Art of Writing a Thesis

Well, between working two jobs, volunteering, and trying to work on my never-ending thesis I really haven't had much time to paint.

Below are all the paintings that I finished, most are in shows this summer:

Before leaving, my mother told me I should initial them which is why they all have ADO at the bottom of them.  I framed some of the better, smaller ones also.  I know the first show my mom put them in, none sold.  I'm not disappointed though, it was only to try to make some of the money back spent on supplies.  If they don't sell by the end of summer, I really want my Egyptian and road ones back.  I have the perfect spots to hang them up on my walls here.

I finished two paintings, one (not pictured) of which is a smaller and simpler version of the other that I have placed in the dining area of my apartment.

Title: Native American Influence

I really like this one.  I had the idea for the color scheme from a Native American art gallery I was in while visiting home.  

Update: I have a new blog with more updated posts at: http://artofcombiningrandomness.blogspot.com/

Another painting

I will explain this one further at a later time.  Pretty much wanted a simple asymmetrical painting because making things perfect in paintings is just not my style.

Abstract Art

Finally was able to paint.  This one actually took two days to paint.  Partly because I couldn't decide how to finish it.  This one, I've decided, will also be for sale in my mother's show for $10 - $15.

Well, back to studying and finishing up papers!

Creativity Need Elsewhere

I haven't painted since the Egyptian Night painting nor have I had any new ideas of something to paint.  This is partly due to the fact that I had a paper due today and have an even bigger paper due next Friday which has taken up the bulk of my free-time.  However, after that I will have much more time to paint because the funding for one of my jobs runs out next week as well so I will be there less often afterwards (I'm volunteering to beef up my resume but will be there less than now).  Plus, the show will be coming up quickly after that so I need to get my butt in gear if I'm to sell much and try to earn back the money I spent on art supplies!

Sunset In Egypt

My latest painting:

I'm really interested in Ancient Egypt and wanted to try painting a sunset.  After searching for pictures to see what pyramids look like in the sunset, I found a lot had either dark brown color or black.  Taking the easy route, I decided to go with the black appearance (that and the sunset turned out pretty good and I didn't want to ruin it!)

This was also on the medium size canvas I have (the previous ones were on the smallest size I have).

Next Painting (later this week)

After learning some more painting tips (basically wet on wet technique), I'm going to try painting a desert sunset (think yellow, orange and red) with pyramids either tomorrow or Thursday.  Come back in a couple days to see my attempt!

Two New Paintings - Any Requests?

Here are two new paintings I did this past week.  These are the first two I have done on actual canvas.

This first one has already been claimed by someone, though I do plan on making some more with more curling of the letters and different colors for the background.

Title: Home (reserved)

This one below I absolutely love.  Though it is quite simple, I know.  I was watching youtube videos on how to paint landscapes and I think I have a decent grip on how to paint blue skies (Note: the actual color is a little darker, here there is a light shining on it).  I tried a similar technique with the grass.  

Title: Lone Road and Tree

Random news:  I have learned about a show that was on in the 70's called The Joy of Painting and have watched a couple episodes online (after I did the above painting).  I have learned so much just from what I have watched on painting landscapes and am looking forward to trying to apply them on my own.

Also, anyone in the Atlanta or Buffalo area that would like a painting like the ones I've done already, please let me know.  Small ones like the ones above (8" x 10") I'm planning on selling for $5 - $10 depending on how long it would take me to do.  I have canvas in two larger sizes as well.  Feel free to comment on here or email me at artofescapingscience@comcast.netx (remove x at end).  

Week off coming up - paintings to follow

This coming week I have off from school.  With the exception of a presentation I have to prepare, working on a couple papers, and working, I will have more time than usual to paint.  Depending on what ideas I come up with, I may have a bunch of paintings to post on here.

I have a couple, more complex designs planned that may backfire when I try to get them on canvas.  But, this is a hobby for me and if anything, I will learn what techniques doesn't work.  I also want to try and practice shading techniques as opposed to solid colors like I have been doing.

I'm also looking into potentially investing in a painting book to learn some techniques that I never would have thought of trying before.  As for the painting course I mentioned before, I might pass on it.  Right now I'm pressed for time as it is but am keeping it in mind for the future.

If anyone knows of a good painting book, please let me know!

Practicing lines before moving on to canvas

Last night I felt inspired and practiced two paintings again on canvas paper.  The paintings are on canvas paper and will be the final time I do similar ones on the paper.  Next time I will be putting them on canvas.

