Drawing Class Part 2 - Charcoal

Although I look forward to my drawing class each week, it’s also something I have a hard time actually getting to on time.  During this second session, I missed the first class (minor emotional crisis related to work), was an hour and a half late to the second class (had to work late due to parent-teacher conferences), and was 15 minutes late to the third class (unanticipated phone call from long lost friend).  The teacher has been very patient with me and I have high hope for the upcoming fourth class.

 

My first drawing was rushed. I finished in about
an hour and had to leave out a few lemons.

In spite of my unreliable attendance record, I have learned a lot about drawing with charcoal so far.  The most surprising thing is that I like it!  Since I am not a person who enjoys getting my fingers dirty, I thought I would dislike charcoal, but the results of my efforts have been so exciting that I don’t mind the mess at all.

For the second class we had to choose from 3 photos.
I'm pretty sure this is Gregory Peck.

I think I made Gregory look a little younger
than he actually was in the photo.
He would probably appreciate that.

Next week we are going to draw a still life by removing the charcoal.  My eraser may not survive the experience.  My son said to me yesterday, “You may have found your medium.”  He may be right!

- christina

Drawing Fundamentals

I recently completed my first drawing class.  It was a 6 week course taught at a local art league headquarters by a very enthusiastic artist named Eileen.  She taught us contour drawing and shading and I completed my first ever still-life drawings.  My favorite activity was drawing on mid-tone paper using both dark and white pencils.

My first still-life

I like using the white pencil

From this course I learned that drawing is not difficult in the way that I thought it was.  Seeing things like an artist is the challenging part.  Looking at a still-life and translating the shadows and colors into shades of grey (values) is what I find difficult.

I have signed up for another session of the course and I will be learning to draw with charcoal.  I’m not sure if I will like getting my hands all messy (as a child I hated having messy hands) but I am determined to try another medium in my continuing search for the area of art at which I am naturally gifted.  Perhaps I will never uncover my natural gift, assuming it exists of course, so I will enjoy the search and the little discoveries that come from it.

- christina

Art as a Vehicle for Change

This morning I was watching the CBS morning show and saw an interesting story about a New York artist who is trying to affect change in a crime-ridden community through art.  London born Killy Kilford has created inspirational street signs with the help of local students to post all around Newark, New Jersey, where the murder rate has been increasing. His goal is to surround people with positivity.

There is a website that describes the positive street sign campaign.  What positive message would you put on a street sign?

- christina

Elmhurst Art Museum

Last weekend I visited the Elmhurst Art Museum and saw an exhibit of Richard Koppe’s work from the 1950’s.  Here is how the museum describes his work.

Combining aspects of cubism and surrealism, Koppe explored line, color, composition and space, producing works that are both playful and intricate.

I really enjoyed his abstract paintings as well as his drawings of fish.  Here are some photos of his works.

- christina

I love the background on this one.

Interesting color choices.
I wonder why he added the circles?

Koppe's fish drawings are great!

Lola

If you have been reading my blog you know that I have wanted a Bernina sewing machine for a long time. I finally bought one at CREATE in August!  Her name is Lola.

I got a great deal ($999 for a $1,499 machine) from the local Bernina store and the company rep at the retreat.  Isn’t she is a beautiful machine?  The first time I turned it on it made a terrible noise.  I read the manual but couldn’t determine the problem.  I contacted the store and after talking to 2 different people we finally figured it out (it was a switch up on the top by the bobbin winder). 

My first training at the store isn’t until September 27, but I have been able to sew a few straight and squiggly lines already.  Unfortunately, I can’t figure out the automatic threader, which is one of the features that I need most desperately!  All in good time.

Buying Lola was a dream come true for me.  Which of your dreams have come true lately?

- christina

The HeArt Felt Booth

Here are some photos from the booth my friend and I had at the CREATE Mixed Media Retreat in Chicago.  Her company is called HeArt Felt.

Me and my friend, Lucy

The booth sold paper ephemera and hand dyed fabric

Lucy's hand dyed fabric is beautiful

My journals and pouches on display

 - christina

Something to Smile About

I was walking in downtown Chicago with my kids and saw this great sign. 

Hard to resist an establishment that offers this type of service.

- christina