At the start of the session we discussed the work of Matisse and Henri Moore which led into  discussion on line and the different qualities of line.  Looking for contrasts in line from straight to curved, dark to light and thick to thin. Continue reading Life into the Figure 2 →

Encouraged to experiment with various materials this workshop focused on drawing the figure in various poses. The first two images are A2 and show an ink study where the ink was applied using a stick at arms length. Difficult to control, the stick allows for various qualities of line, usually quite delicate, thin line although depending on the weight of application, line can become stronger. The methodology used in the next set of images was varied. Initially I started a drawing in charcoal, only establishing the drawing for a few minutes. Continue reading Life into the Figure 1 →

Inspired by a portrait life drawing I produced a lino cut of a section of the face. The lino cut was stylised and had additional lines and texture added to create interest. I used water based printing ink but have also experiemnted with oil based ink which can be worked into for some time. I may try this print again to compare results. I love how a print looks quite different depending on what colour of paper it is printed onto.

These collage artworks were completed in response to drawings, sketches, sketchbook work completed in previous workshops which I was encouraged to further develop. Surrounded by all of this work was inspirational and I felt like I was in my own mini studio within a studio, Wasps Artists’ studio, Dalry. Again I photographed the artworks in sections as each piece could become a small artwork in its own right and be further developed into a larger piece. I tried to focus on a limited palette of colours with accent colour and some musical scores,( in the style of the Cubists), to break up the image. Texture is important in the collage work and makes it very tactile and almost relief in places. Line and shape lead the viewer, breaking up the surface into different levels and planes. Various qualities of paper were used to describe different objects.

Morandi Still Life

Morandi deliberately selected everyday objects, limiting these to boxes, bottles, jars, which had labels removed if they had any, in order to depersonalise the objects, painting them with a flat matt color to eliminate any lettering or reflections. He arranged and re-arranged these objects and studied their form and shape,using earthy, neutral colour to depict these almost abstract objects. Each object within the painting is observed for a long period of time in order to capture its essence. Colour and tone are balanced to create a peaceful mood. Light plays an important part in Morandi’s work and can either be subtle and subdued or bright depending on what time of day it was painted or in whatever lighting conditions. Paint has been applied in flat, even strokes within the background and foreground yet with detail to describe individual objects. Continue reading Oil paint and egg tempura →

In the ninth session of the ‘Look and Draw’ series of workshops we were encouraged to set up a small studio space and become inspired by the work produced in previous sessions. The workshop began with a look at some Contemporary artists working in Collage then  we set to work. The first collage piece taken from a previous drawing included a combination of torn and cut papers of various qualities. Continue reading Artists’ Studio: Session 9 →

As part of my 10 week drawing, printing, painting course the group focused on Portraiture, looking at lines, texture and the planes of the face. We used methodology such as blind drawing, feeling the surface of the subject (own face), leading lines, covering the surface of the paper with chalk then rubbing back with an eraser and a cloth. Included are some images from the group, with my four A2 chalk drawings towards the end of the series of drawings. This drawing was further developed into a lino print and I intend on creating a collage and perhaps a painting from this work which will follow in another post.

In September, 2014 I attended a Specialist Crafts workshop entitled Experimental Printmaking. The prints below depict white oil based printing ink which has been drawn onto using graphite pencil. Prints were layered, re-positioned, printed onto different coloured paper to explore the effects. Oil bars were used to create a colourful, Abstract landscape study, gliding smoothly over the surface of the paper, blending and mixing to create a dreamy effect.

At the beginning of the session we were shown slides of various artists who responded to the figure using a variety of line and discussed the works. Never having done any life drawing for over 25 years made for a daunting but lively workshop session. However the anticipation took over and I threw myself into the work enthusiastically.  The focus was mark making and line. Continue reading Life Drawing 1: 6/2/15 →

Session 1

Undertaking a ten week drawing, painting and printing course is a real challenge for me but one which I will rise to in order to engage in arts-practice led inquiry. The opportunity to work within an Artists’ Studio, Wasps Studios, Dalry, Edinburgh, alongside a practicing artist and other keen artists was one not to be missed. Continue reading Developing Drawing, Painting and Printing →