Title: Lines on Orange

For this one, I wanted to try the curling again.  After getting comments from a few people about the one prior on a yellow background (thanks to all who said it looked great!) someone suggested I try black lines with a yellow-orange background.  Curious myself on how it would turn out, I gave it a try.  This time, I used a thinner brush so that it would be easier making the lines.  I think, myself, it came out looking pretty good and the color came out better than I thought it would.  Looking at it now, I have already came up with a similar design but having the lines in a pattern.  What do you think?  Or should I stick to random like this one?

Gift

This is actually a gift I'm giving to someone who complimented the previous one with a more complex design entitled Greek Inspiration.  It's on a smaller piece than the original and therefore, I didn't want to put too much in a smaller space.  I also used a thinner brush than before which helped me control the paint a little more.

I have realized that I'm a little lopsided when painting mirror images on both sides of the paintings.  Also, I find that I have to keep turning the paper to paint on the right side, which is funny considering I'm right handed and usually start on the left side of the paper.  So when I flip the paper over, my hand is essentially going over wet paint!

Here is a funny tidbit about cleanup:

Usually I wipe off any left over paint from my plate into the sink and rub the rest off with my hand.  Last night, I dumped it into the kitchen sink instead of the bathroom like I usually do.  I am now the proud owner of blue and orange splattered sponges.  To dry everything I usually just leave it in my tub over night before storing everything away.

The weather is great right now.  Late winter in Atlanta is like early June in Buffalo.  I'm hoping to have some free time during the day in order to start taking nature photographs like I used to a few years ago and start posting those on here too.

So, I have no idea if people actually read the text or if the pictures of my final pieces is the only thing people look at.  So I'm wondering what you would like to see on here to read about.  By that, I mean as far as my exploration of creating art goes.  Are you interested in reading about the techniques I used or get bored with that part easily.

Finally, I couldn't resist. My two lovebugs looked absolutely adorable last night:

Two New Paintings

After doing a lot of running around today, I decided to paint at night in order to unwind.  This time I did something a little different.  Instead of using one large piece of canvas paper to do a painting, I cut it in half and did two smaller paintings.  I'm actually quite pleased with how they turned out and will probably paint these onto a canvas.

Title: Boxed In

I started by painting the background for the one above and while that was drying, painted the background for the one below (a light yellow, which is hard to see in the photo).  Both backgrounds were a mix of colors.  The top one being from red and black, though from the video I posted previously, the person recommended using purple for a darker shade.  I like the resulting color though, plus I didn't have purple and have made a mental note to buy that next time I go for supplies.  The picture below was yellow and white mixed together.

Title: Vines

By doing both I was able to practice different techniques.  Boxed In allowed me to practice painting solid shapes and having their borders be where I wanted them to be as opposed to my first ever painting.  Vines was practicing drawing lines like last week's painting and curls.

I think next week I am going to paint these onto actual canvas.

Similar painting again?

I'm debating whether to do another painting like the one I did last weekend.  Maybe a more intricate design and with different colors?  I like the one I did and based on feedback I heard, other people like it too.  I think I may paint that one on actual canvas to sell.  Of course, it will be cleaner than the one posted below.

Thought I would also share something a close friend of mine said: There are no mistakes in art.

This was after she saw the photo of the painting and I told her I wanted to create a better one since that one had some errors.

New Painting

As promised, I am posting a picture of my latest painting.

Title: Greek Inspiration

What this picture doesn't show is that the background has varying shades in the back and it also looks lighter in the photo.  That was unintentional as I mixed colors to make this background.  It is actually very close to the shade I was thinking of back when I came up with the idea.  Also, I just realized that taking the picture with a blue blanket in back was probably not the best place but I'm not trying to be professional here.

Why call it Greek Inspiration?  Because I was actually looking at an ancient Greek pot when I came up with the idea back at the exhibition preview I mentioned earlier.  It's not a copy of what I saw but the main concept is the same.  Though they used a lot of rustic orange, I decided to have a blue background to make it more contemporary. 

The lines were a lot harder to paint than I thought.  But that's one thing I know I can practice at home to improve on.

Things I've Learned

1.  I have already improved on having the paint go where I want it to (a problem I mentioned with the first painting.

2.  Though it sounds simple enough, painting lines isn't exactly a walk in the park.

3.  White paint is my friend when trying to get a lighter shade.

Painting this weekend

I feel bad I haven't posted anything new lately (car trouble took multiple hours away from me the past two days which I desperately needed for homework).  Fortunately, I have off work this Saturday and plan to do the painting I talked about in my last post.  Look for a new post with a picture of the final product Saturday night!

In the meantime, if you're interested, here is a blog I found with helpful painting tips: http://apaintingcourse.blogspot.com/

Here is a video I found a couple days ago that may have came in handy before I started painting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga1s5UUyju4

New Ideas at the Museum - Now to Paint Them

I think I'm going to try to post twice a week depending on how much time I have during the week.  I'm also wanting to paint more but time is just not allowing for it, which is unfortunate.

