Back to Basics

I'm pretty excited. I just started an oil painting class with Ronald Frontin last night. It doesn't start with painting though. It starts with charcoal. Over the coming months, I'm going to be writing about my experience and posting my drawings and paintings. Sort of documenting my artistic growth. Sound like fun?

This is the first step - drawing bricks - specifically, one dark brick and two white ones and a styrofoam sphere for fun. Ron says he drew these kinds of scenes for an entire year. He promises me that won't be my fate. First lesson was to work quickly and compositionally - then hone in on the details but always being aware that changing the value of one thing can affect the thing on the other side. Starting with a toned charcoal background made it easier to add and subtract values. The drawing took on a more sculptural quality for me. I think I'm going to like this.

Shane is Following

I have been drawing a lot lately. Blogging not so much. I recently checked my followers list and it just hit 50. I should celebrate or something. I always check out the followers and usually follow back - because I'm just that kind of guy. Maybe that means I'm not such a great leader. Anyway, "Shane" is my number 50. I checked out his blog and it's very cool. Check it out. It's right here. Thanks Shane!

David

Judgement Day

Sketching the courthouse was interesting. I only had about 30 minutes until I had to pick up Alex. It was late afternoon heading for a sweet sunset but cold and raw. I parked behind a Verizon repair truck and hoped to sketch the courthouse through the haze of electrical wires, traffic lights, cell tower, and the truck with the bucket. I was 5 minutes into the sketch when the Verizon truck pulled away and that is when all hell broke loose. The wind started blowing, clouds rolled over, snow started flying, people that were out for a stroll were caught completely off guard. Kids heading home from school started running with their backpacks bouncing on their backs. I turned on the wipers and tried to see what I was drawing. It was crazy for about 20 minutes and then it was gone as quickly it came. The sun reappeared, the pace returned to normal, and I drove on to get Alex.

Sometymes Why

I'm trying to kickstart an engine here...

Self Portrait