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 »
“True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross…” Nikos Kazantzakis As a Mid-Century Modern, I remember the time before Al Gore created the internet and what it meant to be stuck in a bind because a missing piece of information was needed to complete a project, research an
A Road Forward and Back 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
What do generations of chefs, from the late Julia Child to the reigning celeb-chefs, know that can help artists make the most of their studio time? Three simple words: mise-en-place Mise-en-place is a French phrase meaning “putting in place” and refers to the system of prepping and gathering all the tools and ingredients needed to complete
Everybody, Let’s Mise-en-Place! Read More »
I’ll be the first to admit that I am not, and I repeat, NOT, a figurative painter. I went down this path when my beginning painting class had an assignment to paint self-portraits. The search was on for a color palette that would use a straight forward, limited number of colors. It was down that path that
Well, hello Anders! Read More »
