Remind Me Again. Why Did We Do This?

Waiting for an X-ray.

Ball Point Pen on Paper, 8.5x5"

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My mother is almost 97.  She has been complaining for months about a sore shoulder.  She made an appointment with an orthopedist regarding her shoulder. She needed an x-ray for that visit. One was scheduled for her without anyone telling her she was to visit the radiology department before seeing the doctor. We wandered around the hospital complex first trying to find the doctor's office and then we wandered around trying to find radiology. We waited about 35 minutes for the x-ray. Then we waited for another 35 minutes after returning to the doctor's office. The doctor told her she had three options: a shot of cortico-steroid into her shoulder,  a surgery to replace her shoulder, or do nothing. My mother decided to do nothing.  Someone please tell me again. Why did we visit the doctor?

Shiny Stuff

Teapot with Two Oranges

iPad Painting, Size Variable

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I am a magpie of a sort. I like shiny things. I love working with highly reflective surfaces. It's a fascinating process translating what I see to the flat drawing support. The iPad is very suitable for the task. I can select brushes with soft edges and adjust the degree of opacity which makes it the perfect tool. But, I am still very much a traditional materials girl. I get lost in the process and forget about the layers which can be manipulated. There are no layers like this with canvas and paint.

Luminosity

Winter Refugee

iPad Painting, Size Variable

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This is another attempt at iPad painting. I am really enjoying it. The color is so intense especially with the luminosity of the iPad. I understand why David Hockney insists on exhibiting his iPad paintings on the device itself. The luminosity would be lost otherwise. Sharing these on the internet also preserves that though some monitors can render these rather garishly.

This is a favorite subject matter of mine. It is not necessarily the the actual objects that are the favorites. It's the polished surface. I really like painting them. It's a lot of fun. Painting with the iPad is a lot of fun too. I recommend it. It's more fun than game apps. I only have one of those and that's enough for me.

Which iPad App?

Easy Chair

iPad Painting, Size Variable

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This one the first iPad paintings I did with my iPad. I have been switching back and forth between two different apps. I still have not decided which app I like the best. Both have their advantages. It's easier to save and share images with one than the other. But it is not as easy to change brush attributes on the fly. So I am still making my assessment. I know I will gravitate to one or the other and use it exclusively. It's just too difficult switching once the software becomes familiar.

iPad Still Life

Three Pieces of Fruit

iPad Painting, Size Variable

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Another iPad practice piece. It's back to basics in learning to use the iPad app. Spherical fruit fill the bill. I  still have to use the layers more effectively.  Right now they have elements that are spread out over several layers when they should be placed in a more discreet manner. Practice on!

iPad Practice

View From My Window

iPad Painting, Size Variable

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After all my kvetching yesterday that the iPad still felt mediated to me and I needed more practice, here is more practice. Sometimes I do do stuff that requires deleting and starting again but I am getting more accustomed to the methods of working with layers. 

Today is a good day for such things as we have a winter storm warning. Since I have no reason to go outside, it is best to stay indoors today. This is the view out my patio window onto my deck. A star of my summertime paintings with its now dead plants are enduring the winter until spring rolls around. Then a new batch of plants will take up residence for another summer. Hopes for spring are eternal.

Waiting with an iPad

 

Waiting While iPad-ing

Ballpoint Pen on Paper, 8.5x5"

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This lady was waiting in the same spot as the lady from the previous post. This is all I could catch before her car was ready and she left. The auto dealer's waiting room has free wi-fi so you can surf the internet while you are waiting for you car to be serviced. That's kind of nice! Though an iPad is a new toy for me and I can make sketches with it, I prefer to have my low-tech sketchbook with me and draw with more traditional materials. 

All the high-tech stuff can be great when it works well. It seems that I am still more drawn to centuries-old means of recording images. The touch is not the same with the iPad. As flawless as the iPad is, I still have the sense my drawings are mediated by the technology. I have a stylus for drawing because my finger will obscure the exact position I want to touch. The stylus is not much finer but it allows me to see where a mark will go more easily. A ballpoint pen and paper just seems better. Of course there is no erasing with a pen but I think the ability to easily erase is a stumbling block to drawing. Better to make correction right on the paper so as not to inhibit the rhythm of the drawing process.

David Hockney has been making a big splash with iPad drawings. And they are beautiful. I guess I just need to practice more.

