha finished it (missing the curly background). Sam's mother as a baby, Sam in the middle and her Grandmother on the right.

Anna reworked some of the areas in her self-portrait. You can compare it to the earlier version just below.

Final project - part 1

2009-12-11T13:07:00.001-08:00

Most of the self-portraits are done! As usual, I tried to leave everyone a lot of leeway and wiggleroom. I think the results show just how individual our voices really are. Compare the many ways in which everyone expressed themselves. Remember to click on the thumbnails to enlarge them.

Below is Anna's pencil drawing with her wall of important things and a clean sink in the artroom!
Above, Ashley Gibiser used a playful technique to capture herself. Below, Kelsie used collage work to tell about herself - and kept herself partially hidden.
Below, Jon found some stark lighting for his face and kept his artist/maker hands even more stark.
There are three self-portraits that I will post next week - and the week after, I will reveal the artists' photographs!

Final project - part 2

2009-12-10T19:11:00.000-08:00

Above, Nichole had some fun with color and fashion - and logged many hours on this project. Below, Bree used her expressive style to reveal herself.

Above, Dick used charcoal to subtly build his portrait. Below, Meggie portrayed her smiles with her message.

Final project - part 3

2009-12-10T13:39:00.001-08:00

Above is Cheneice's joyful self portrait with a little pixie dust! Below Levi uses character's from his favorite cartoonist.

Brandy used her brightly colored pencils while making a statement about self-portraits.

Final project - part 4

2009-12-10T12:17:00.001-08:00

Above Lindsay depict the girl and the woman that she is. (Plus her love of shoes!) Below Chris shows three stages of himself "becoming."

Below Ashley uses her light style to show her best friends and her love of reading next to her portrait.

Final project - part 5

2009-12-09T16:58:00.000-08:00

Above Steffanie chose to use "Chuck Close" like embellishments in each part of her grid - and she decided to try three separate media - paint, oil pastels and colored pencils.

Above Nicole decided to try the famous "see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil" which is always good advice. Below, I started with a giraffe and zebra to frame my portrait, but I had to go with near mirror images to get things to hold together.

Meggie's Birds

2009-12-02T18:30:00.000-08:00

A little catch-up!

2009-11-30T18:11:00.001-08:00

Here is some work that has been refined and finished:
Remember to click on the images to enlarge them and to see the artists' names. Below I forgot to add Ashley Gibiser's name!

Final assignment - Project No. 9

2009-11-22T16:49:00.000-08:00

Hopefully this assignment will challenge us all. We will try to create our best work of the semester - even though we have been doing really well already!

Perspective - project no. 8

2009-11-18T19:56:00.000-08:00

To make the illusion of depth on a picture plane, there are many "tricks" that have been used. We concentrated on many of them excluding one and two point perspective. Here is a list: 1. Size - smaller farther away, 2. Overlapping - object appear behind, 3. Aerial - a name for clear and bright up close, faded farther away, 4. The higher the bottom, the farther away an object appears (that is reversed for the tops of objects above eye level). Remember to click on the images to enlarge them and to see the artists' names.

A couple more "plaster drawings" (with lots of color - like paintings)

2009-11-17T12:12:00.000-08:00

As you can see, there are many directions to travel when different minds work with wet plaster and paint.

Below is the finished drawing of an earlier project

Vanilla Sky by Monet & some sketchbook pages

2009-11-16T08:08:00.000-08:00

Remember to click on the images to enlarge them. Vanilla Sky above. Below is a record of a dress seen at the mall.

Above is a beginning of a famous Van Gogh and below something to eat! The clock was created during a class somewhere on campus - note the little mouse helping to move the clock hands. Below a portrait is being developed.

Another project completed!

2009-11-11T16:45:00.000-08:00

I did give in to a little pressure and set everyone up with a piece of masonite and some joint compound (ready-mixed plaster for walls & ceilings). With a bucket half full of texture makers, we all worked in the wet plaster. After the plaster set-up, we sanded and then coated our plaster with polymer medium. Lastly, we added some color - mostly black to approximate drawings (sort of). You can see my blog showing my usual textured paintings here. You can quickly see the many variations that we achieved with the same basic materials. I have picked out three new ideas to "steal" and try on my work! Remember to click on the images to enlarge them and to see the artists' names.

