REGISTER NOW for Spring Break Art Workshop for Creative Kids

Painting in Abstract

               A workshop for creative kids who love to paint, or want to learn how

Painting • Creative Thinking • Art History

• Paint
• Consider how abstract artists combine line, shape, texture, design and vibrant color to bring their work to life.
• Discover how we can put these elements together to create works of art that are as much fun to makes as they are to look at.

WHERE:  Multnomah Art Center
7688 SW Capitol Hway,  Portland, OR 97219   

WHEN: Tuesday March 27 and Thursday March 29,  9:30 am - noon

COST: $59 (includes all materials)

To Register or for more information, please,  Email tobi@synergenii.com

Space is limited so please sign up early

In Layers

Float

I started this by using a compass to draw a pattern of circles. Then I drew the weaving lines over the circles.

My idea was to use color to identify each circle, cool colors for the circle shapes, warms for the background. I combined medium and fine point sharpie to draw all the lines.

Then I layered more lines to define each circle, and then used thin layers of intense pencil to create the overlapping weave of background color, and added another layer of lines to define the over lapping areas. Then a little more color.

This does not translate well on the screen, but the image on 11x14 drawing paper creates a strong impression of depth.

Playing Games

I am still fascinated by drawing lines to create shapes. I love the way I can build layer upon layer of color while defining some shapes and creating new ones at the same time. I never know what to expect ... but each drawing in this series has felt like a meditation - just doing it and waiting for the final work to reveal itself.

This one is based on a tic tac toe board (really) - and was actually drawn in blues and greens, marker pens and inktense pencil on watercolor paper.

However, the photo image that allows me to bring it into my computer and this blog simply fails to capture the delicate lines and colors. So, I started to play with it to see it I could make it work. Who knew that a reverse tweak in Photoshop could result in such vibrant colors, making this a really a mixed media work.

Playing Some More

Woven/Warm

I am on a roll, playing with shapes and lines and color, and continuing to explore abstraction. Each of the pictures I have done in this series is based on a different line shape.

Like the others, this drawing combines markers and watercolor pencils on watercolor paper. My eyes hurt from drawing all the lines, but this is fun ...

Playing

City Life

I am preparing a new class for a new, and older audience, so I have been considering ways to offer my students some accessible and fun projects that will encourage them to want to play with art, and make it a regular and enjoyable part of their lives.

In my own studio, I am still struggling to create strong abstract images with acrylics. To help, and to free my creative juices, I  am currently working through some of the exercises in a book, Painting Abstracts, by Rolina a Van Vliet. I have found the most success by following her suggestions for using lines to create interesting and dynamic compositions. She also has ideas for using different media to create with - and basically, if she mentions it, I have it somewhere in my collection of art supplies - my favorite toys.

So, this week's work has turned out to be a productive one. I played with some new techniques, tried out some new color pencils, and developed several project ideas that I think will please my new class. All this while having a fun and relaxing time being creative.

Next in Line(s)

The top image, (10x12 on heavy watercolor paper) combines marker with water color pencil and water to get a variety of textures.


The bottom is the same size, but done in a combination of color markers and color pencils. I especially enjoyed using lines to create shapes and motion, and then building color in cross hatches and overlays. Fun ...

A Break from the Ordinary

Goldfish

Lately I have been struggling with paint and canvas. Nothing I have tried is working to my satisfaction. My growing need for detail and depth is limited by my ability to make it appear on the canvas. Its a good thing I have lots more painting classes in my near future.

Today, as I was searching for a photo in my VAST collection, I came across a favorite, a mass of goldfish in a pond, from a trip to Hawaii. This was a perfect starting point for a digital painting. I wanted to abstract the intense details of fish eyes, mouths and frenzy, and add the cool blue watery beauty that thoughts of Hawaii bring to mind.

Once again, gotta love what I can do with Photoshop. Creating this digital painting was a mini-vacation from the work of painting on canvas. I feel refreshed now, creative and ready to keep learning.

Through a Glass

Through a Glass

I am having a great time playing with the creation of backgrounds. This one started with a layer of prussian blue, thalo green and white paints - smooshed into the canvas without a pattern - just a layer of changing color. Then, I applied a pattern of lines with painters tape, sprayed a light layer of gold paint and rubbed it into the surface. I love the indoor outdoor feeling of looking into the sun that appeared. Next, I used charcoal to drawn the curving lines and began to add paint in the same colors I used in the underpainting, with the addition of yellow ochre. I love the opacity of that paint. 

Once the paint was in place, I retraced the lines in black oil pastel.

This is acrylic on canvas 16"x20".