Last night, I went to an exhibit preview at a museum at which I am a member of, via a donation I made a couple months ago.  I had my reservations about going at first since I've never been to that type of event before (those I attend are usually science based as you can probably imagine) but I enjoyed myself.  And the exhibits (there were two) are really interesting, I would definitely recommend anyone in the area to go see them (especially anyone interested in African art or creatures from the ancient world).  I won't go into what is in the exhibits but if you are curious, click on the link above (the word museum) which will take you to the museum's website.  And if those types of art are not your cup of tea, they have mummies as part of their permanent collection, which is my absolute favorite thing to see at museums.

Unexpectedly, while looking at the exhibits, I came up with an idea for my next painting from two of the items on display.  I won't say much about my idea but rather keep it a surprise until I'm done.  I'll just say that the design will be a basic black with possibly a light blue background to make it look more contemporary, depending on if i can mix the paint to get the right shade I'm picturing in my mind.  If I'm successful on the canvas paper, I may even reproduce it on the actual canvas to sell at a show my mother and grandmother are doing in June since it would be nice to make back all the money I spent on supplies, and maybe be able to invest in more to keep my hobby affordable.

And sell it for cheap.  I say $10 or less for a painting on a small canvas, $15 for a medium, and maybe $20 on a large though that seems like a lot to me.  I always hate walking around the shows my mom does and see tents with paintings that are being sold for over $200.  Granted, they're good there's no doubt about that and the supplies used to make them are probably expensive but still.  I'm thinking about the typical person who goes to these and they're not looking to spend that kind of money there, though maybe some people actually do for something like that.  I guess I would rather sell more for cheaper than sell one or two for less.  But then again, these people are probably also doing this for a living or have they're things in high-end galleries for all I know.  They have business cards for taking but I usually am a looker and no buyer.

My First Painting!

I had some time tonight and decided to paint.  So, I locked the cats in my bedroom so that disaster wouldn't strike and set up my work station which basically meant putting a garbage bad on my coffee table and a large sheet on the floor.  I had started with one glass of water for rising and by the time I was done, had three glasses on the table (one for rinsing, another for rinsing, and one for cleaned off brushes).  Paper towels were handy too which I found the tip online about that.

I took a piece of canvas paper since this was my first time painting since art class in middle school.  I had an idea for something to paint which is kind of how it turned out.  You know the term "don't knock it until you've tried it"?  Well, keep that in mind below:

My first painting: No Name (yet)

It was actually quite fun and relaxing since it had no real purpose other than practicing some techniques and getting my feet wet (or brushes).  I originally planned on having the red in the center, then purple, and blue with some sort of background.

The red:  The first part I painted.  Was quite simple in that it came directly out of the tube.  Had no idea what size brush to use so I picked one that was kind of in the middle.  I wanted the central part to be smaller but the outer part kept getting a lot of red so it kept getting larger until I finally figured out how to sharpen the outer border which was good to know for the other sections.

The blue (dark):  The second part I painted. Same method, came right out of the tube.  It ended up being a larger section than I envisioned thanks to trying to keep the edges sharp again.

The blue (light):  This part I wanted to be purple so one would mix red and blue right?  Not in my case.  Actually, I did get what looked like a deep purple on the palate but I wanted it to be lighter so I mixed some white in thinking that would lighten it up.  Right?  Nope.  It turned into the blue color that you see on the right half.  I thought it looked unique and so just used it.  Unfortunately, I don't think it really looks good with the other blue. Too much blue.

The background:  Since I had proven not to be a mixing whiz, I went with one of the colors I already have, black.  I wanted a dark color and my only options were that or brown.

Overall, I think it looks good.  Certainly room for improvement but that's what this blog is all about.  

Things learned

1.  The paintbrush will put paint in places you don't think it will go and make your object bigger trying to fix it.

2.  Mixing is an art in itself.

3.  I'm a bad estimator at how much paint I think I will need for a section (too much or too little).

4.  I'm probably going to be sticking to painting shapes for a while.

5.  Maybe I should take that painting course in April.

Gathering ideas at an art museum

Friday night, I went with a friend and her friend to a local art museum that was having a jazz music night.  While the band was playing, the rest of the museum was open for viewing the art (which I was thinking it better be since they charged regular admission pricing).  Since you could hear the band from any floor, we decided to look at the artwork while there.  There was mostly European  and American art in the section we were in.

As we were wandering, I was looking at the different techniques the artists had used in their paintings.  How they did their shading, how detailed they were, what feelings the background colors brought about, etr.  A lot were oil on canvas which made me happy because I'm hoping to move onto oils in a few years when I get more experienced (and money!).  It was really nice to see the differences in detail that the artist used in painting figures.  Some were very detailed and looked like a photograph.  Others just had people as the shape of an individual and looked almost like a blotting technique (I like those ones, makes me more confident that I might be able to do something decent).

