Fabric, windows and the process of time

Intriguing title. Maybe. Its more of a list of whats being going on really. I have so many different plates spinning, I need lists to keep track. Lol  Below is a demonstration I did of how to block in and break up the shapes to shade draped fabric.

 I continue to make a lot of improvements in the studio space.

Being here for just over 9 months, she's ready to birth. I have a much better idea as how best to organize and address the needs of this space.

 I hung overhead lights for figure modelling using the electrical outlet I purchased on the ceiling in the spring. I still have to go up a ladder to turn them on, maybe I can find a remote sensor or a clapper.

I also bought another folding table, after trying it out, I realized it is far to unstable for my needs. My male genes hate returning stuff, hopefully it's not too late, otherwise I have to keep it. You often do get what you pay for.

 I had about 20 min after a Buds of Buds presentation to paint the door at the Bridgeland community centre. Stoked to have a snow bunny the kids can enjoy.

I added some snowflakes and wintery elements at the end and snapped this shot right before my iphone died.

 Finally, I got some time over the week-end to plow through some details on older work that had been put on hold.

 It took almost the entire day to work out the anatomical details to a degree that I was satisfied with.

I added some ground elements and will continue the push and pull of creating these pieces. i will be hanging them outside my studio wall int he cSPACE gallery on the 4th floor on Nov 25th.

Enough starch in the diet

The artistic diet consisting largely of drawing should include enough starches. Those starches should consist of well lit drapery, cloth and assorted fabrics. In still life class we broke down the steps necessary to properly study basic folds and rhythms, compressions and expansion in fabric etc.

 I did notes and a demo on the slate then began with a Notational space envelope and carved away angles to establish the overall shape ad proportion of what I am drawing.

 I toned the area of the paper that will become the drapery. I found the darkest darks, cast shadows and form shadows and built up the shapes.

I then went back and pulled out some lights and darkened some darks.

I draped the fabric over the Asaro head and clipped a sheet above the chalkboards.
In hindsight it looks phallic.

F-F-F-Fabric

For my final drawing 1 class I taught how to plan and execute drawn fabric.

With some basic notes on the whiteboard and a handout we formulated a plan of attack. each student pinned the draping fabric along the wall before beginning.

 First by getting a good line drawing.

 Then by toning the overall value of the drapery.

 They by emphasizing the cast shadows and adding darker tones.

 Then erasing out for highlights and cleaning up around the drawn object.

 Ii think their pieces turned out fantastic.

We had a little critique and discussion at the end. Now my little birds have the skills to leave the nest and fly. (A small tear forms)

Fabric Folds

In a continuation the work with tone, in the previous post and discussed in my latest video which you can see above, we focused on more work with value. This time working on toned cream coloured Canson brand paper and drawing a study of draped fabric. This is an amazingly valuable exercise in building your observational skills and technical capabilities.

 Take a look at some of the pieces mid process.

 And how the darks and lights have been treated.

 And how solutions are developed alongside the work.

 How the values are observed then pushed further.

 And softness and texture applies.

 Adding in material....

 Then taking it away...

 Building up tone and background values, and adding shadows and highlights

Until it looks as real and velvety as it feels.

Ganesh, do you see what I see?

After teaching my Layout and composition class at ACAD, I rushed to my studio to get in the last 4 hours before I have to jet off to Toronto for my Systema training camp. I wont be able to work or post for about two weeks, so this one is a bit longer than norm. Below are some of the notes about panels, and bubbles and timing for comics that I put up on the whiteboard to go along with the handouts.

I was really happy I could go into the studio one last time. It is a bit frustrating having odd times to work. It is also too hot and there is no parking in the day. It is so hot my oil paint is bone dry in just a day! I cant imagine how frustrated the artists working in acrylic must be up here right now, oh right, there aren't any artists working in the studios lately.

My studio is a bit out of control right now, but rather than get distracted and clean and organize, it is far better that I strip down to my skivvies and get to work. I decided to take the plunge and add an eye to Ganeshes palm after a little bit of deliberation and research to determine if it is appropriate.

In doing so I trapped myself in to painting a bunch of lines in the palm. If I did one hand I had to continue with the rest...

Here is the hand that will be gripping an axe. I also made a lemon yellow for the cuticles on the nails. I redrew some of the palm outline as well and will most likely go back with a lighter flesh tone for highlights.

Here is the hand that is holding the flower. I decided to change some of the shapes a bit and will go back to paint in the knuckle details. I also intend on trimming the pointed finger back because it is too thick. I'll do that when I paint the rest of the radial background lines in.

Since I id  the hands, it stands to reason that I should also do the feet. I also did a little bit on the belly button, and you can see the palm which holds a bowl of sweets in the top right of this picture.

I then outlined the flowing fabric with cobalt blue thinned down with my 3:1 turpentine and linseed oil. This was a time consuming process and at times like these I really wish I had a proper pinstriping brush so that I could hold a lot more paint so I don't have to get paint for every inch and a half of line. At times like these you realize how important having the proper tool can be!

I put a red moon on the forehead with the last remaining red paint. By the end of the session, I was really happy that I spent the night working and didn't go out, or say farewell to any friends before my big trip. C'est la vie.  I can see what the next stages are for me to attack. I was reluctant to start on the head and all the folds of skin for a time when I have more confidence and determination.

I look forward to continuing upon my return, with a fresh new outlook and a fresh pair of eyes ;)