A few more No. 6s and some refined

2009-11-10T12:53:00.001-08:00

Rosey the riveter and the lips are two drawings that I missed on Monday because my camera battery died.

The following drawings have been finished or refined.

New assignment - No. 8

2009-11-07T16:31:00.001-08:00

Project No. 6 - Draw, not paint, a favorite painting

2009-11-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

There is some history behind this exercise, beside the fact that many art students, through the years, have painted copies of some of the grand masters paintings. About 25 years ago art professor Dale Witherow, here at Mansfield University, asked a young drawing student to draw some of the masters' paintings to help him develop a better sense of composition. The long-ago student, Andy Wales, brought some of these drawings when he spoke to our class last month. We admired them and decided that we'd like to try that!
I do not know all the paintings used as models here. I will point out the ones done by the more famous artists. Below is a cope of an Andrew Wyeth painting -

Some student chose artwork from our popular culture like the above and below copies. Above is a copy of a painting by a contemporary woman that expresses her feelings towards the plight of women in many parts of the world and below is a detail from Picasso's famous anti-war painting "Guernica." Here is a copy of a painting by the German illustrator Mueller. The student was hurrying to meet the deadline and be ready for our digital critique. I photograph the work and we study and talk about each piece when it is projected on a large screen. I will post the finished work later. Above is a copy of a detail from an Gustav Klimt painting and below is a copy of a detail from the Sistine Chapel (Michelangelo) The copy above is from Monet and below is a Salvador Dali -

Remember to right-click on images to see enlargements and the student artists' names. (Would you believe that my camera's battery expired - I will soon have a few more examples to post!)

2009-11-03T18:36:00.000-08:00

Four projects that were missed by yours truly -
Work time - Three sketchbook pages - A preview of Project No. 6 - draw, not paint, a favorite painting. I chose Henri Rousseau's strangely peaceful work -

Miscellaneous

2009-10-31T11:22:00.000-07:00

Above is some ink work in Nichole's sketchbook. Below are some busy drawing students.

The new Allen Hall Art & Communication Building is no longer a hole in the ground - the construction crew is moving quickly! Below is an ink drawing colored with waterpaints by Professor Darryl.

Project No. 5 "non-traditional" ink & ink like - part one

2009-10-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

Remeber to click on images to enlarge them - there are many techniques used in the above artwork - some areas were masked off with, masking tape to protect them while ink was sprayed, washed and rubbed into other areas. "Ah-sticks" were used below to make the stratchy wall surfaces.

Above, the wild patterns and swirls made by applying ink on wet paper is partially brought under control with a graceful network of lines. Below is a more tradition drawing done on a rubbed, gray wash. Above, much brushwork was used to add the different values of ink. Below, the dark values were added to wet paper. Some talble salt seems to have been used near the bottom to make the dappled effect. Above is the study for the artwork below which incorporates painting values done with diluted ink. Above and below are lots of drips done on wet paper to begin making the forms which were then worked on by drawing tools.

Project No. 5 "non-traditional" ink & ink like -part two

2009-10-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

Above - controlled painting application of ink watered down to different values. Below - another way to apply ink with a brush.

Above (with detail below) ink dripping on wet paper with details added after drying with a drawing tool. Wet on wet effects controlled to make clouds above with some drawing.

These effects were made by using some kind of crumpled paper to apply the ink. Below, a student artist hurries to finish her project. The wet on wet technique formed the background with much use of a brush to add different values of ink. Details are being added by "traditional" ink pen with nib.

Odds & Ends

2009-10-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

Below are two more "traditional" pen & ink projects.
Remember to click on images to enlarge them and to see the artists' names. Here is an experiment that Steffanie discovered somewhere on the internet. First, a layer of shaving cream was placed in a tin. Next, ink was sprinkled on the shaving cream. Then, a toothpick or similar tool was used to push the ink around. Lastly, a clean paper was pushed into the ink and shaving cream making the "mono print" seen below. Next follow a few pages from sketchbooks which we review every Monday at the beginning of class. Dale Witherow, a professor in the art department many, many years ago, told his drawing students that they would need at least 100 sketches in their sketchbooks at the end of the sememster in order to have a chance at an A! Our sketchbooks are filling up and we are now at the halfway point of the semester.

A few loose ends

2009-10-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

Above a finished traditional pen & ink drawing. Below another chicken for the ABC challenge on James Gurney's blog!

