It is really interesting how one’s perception or appreciation of a piece of art work can change with just a little bit more in depth knowledge of it. Having seen the artist’s sketchbook/journal as a Blog entry I was able to experience this artwork from conception to full development and it really helped me appreciate the study. Continue reading New Voicethread
Scottish Colourists Exhibition City Art Centre, Edinburgh
A LIFE IN COLOUR. LESLIE HUNTER (1877-1931): SCOTTISH COLOURIST:CITY ART CENTRE, EDINBURGH: SUNDAY 14TH OCTOBER, 2012
Throughout my visit to Leslie Hunter’s exhibition I was amazed by his eclectic style; self taught, like many artists he was in search of the ‘Hunter’style, experimenting with watercolour, sketches, illustrations and oils. His work could be quite childlike at times and he was known to be a manic-depressive. My discussion will revolve around my tour of the exhibition, a talk given by a gallery guide and notes which I hurriedly scribbled whilst trying to concentrate on the works before me. Dates and locations may change around the tour, as well as descriptions of inspirations and influences. Continue reading Scottish Colourists Exhibition City Art Centre, Edinburgh
Keith Mallett african artist
KEITH MALLETT : AFRICAN ARTIST
Born in Pennsylvania; formal art training at the Art Students League, and Hunter College in New York City. Mallett has worked in a variety of media from oils to acrylics, ceramics and printmaking.
“I have always been intrigued by the art of etching, but I felt intimidated by the mechanical process, and the use of the chemicals that it involved. Once I overcame my initial trepidations I found etching to be the ideal way to graphically express my ideas. I love working on the cold metal plate, using grounds and acids to fashion a warm image. It is a real thrill to lift the paper from the inked plate and see the completed impression.
Creating art has always been a joyful experience in my life, and I feel blessed to be able to share that joy with others.” Continue reading Keith Mallett african artist
Sketchbook/reflective journal 1: Abstract trees
Working within my sketchbook/reflective journal I studied the work of various artists working in a similar area to me; abstract trees. I selected these sources and have reflected critically on them, analysing them in terms of the Visual Elements, the language of art and design and that which I speak of and deliver to my students. The images which I selected show strong use of colour, curved shape and line as well as simplicity. As part of my research I will attempt to produce similar works to those selected as I love the use of simple shape and coloured shapes within other shapes reminiscent of the work of Hunterwasser, hoping that in some way they may affect my own work or that of others. I also looked into Celtic symbolism to research the meaning behind specific trees.
Sacred Symbolism and Celtic Meaning of Trees (Ogham)
| Birch | Beginning, Renewal, Youth |
| Rowan | Protection, Expression, Connection |
| Alder | Endurance, Strength, Passion |
| Willow | Imagination, Intuition, Vision |
| Ash | Connection, Wisdom, Surrender |
| Hawthorn | Contradiction, Consequence, Relationships |
| Oak | Strength, Stability, Nobility |
| Holly | Action, Assertion, Objectivity |
| Hazel | Creativity, Purity, Honesty |
| Apple | Beauty, Love, Generosity |
| Vine | Introspection, Relaxation, Depth |
| Ivy | Determination, Change, Patience |
| Reed | Harmony, Health, Growth |
| Blackthorn | Discipline, Control, Perspective |
| Elder | Transition, Evolution, Continuation |
| Fir | Clarity, Achievement, Energy |
| Gorse | Transmutation, Resourcefulness, Exposure |
| Heather | Dreams, Romance, Feelings |
| Poplar/Aspen | Victory, Transformation, Vision |
| Yew | Transference, Passage, Illusion |
Felting CPD
Having attended a felting CPD at Armadale Academy I transferred the skills and techniques which I learned to my S5/6 Higher/ Intermediate 2 Art and Design class as well as within the department.
I decided to select Hat/Headgear design in order to enable pupils to apply the techniques and use the materials I had learned how to manipulate through my CPD. The results produced were fantastic and I feel pupils achieved better results and enjoyed studying hat/headgear design as a result. Included are examples of Headgear from 4 pupils who have added comments in support of their learning and achievements. Continue reading Felting CPD
Animation CPD
In the summer of 2010 I attended a week long Animation CPD at Edinburgh College of Art funded by West Lothian Council and St Margaret’s Academy. Throughout the week I learned various really interesting techniques in Animation and produced my own Animations. I collaborated and shared ideas with various teachers and artists and found this a really worthwhile CPD opportunity. Continue reading Animation CPD
Task 1: Buachaille Etive Mor: Detail: Autumn Landscape
As part of the Med. Artist Teacher programme I am required to regularly submit work for discussion between my peers and course tutor, through a discussion board or Voicethread. For task one, I revisited a painting which I had completed several years ago as it contained a particular area of interest, a small tree, sprawling into the surrounding, undulating landscape. Continue reading Task 1: Buachaille Etive Mor: Detail: Autumn Landscape
Northern Perspectives
Jokela,T (2008) A Wandering Landscape: Reflections on the Relationship between Art and the Northern Environment. In Art Community and Environment (ed Coutts and Jokela) Bristol: Intellect
‘What is a ‘Northern’ Arts Based Research Methodology and is it useful to us as Artist Teachers who do not reside in the ‘North’?
A Northern arts based Research Methodology would imply a process of working within a specific location or place using particular materials available. This appears to be the message from Jokela’s reflections on art in the Northern Environment, that we all have the ability ‘to make our mark on the landscape’Jokela (2008) and be influenced by it. Continue reading Northern Perspectives
Voicethread discussions
Diarmuid. At last I have become familiar with the technology and now have experienced a lot of satisfaction from using Voicethread. Over the past few weeks the feedback which I have received from fellow AT students is very encouraging and makes me feel less isolated as an artist. There is worth to my art making and I am delighted I have re-engaged with my Practice. My main struggle is dividing my time between producing art work and keeping abreast of E-mail messages, Voicethread and Critical reading tasks. I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of the course and feel my learning curve has expanded enourmously over the past 4 months. Diane
Inspiration – Alison Dunlop
Alison Dunlop is a Canadian Artist who produces magnificent studies of knotted fabric and cloth. Her canvases are life sized and impressive. Inspired by Dunlop, I completed several studies, which was a difficult task as there is so much attention to detail in her work. I encouraged my S3 level 4 pupils to complete observational drawings and study her work, attempting to copy it in order to understand how the folds and knots in fabric work, in terms of tonal values from dark to mid tone right the way through to the lightest areas. I have included two examples of my own work which inspired a recent painting I completed as part of my Masters Artist Teacher programme. This work is on show in another post, see if you can identify it. Pupil work is also exhibited, which is excellent.