Taking Care of Business

 

Protective mask

Ball Point Pen in Paper, 8.5x5"

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Since I have been on winter break, I have been taking care of things that need to be done. These are the things that get put off while I am busy teaching. I had to take me car in for an oil change and, as usual, while I waited, I made drawings of some of the people who were also waiting. 

This lady came in all bundled up with her face covered by a surgical mask. I don't know why. She gave the impression she had a cold and she was covering herself to keep from spreading it. If so, I appreciate her conscientiousness. She may also be one of those people with a compromised immune system. Whatever the reason, she made a good model for my drawing.  

The auto dealer had a television in the waiting room which she watched intently. That distraction kept her quite still for me. I was even able to draw her hands with interlaced fingers with some accuracy. I usually end up with twelve fingers when hands are posed that way. The complexity makes it very difficult to tease out all the relationships when the hands are interlaced and time is short.

In the Waiting Room

Three Chairs

Ball Point Pen on Paper, 5x8.5"

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I know I have been singing the praises of my iPad drawing apps but it can't match the touch of a drawing tool on paper. I can't do massed line drawings like this on the iPad. The precision of a sharp pointed ball point pen is just not there. I know the iPad drawing mavens will jump on me for that statement but right now it's my truth of the matter. Maybe I just need more practice.

Once again I was in the dentist's office waiting for my mother to complete and emergency visit to repair a fractured filling. This helped pass the time. There is just something evocative about chairs.  They are stand-ins for people. They have arms and legs, backs and seats. They can be as varied as people and as ubiquitous as people too. I have been drawing and painting chairs for years. Whenever I am at a loss for subject matter I go back to them. They always deliver.

More Play With My New Toy

Invention From Experience

iPad Painting, Size Variable

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I am continuing my play with my iPad.  I made this as I usually do with a watercolor. It comes directly out of all the visits to Door County to paint with a group from my college. This is a reflection of what I saw when I awoke every day and fell out of bed right onto the beach! Not hard to take is it? It's so ingrained in my memory, I can make all kinds of variation on this theme. It's a lot of fun.

A New Toy

My Glasses

Digital Drawing, Size Variable

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I bought myself a new toy. I bought an iPad. I have been having serious iPad envy for some time now and I finally succumbed. I have been playing with the drawing functions. It's going to take some time to really learn the ins and outs of this. I am having trouble with the lack of precision of my finger tip. A stylus is not much better. But, I think I can master this. This one of my first keepers. I have had at least ten rejects preceding this modest success. 

This app has layers. I need to make more effective use of them. I have such facility with painting that the layers and the constant adjustment to the "brushes" slow me down. I'm just used to laying down washes one after the other. Now I have to formulate a new strategy. It will be fun.

I Hate Waiting

Reception Desk

Ball Point Pen on Paper, 5x8.5"

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The older I get the less patient I become. I don't know if it's because I am more aware that my time on this earth is finite or if it's because of the nature of our media. It's flashing edits and continuous interruptions have made my attention span that of a two year old. All I know is that I hate waiting. 

When I have to wait I keep myself busy with sketching. It fills the time. The magazines in the reception area have become so inane that I don't want to bother with them. So drawing is a better way to occupy myself. Then I have something to share on by blog. This little drawing is the result of a recent visit to the dentist.

However, I have made it a rule that I will only wait for fifteen minutes and then I reschedule and leave. My time has some value too.  My dentist is particularly delinquent. I know that he encounters complications that may require more time but to leave clients sitting in the waiting room without notifying them is inconsiderate and rude.  So I refuse to wait anymore.

There is also the issue of forms. I hate filling out forms. I remember returning to a doctor within a week for a follow-up visit and the receptionist handing me the same epic novel-thick stack of forms that I had just filled out only a week before. 

"It's policy." she said. 

"My policy is I'm not filling them out again. Nothing has changed in the last week", I said. I felt very proud to have refused such nonsense and to have saved some trees.

Quick Draw

Studying at Lunch

Ball Point Pen on Paper, 8.5x5"

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I did this very quick drawing of a young man studying over his lunch while I was grabbing lunch between classes. There are a lot of likely subjects during lunch time. It's all grist for my mill. It's amazing how picky I can be over the kind of ball point pen I use. I don't like roller ball pens with gel inks. They are just a little too fast. It seems some light resistance make for a better feel. 

Some pens have excess ink gather around the tip. That makes for a messy looking drawing. I think the cheap stick pens are the best for me. I have more control over the heaviness of the line. It's all about personal preferences and the preferences are about very subtle differences.