Above is another finished pen & ink drawing.

Two ink experiments - getting a feel for the next assignment.

And a funny response to trying wet-on-wet techniques with ink -

James Gurney

2009-10-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

James Gurney gifted us with a poster and information about his new book Imaginative Realism. I am sure the book is full of his special wisdom about painting along with his approach to painting "real" images of things which do not exist.
If you are familar with his dinotopia drawings, you will appreciate the stamps above which Mr. Gurney put on the packet that he sent us. Thanks!

Assignments for Oct. 28, Nov. 4 and Nov. 11

2009-10-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

These three project sheets are set at 150 dpi. Click on them and you will see them "double-sized." They will print on a standard 8.5" by 11" paper.

Pen & Ink - handled mostly in a traditional manner

2009-10-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

We worked with traditional methods of applying india ink. We developed gray tones by stippling (dots), hatching (parallel lines) and cross-hatching (crossing lines).

The following two drawings are incomplete and will be reposted when I get final versions soon. The flu has been hitting many students here at Mansfield University.

Andy Wales talks to us and shows a stunning powerpoint!

2009-10-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

We were fascinated by Andy's story of his strong desire to draw (at an early age!) - of his need to make art - of his quirky sense of humor that shines forth from his stories in his comic books. Andy has self-published three comics to date. He has created many three page comic stories that are published in a children's magazine. He has created four educational comics which involve much theory about how we learn and the different ways in which we are intelligent. He recently spent a weekend at a gathering (and showing) of many artists involved in small press comics.
Andy shared some of the small press comics that he has traded for over the years. Andy's passion to excell at drawing is seen in the many, many sketchbooks that he has filled through the years. He generously shared some of those with us, too. Andy asked us to look for the kind of art that appeals to us and to MAKE IT.
Thanks for the great talk - and energizing us to work more on our drawing skills!

James Gurney's ABC challenge

2009-10-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

Project No. 3 was to answer James Gurney's ABC Challenge - a monthly illustration "problem." James posts a quote on his blog Gurney Journey and all are invited to send their artwork to be posted there. This month's quote - " I became immediately and irrationally angry. How dare this six foot chicken with a silly red crest on top of his narrow foolish head say that we humans were deficient in feii? I controlled..." Here are the solutions that our class developed.

Remember to click on the images to enlarge them and to see the artist's names.

Project No. 2 - "add-on"

2009-10-07T15:23:00.000-07:00

I know, I know - I missed photographing these two charcoal drawings at the critique. I think that I've got to improve?

Project No. 2 (part one) - still life dominated by a mounted deer's head

2009-10-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

Charcoal is an interesting material to work with. Much can be done by erasing and blending. Many of us though felt more comfortable with pencil. Informally three students claimed to like charcoal better than pencil.

Project No. 2 (part two)

2009-10-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

Remember to click on the images to enlarge and to be able to see the artists' names.

Still life in charcoal started

2009-09-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

Above anna works from the posed still life and, like many of us, is featuring the deer head. Below Cheniece is focused on two of the other elements of the still life - a picture frame and a bucket.

Above you have to think Orca to get the full impact of the image made by Ashley C for Project No. 1. Now I only have one more teacher error to repair.

Examples of charcoal exercises done in sketchbooks

2009-09-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

Generally, most of us felt uncomfortable with charcoal. As we worked with it though, we began to like some of the effects we were able to master. The next project will be a charcoal drawing of a posed still life.

Some Progress with the New Allen Hall - and the technical difficulty is repaired.

2009-09-21T15:23:00.001-07:00

Click on the image to see the progress being made on the construction of the foundation.
Below is another solution to Problem No. 1 - nice use of color.

Project No 1 -

2009-09-18T11:32:00.001-07:00

Below is an overview of some of the artwork ready to be discussed by the class.
Below is a graphic design student's solution for the first assigned project. I made an open-ended assignment to help me gain some insight into where each student stood at the beginning of the semester. More about the assignment here.

Oh oh. Repairs will be forthcoming.

Project No. 1 - the first assignment

2009-09-17T18:42:00.001-07:00

Remember to click on the images to enlarge them and also to see the student artists' names. Above is every dog's dream. Below the cats pose as only they can.

Above is a cityscape where you can feel the weight of the buildings.

