Teen Portfolio Intensive 2014

Every summer I teach an Intensive drawing and painting program at Gage academy of art. This year I taught the classical drawing portion of the 5 week teen portfolio intensive. The group was a joy to work with...hard working, serious art students. Looking forward to teaching this program again next Summer.

The Gang- Summer 2014

                                                                 

Spring in Paris

It's been 10 years since I studied with my teachers in France and not a day has gone by that I don't think about returning. I'm happy to announce that I just submitted my application for their 2015 Spring in Paris program. 3 weeks of daily figure drawing and master copying in the Louvre. YES! These are the two images I chose to submit.

Plein air at fort Ebey

                                             Fort Ebey state park on Whidbey Island. 8x10

Ecorche'

The term écorché, meaning literally "flayed", came into usage via the French Academies (such as the École des Beaux Arts) in the 19th century. This form of study still continues at traditional schools throughout the world.
I spent the past 6 months on this sculpture and though it was tedious and intense, I learned a huge amount. Thanks to my friend and teacher, Mike Magrath at the Gage academy of art.
1:3 scale (2 feet tall). Made out of Super Sculpey.

Study for "Visitation"

      This is one of those studies that could've been a great finished painting but I lost steam when I transferred the drawing to a larger panel. Suddenly it seemed daunting and uninspiring on a large scale. But on a small, loose scale, it's kind of nice. The study will be a part of the "Quoth the Raven" show at Krab Jab Gallery in Georgetown this month.
      My statement for the show: "Crows have always been sacred birds to me. When travelling by foot down long dusty highways, they were my guides. When searching for food, they showed me where to go. When sleeping under bridges and on rooftops, they were my sentinels. I lived with a wounded crow for awhile and this was ecspecially interesting to interact with an indivisual crow on a daily basis. My painting 'visitation' is commemorating that relationship between crows and humans."

More fun with the palette knife

Deception Pass State Park

New figure painting in progress

A careful line drawing is transferred to a prepared panel. In this stage of the painting it's all construction. All these lines will disappear before the painting is finished. They are merely notes to self.
Feeling all too uncertain of what is going on in her back, I did a last minute anatomy study sketch before our next session. I cleared up the big muscle groups but need to get back in to pick out the smaller ones.

The Ebauche (underpainting)...

Beginning of first pass...