There were some that had the same concept that I want to start off with.  Mainly putting different geometric shapes together with a similar color tone.  Shapes, I can do.  Realistic humans, no.

The more I think about it, the more I want to take the painting course, but the more I'm kind of nervous about it.  I mean, I know I will learn techniques that I could never learn just by reading about but, I don't know, actually having someone look at my painting is a lot different than taking a picture of it and posting it this blog. I think I should just get over my fear and go for it.

Speaking of painting, I plan to start on Friday so look for a post with pictures this weekend!

Freedom in art. Ready for a course?

So the semester started for me and I'm already buried in 300 pages of readings and 2 articles I have to be prepared to discuss.  Needless to say, I've been busy this week. But I guess that's what I get for being in grad school.

I did draw a picture earlier this week.  Actually a couple using sketch paper and crayola colored pencils so neither came out looking particularly amazing.  I will take a picture of the one which I did kind of like (minus the outer border I drew).  I know it sounds corny but it was an amazing feeling to draw whatever I wanted to draw, as opposed to in elementary school where you had to draw what you were told to.  Since then, the only drawing I had really done was graphs and charts for math and science classes. It was refreshing to be able to let my imagination run free and let my hand make the decisions without any thought.  I guess that's one of the reasons artists enjoy working.  The only part I didn't like about the picture was, ironically, the part that I added after the fact after thinking about it.  Clearly, I shouldn't analyze my drawings like I have to for school.

I know I said it before and it is taking me forever, but I will eventually start painting with the supplies I bought.  I'm just waiting on a paintbrush cleaner my mom is mailing me and should arrive in the next couple of days.  I think I might start with doing a geometric pattern to get my feet wet.  Just to get the painting technique down before painting an actual picture.  Plus, I would hang up something like that in my apartment so why not?

I was looking on my university's website and found a page that had continuing education classes.  Seeing a fine arts section, I looked and found a acrylic painting course for beginners.  Being that those are the paints I bought, I checked out the course details.  It's a course that's 2 hours, 1 night a week for 6 weeks (I think).  One starts next month but I think with the semester just starting it's not a good idea to do anything extra.  It's offered again in April which ends the week after exams.  Looking at my course syllabi, I'm pretty much done with everything before exams so it wouldn't be too hectic.  Its $180 but with early registration and my student status here, it comes down to $162.  I already have most, if not all the supplies so I wouldn't have to buy much more.  I'm really considering taking it.  I mean, there's no grade and if I don't get the CEU credits I really don't care.  What would I have to lose besides $162 (which my mom offered to pay)?


The drawing I did like, until I added the red on the outside....

I didn't mention it but I also attempted to draw my cat when she peaks behind a wall at me.  Needless to say, I don't think I did that good and thus stopped in the middle of it.  Sketching is definitely not a skill of mine.

Almost ready to start

I haven't been able to write anything lately, partly because I had a 14 hour drive back home and had a guest for the past few days.  Also, I have been distracted with work and getting ready for the start of the semester.  I also have been doing some research on acrylic and canvas painting including looking at other blogs and advice they had to offer.

One thing I found out from research is that acrylic paints dry really fast.  This kind of worries me, especially if I will be mixing.  If the new color dries on the palate before I am finished with it, I might find it hard to create the same color again.  That also is delaying my start as I have no idea what I want to try to paint.  I need something simple as I know it won't be good.

I've also read about different techniques such as where to start and what to paint last.  The idea that will probably work for me is painting darker hues first and finishing with the lighter colors.  I have a lot of sketch paper that I have been using for other artwork (mainly elementary things such as geometric designs colored by colored pencils.  HEY!  Maybe my first painting should be a geometric design.  It's hard to screw that up as what I typical draw is a repeated pattern of triangles with a odd color pattern (nerd alert: there was a mathematical equation used to figure out an appropriate pattern).

Okay great.  I have my first painting idea.  I won't start doing more difficult ideas (I want to paint both my cats at some point) until much later.  I think I mentioned that I have a cat at the beginning of this blog.  Last week, I adopted another one who I've fostered before traveling last month.  Their color contrast is awesome, one's black and the other is a light colored calico, which I think will make for a very interesting painting.

My last reserve is that my mother is sending me a "tool" she uses to clean her brushes that may help me knowing that the paint dries so darn fast.  I just spoke with her and she is mailing it out tomorrow, granted she remembers to actually do so.  I think until I get that, I'm going to make use of the pile of sketch paper I have. If I create something good, I'll be sure to post a picture of it on here.