Project No. 1 - more solutions

2009-09-17T18:23:00.000-07:00

Please click on the images to enlarge the artwork. At that time you will be able to see the name of the student artist who created the piece. Above a touch of color was added to create emphasis. Below subtle shading and unfinished areas add to the composition.

The drawing above lends itself to the making of a picture story book. Below, notice the lines that describe the background.

I've promised to work along with the students and below is my solution to the assignment.

Some of the solutions for Project No. 1

2009-09-17T07:21:00.001-07:00

For the first project, I really wanted an open-ended assignment so that I could get a feel for the students' talents, abilities and interests. I made a general problem and stressed repetition and pattern with a little "rule of thirds" thrown in along with general design principles. Balance and harmony (the idea that the images held together) were discussed. Of course, drawing skills - convincing 3D images, gray tones, individual styles - were the main considerations. The artists' names are visible when you click on an image to enlarge it. Above is a study of stools on the counter - can you see/feel that one is wood and the other metal? Below is the artist's grandmother with her cup of coffee. Above is an example of an art student's preference for picture books! Below the artist shows her interest in fashion.
Below notice how the material contrasts with the skin of the model's back.

Some additional sketchbook pages

2009-09-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

Lindsay S kicked back to capture this sketch of her foot.
Below is Chris Raducha's rendering of a silver maple leaf.

Above Nicole McCarthy has been working on her project idea. Below Ashley Gibiser became interested in the design/pattern aspects of her sketch.

Above K. Foster created whispy textures. Below Levi has sketched part of the layout for his project no. 1.

A few sketchbook pages No. 1

2009-09-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

One of the course requirements is that each student must spend at least 20 minutes a day working in his/her sketchbook. (Actually six days a week - everyone needs a day off!) I've encouraged working from life - drawing things around them. I've promised to work along with them because I would like to again develop my skills in "fine art drawing."
Above is a finished page in Steffanie Bowes' sketchbook - note that there are three glasses repeated across the page. Also note that there are mid-tones and black & white. Below anna's drawing reminds us that powerful images can be made with faces.

Above Dick Feil shows us one of the comforts of home. And below Justine Aiya rendered some well planned 3D "entertainment." Note the reflections on the iPod.

A few sketchbook pages No. 2

2009-09-10T13:29:00.001-07:00

Above Jonathan Stager used some charcoal with his pencil work and achieved some rich blacks (that seem to add a sinister dimension to the "duckie"). Below Brandy sketched at home so that she could draw the family cat.

Above you can see Bree VHD's hand applying pressure to her pencil lines. (some eraser crumbs, too!) Below is Meggie's fanciful depiction of steam coming from her teapot.

Below are some of Sam's sketches of horse heads.

A few sketchbook pages No. 3

2009-09-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

Above is a page depicting a few small things - nice phone Cheneice Bostic! (Can you see the "turn of the screw" when you click on the photo to inlarge it? Below are two of Nichole's "thumbnail" sketches which show part of her efforts to make a layout for project no. 1.

Ashley C did some sketching over the weekend at her home.

And the last sketchbook page shows a girl that "Fumiko Aimi" drew partially from memory - a girl in our park.

Two Days of Class

2009-09-02T16:46:00.001-07:00

Below K. Foster works on some opening exercises the first day of class. (Remember to click on images to enlarge them.)

The second day of class, I had the good fortune of a small tree being blown over in my backyard. It was quite dead and full of textures and tones of gray. After a short half hour of sawing, we had some nice pieces to draw in our sketchbooks. Below Lindsay S. is getting started.

Jonathan Stager used Mt. Dew power to help his effort.

Justine Aiya had her own supply of different weight pencils. Brandy fit her piece of wood at the bottom of a page.

I was impressed by the overall effort and large amounts of patience spent by the students while they worked in their sketchbooks. They are assigned to work a minumum of 20 minutes each day in these sketchbooks. The next class should be interesting!

Mansfield University

2009-09-02T07:24:00.001-07:00

M. U. is situated "high upon the eastern hill" of Mansfield, PA which is located in the rural area of north central Pennsylvania. Below is a view of the art building now know as Old Allen Hall - next fall the construction site that you see will be the location of the NEW Allen Hall. Click on the photo to enlarge it!

Classes began yesterday

2009-09-01T05:18:00.000-07:00

Mansfield University's Fall 2009 semester began yesterday. I met with 18 students for an Intro to Drawing class in old Allen Hall.