Skills Maintenance

Getting A Haircut

Ballpoint Pen on Paper, 8.5x5"

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This is my 96-year old mother enveloped by the hair cutter's cape. I am my mother's chief go-for.  I am her willing chauffeur, shopper, and errand runner. I am happy to do these things for her. She did so much for me, I can do her these favors in return. She wanted to have her haircut on this occasion so, I was happy to take her. She was fairly easy to sketch as she had to remain still while the very expert beautician did her well choreographed hair cutting and styling dance. 

A side benefit is that I can do a quick sketch of her while she gets gorgeously coiffed. I take advantage of such situations whenever I can. It is always a good way for me to maintain my skills. I have made it a habit for many years to have a sketch book tucked into my handbag for just such moments. Whenever I have the opportunity, I just take out my sketch book and draw. It's how I learned to draw, how I learned to draw better, and how I maintain my drawing skills. It's just good practice.

Drawing is a skill which must be practiced like any other skill. Musicians practice their instruments. Athletes practice their sports. And visual artists practice their media. Mine happen to be drawing and painting. I'm not looking for perfect. I really don't know what that is. Better is a much more realistic expectation.

Ongoing No Hovering

Classroom Activity

Ball Point Pen on Paper, 8.5x5"

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This was done last Wednesday during my afternoon basic drawing class.  My class is in the midst of a three part drawing project. I make rounds at regular intervals to check on their progress but, I don't want to hover. So while they are working towards its conclusion, I have to keep myself busy. I'll check e-mail. Look to see what the news headlines are, or draw. Drawing is the best no hovering activity. Here is the result. These are two of my students working away at their drawing while I draw them.

Drawing Outside the Drawing Studio

Drawing with Students

Ball Point Pen on Paper, 8.8x5.5"

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This is from last spring's life drawing class. Our model is on the right and the woman on left is one of my students. One can draw from the nude model consistently but it is difficult to take nude figure drawings out of the realm of study. The history of study is just too long and so thoroughly explored.

Eventually one must think about the figure outside the drawing studio and begin to consider the clothed figure. After all, in most situations, you are not just going to happen to come across someone who happens to be naked away from home. So the object of doing this was to begin to draw the clothed model and the context in which model and the people around her interact. 

It was also an exercise in drawing quickly as the people around the model were to be included as well. Context can tell a great deal about the person or persons depicted

From My Sketch Book

Sleep

Ball Point Pen on Paper, 8.5x5.5"

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This sketch is in no way a likeness. But I think it captures the serenity of sleep which, to quote William S., knits up the raveled sleeve of care. This sleeper is my son's sweetheart. She is a lovely woman inwardly as outwardly. She is the lady who brought Winston, her bull dog, into our lives. He is a dog as serene as his mistress. If you follow the link you will see my sketch of him.

The Spiel

The Sales Spiel

Ball Point Pen on Paper, 8.5x5.5"

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I went to a sales spiel for a travel company that was supposedly no pressure. My hubby and I sat through their B.S. while I made this drawing. It so happens that the 'no pressure sales event' required that we make a decision that evening or the 'deal' being offered would be withdrawn with no recourse to consider it later.  That in spite of the fact we had no idea who this outfit was and they did not make any attempt to inform us beforehand. So we could do our due diligence in informing ourselves in advance.  This drawing was the only good thing to come out of that experience!

From My Sketch Book

Grace, Drawing

Ball Point Pen on Paper, 8x5.5"

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This another of my sketches during class from last spring's figure drawing class. I had everyone go out into the lunch room to draw our clothed model with the usual groups of people who moved in an out of the room or who lingered to do homework or surf the net. This is Grace, one of my students, drawing while I drew her.

All Spiffed Up

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This is my studio all spiffed up for last weekend's studio tour. It will not look this neat and orderly until this time next year as I am a rather untidy creative person. I am a firm believer that is better to have a creative farfumel than an idle tidiness.

It's Here! I'm Ready!

The Tenth Annual Northeast Wisconsin Artists' Studio will begin in twenty minutes and I am all ready. The snacks are ready to be put on the table. The artwork is displayed. My studio will probably not be this tidy again until next year's tour. I will keep all my followers posted with pictures as the weekend continues. But, if it's really busy it may have to wait until the event is over.

A Week to Go!

