Characters, Color and Whimsy

Have you ever asked yourself how artists come up with their ideas, or the images they represent in their art? Ever wondered why they choose the colors they choose? Or why they place things in certain areas? Believe it or not there is a method to the madness as it were. (Or at least there should be) It is quite a cerebral undertaking and when done thoroughly, leads to wonderful results.

The process of creating a visual representation of a fantasy story or theme was the topic of a class Eva taught this past weekend at the Everson Museum of Art. Telling a story through artwork can be a very enjoyable process, once one masters a few steps. With that said the students in the class got to work and rolled up their sleeves to begin the practices being taught.

Any guesses as to what they were being shown? Well, since the class was about creating a fantasy story painting using a narrative approach; character development would be an important step to understand. An exercise to practice this skill is to borrow from caricature artists. Take some time to think about the level of exaggeration you can manipulate to achieve an interesting character. Or maybe you can morph parts from one type of animal for example onto an unexpected creature. When you allow yourself time to play with this concept and sketch your ideas you will soon see your very own unique characters coming to light.
Another practice used to help develop their ideas was to answer in pictures, who, what, when, where, why and how are all these ideas relating to one another in their painting.

Understanding color and how to use them is a class that is usually a whole semester or two of college. Trying to understand it all in a weekend class or workshop is unrealistic. We delved into the basics and came away with a place to start.

Did someone say, “Whimsy”? Why, yes that was me; Eva, I LIKE whimsy and it’s important to include a bit of whimsy so as not to take ourselves so seriously. I mean, isn’t there enough of that already? Adding some whimsy and joy into your art will help spread the joy and we need more of that these days.

In a nutshell that’s a little bit about how artists get to work on creating their painted stories. It really is up to the individual artist to use the practices that work best for them. As your skills develop over time, you’ll see improvement in your art. Get a sketchbook and draw every day, take notes, find resource images, save them, daydream, play and enjoy the process.

Secret Passage is part of the Happy Little Treehouse Series

Taking an art class can help in so many ways. Not only do we learn from what the instructor is sharing, but we learn from the other students in our class. Maybe you’re a little nervous about taking a class with a group of other artists. It happens. We compare our work to others and worry we’re not good enough. I’m going to tell you to stop right there and give yourself a break. Don’t compare your art to other art. It’s not fair to yourself and prevents you from moving forward. Consider starting with a private lesson. You’ll get Eva’s undivided attention and a lesson designed specifically for you. When teaching a new skill or technique, she will give you a demonstration and guide you through the process. Each stroke of the paintbrush is a step towards improving your technique and skill. She’s also pretty nice and very supportive.

If you’re interested in learning how to create your own fantasy painting Eva is offering a studio workshop on Thursday, Aug 15th, from 5:30-8:30pm. Pre-registration is required. Register here

Additional upcoming classes being offered in Eva’s Art Studio include Palette Knife Technique Aug 14 and/or Aug 16 Register Here Pastel Painting Class Aug 19 and/or Aug 21 Register Here Small Group Watercolor Classes July 29, Aug 8, Aug 12 Register Here

Textural Abstract Acrylic Master Class Saturday August 24, 10:30-2:30 Eva is teaching this class at The Art Store Register Here all materials provided for the Art Store classes. See details pertaining to each class offered in Eva’s Art Studio regarding supplies and materials. Most are included in your lesson.

Psst, here’s an insider scoop! Eva will be offering a watercolor class based on painting like Frida Kahlo! Save the date Sat. Sept 28th, 11am-3pm. It will be offered via the Art Store. Stay tuned for a link next time! …..aaannd upcoming to the studio will be classes offered in Cold Wax & Oil paintings! Woo-hoo!

Where've I been? Good Question...

Yep, I know, I know; I did it again. Missed a month to post my blog. August came and went in a whirlwind of activity, and it was impossible to get to the keyboard. My apologies, really. I do appreciate you taking the time to read my posts and I know you look forward to them. Thank you for your indulgence. So, what’s kept me away? Plenty………………….

In July we traveled to Georgia to celebrate our grandson Leon’s first birthday. He’s such a cutie pie and you will most likely see him in a painting of mine before too long! We spent about a week or so there and although we loved spending time with family the blazing sun and high temperatures were a bit oppressive. After a few days rest back home, we packed up and flew to visit more family in Colorado.

Happy Birthday Leon! (Told yah he was a cutie pie!)

As you may recall, Colorado is one of my most favorite places on the planet. Tons of artistic inspiration!! Hikes are like eating eye candy for me! The western landscape with its reds and golds are absolutely stunning. Yes, I did some painting while there. Did a bunch of studies to use in studio as reference materials and worked up a few more detailed paintings. They’re not quite finished yet though, so you’ll have to stay tuned. Returned home in the middle of August and took a nap (LOL)

August was spent prepping materials for a fresh new batch of my funky bohemian style bowties. The whole process takes about two weeks and since I was sold out during Art Mart last holiday season, I wanted to get going on them. Before I can hand marble each tie, they need to be scrubbed and prepped with a mordant. While they dry, I whip up a couple 5-gallon buckets of goo (that’s what I call it anyways) the goo lets the colors float on the surface. I clean out my 7-foot marbling trough and poor in about 2-inches of goo. Once it settles, the fun can start! I add the colors one at a time, and manipulate, twirl and create designs into the paints. Then I carefully place the tie over top, picking up the design first on one side and then flip it to catch the design onto the reverse side. A quick rinse to remove most of the goo, and then they dry and cure for a minimum of 10 days. This is to ensure good adhesion of the designs. Then I wash them in a mild soap and add fabric softener, another dry on the line, a quick ironing and finally they’re ready! Once I take their pictures both tied and un-tied versions, I post them to my website.

I’m STILL taking pictures of this current batch. Not only did I do 36 new ties, but I also added 12 pocket squares and 12 lapel pins to the mix! Can I just say, they look gorgeous!

August is also the time when I hand paint glass bulb ornaments. These were also wiped-out last holiday season for which I am grateful. I really enjoy painting these and was happy to have the chance to refill my stock. If this is something you are interested in learning how to do, I offer classes both in my studio and at the Art Store.

So, now we’re into September and I’m still working on getting all those tie photos done, sealing ornaments and carding my jewelry. Oh, yeah, I forgot to add I’ve been making new jewelry too! Earrings, necklaces and bracelets, oh my!

September is also the time when my returning students resume their private lessons, and when I schedule new group classes outside my studio. SO, here’s your insider scoop on where you can catch me teaching

1. Alcohol Ink Painting Class on Sat. Sept 17, 2-4:00 at the Art Store, Erie Blvd. Call 315-474-1000 to register ($25 all materials included)

2. Pan Pastel Painting, a four-week seminar for beginner and experienced art enthusiasts, Begins Sat Oct 8th 10:30am-12:30pm, runs Oct 22, 29 and Nov 5th Classes held at the Art Store (See #1 for info) All materials provided, fee is $25 per session

3. Alcohol Ink Ornaments Sat Nov 19 Session 1 from 11am-1pm, Session 2 from 2-4pm all materials provided fee is $25, held at the Art Store

So, thanks for hanging in there with me, I had a lot of catching up to do. I appreciate you very much! Have a wonderful day!! Stay healthy and enjoy the rest of our nice weather before that white stuff starts falling!