“Needless to say, urgings by ravens are ignored at one’s peril.” James D. Doss In Part One and Part Two of Building a Painting, I explained how the wooden surface was prepared and why using an imprimatura to begin the painting on a color ground is a good idea. Then I shared how my version of the Nordic forest […]
Building a Painting, Part 3: The Ravens Have Landed! Read More »
Benny Andrews said: ”I take a lot of vacations. Little ones, a couple of days. It’s like coming up for air, when I’m preoccupied with my work.” The Studio Journal is on a short summer hiatus and will be returning soon. In the meantime, I am working diligently in the studio and classroom, painting, teaching, creating and enjoying,
When making a painting, only one thing counts: what you do next. Walter Darby Bannard In Part One on how to “Build a Painting”, I began where most building projects begin, at the ground level. I described my intention and motivation to complete a painting based on Odin’s Ravens, exploring notions of memory, thought and desire. Then I shared the techniques
Build a Painting, Part Two: All Hail the Imprimatura! Read More »
Well begun is half done. Aristotle I’ve heard you out there in WWW-land asking, “Hey, Martine, what does it really take to build a painting?” I’m glad you asked! I want to invite you to see my process, start to finish, mistakes and all. I’ll explain my intention for the work as well as technical aspects, as I
Build a Painting, Part 1: “Ground Level” Read More »
Calligraphy is a kind of music not for the ears, but for the eyes. V. Lazursky Once upon a time, most of my artistic output was as a calligrapher, using the medium to create both fine art and in practical applications. Now, once upon a year, I return to the Land of Calligraphy, on the Isle of Italic, surrounded by the
Write On! Life Lessons at the Tip of a Pen Read More »
“An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one.” Charles Horton Cooley My name is Martine and I am an artist. “Hello, Martine” Yep, that’s me alright; I admit it freely. And I ain’t sorry. However, there are times when I do wonder, as any reasonable person might, why. Why be an artist
To Be or Not to Be (an Artist), That is the Question Read More »
“Would you like a formula for success? It’s quite simple, really. Double your rate of failure.” Thomas J. Watson The curtain rises on the studio space, skylights above, drop cloths below. The maestro begins the lesson with a gentle but stern lecture on the years it will take to master the tools and techniques of the craft. You, overcome with
If At First You Don’t Succeed, Fail, Fail, and Fail Again Read More »
“Art results when there is nothing that can be added, but when there is nothing that can be taken away.” James O. Collins “Professor MacDonald, how long will this painting take me to do?” Now and then one of my students will ask the “how long” question. I know they are hoping that the answer is
The Sometimes Long and Winding Road Read More »
“Beep, beep.” The Roadrunner When I was pulling together the Mixed Media Gallery, I was surprised by the number of times, and the diverse ways, that I have used a particular subject matter. Among the many instances is this mono print, and a three-in-one colored pencil drawing: Plus, there is this gallery installation, and then this guy shows
Remember that all is opinion. Marcus Aurelius Next week I take off my artist beret and replace it with my juror’s cap, as I once again adjudicate the spring exhibit for the Downriver Arts and Craft Guild. I will speak to the assembled membership, offer a quick critique for each of the pieces submitted, (a modest number easily covered