In a week I will be putting the finishing touches on my studio before I greet visitors as part of a three day Open Studios Tour. Come and share treats, play with paint, and see some art. I'm looking forward to visitors. For more info follow this link:     http://artstudiotour.wordpress.com/

Good Use of Time

At the Dentist

Ball Point Pen on Paper, 5x8"

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I always keep a sketchbook in my handbag so I can take advantage of those time when I am waiting for whatever. I draw on the train, in a restaurant or in a dentist's office. It keeps my skills sharp. It's best way to learn to draw as well. This is a skill and like any skill requires practice. Talent goes no where without practice.

Remember my open studio event. You are invited!

Sketchbook Drawing

Drawing in the Dining Hall

Ball Point Pen on Paper, 8x5"

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This is another drawing from my sketchbook done last semester during a life drawing class. The figure that appears furthest away is one of my students drawing our model with the surroundings including other people in the dining hall. Most people were studying as the food service had closed down for the day.

 

Don't forget. My studio will be open for visitors. Follow this link for more information:

http://artstudiotour.wordpress.com/

Rediscovered From My Sketchbook

Out of the Studio

Ball Point Pen on Paper. 8x5"

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I haven't posting on this blog very much lately. I have been having a hard time posting much at all. I have been very busy preparing for an open studio and teaching my community college classes. 

I rediscovered some sketches in my sketch book and will be posting them over the next week. This was done last spring semester. I had my life drawing class go out into the lunchroom to draw the clothed model in an environment where people are moving about their in the course of a morning. The studio is a contrived space and people don't just happen to be naked in most public places. One has to learn how to draw people clothed as well as nude. Also, context begins to take the practice of figure drawing out the realm of study and closer to art.

This is one my students drawing in the lunch room. I draw too. It to keeps me out of their hair. There is a fine line between being helpful and just being a pain in the ass. 

Anyone reading this blog who happens to be in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area is invited to my studio for a visit. Follow this link for more information:  http://artstudiotour.wordpress.com/

A Glorious Concert

Concert

Ball Point Pen, Marker on Paper, 8x6"

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My husband and I went with our younger son and his sweetheart to a concert. It was a Handel oratorio entitled Resurrection. The religious subject matter doesn't appeal to me, so, as not to be distracted by that with the libretto, I took out my sketch book and listened as I drew. I don't think you can go wrong with Handel. The music was glorious. The singers were extraordinarily good.  I even heard phrases that he used for the Water Music or the Music for the Royal Fireworks.

The instruments were period and there were a few mishaps. The reeds for the wooden oboes and clarinets squeaked at a some crucial moments. My son's honey is a classically trained pianist and she was very critical at that. My son in his funny way said, "Let's go get 'em and slap 'em around a little!" I think that made her disappointment at a slightly less than perfect performance take on a more forgiving perspective.

The surroundings were also apt for the period of the music's creation and for the subject matter of the work. The architecture of the concert hall was neo-classical in style and beautifully maintained. I think it was a church at one time. The pew seating was the give away.

This is another music lover enjoying the concert in the very conducive surroundings.

Caught Unawares

In the Waiting Area

Artist's Pen on Paper, 8.5x5.5"

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I had to take my new-to-me minivan in for an oil change. While I waiting in the service waiting area, I drew this woman who was also waiting. She was quite still. There was a television on and she was watching pretty intently. I got her image very close to finished before her car was ready for her. You can see the lettering on the windows of the dealership on the upper left.

New Model

First Time Modeling

Ball Point Pen on Paper, 8.5x5.5"

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I substituted for a colleague a couple of weeks ago and this young man came to model for us the very first time. I mean the very first time for him. I gave him a few suggestions on what to do. Life drawing models have to have a lot moves in their repertoire. Beginners must do lots of quick gestures; at least 3 per minute. It's the only way for a student to get out of one's own way. By forcing fast work one cannot second guess her/his first perception and it shuts up the internal critic. It also emphasizes that when doing the human figure, the most important thing is what the model is doing not what the model looks like.

Re-Discovered

Painting

Watercolor on Masa Paper, 15x10.5"

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I was looking through my digital images on my computer and discovered this from my trip to Florida. It's a fellow artist painting in the studio at the local art center. I got a charge out of the fact that her sandals had hot pink trim which matched her t-shirt.

Another Attempt

Stage of the Lyric Opera

Ball Point Pen on Paper, 5.5x8.5"

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This is another drawing done at the Lyric Opera of Chicago from the lower upper balcony.  The previous drawing was of the under curtain. This is the fire curtain. I think the proportions are more accurate than my first attempt. It also reflects my high position in the balcony. The place is rich with art deco pattern so for a pattern freak like me it's a delight.