Land and Sea

After spening a morning in the town of Bergen we set sail for the island of Trexel. It was an exhilarating sail on the high seas of the Atlantic to cross to the island. For a land lubbing artist like myself, the crossing was a big adventure! The wine bottles rode across on the floor to avoid falling when the waves rocked the boat.

The town of Trexel is filled with sea faring images I am busy photographing for future classes to paint. I am going to branch out from laundry and lavender fields to boats and sea gear, maybe.

Why Putting Together A Portable Art Studio Might Be The Most Important Thing You Do

I think figuring out what art supplies you need for painting anywhere is very important.   I think putting those art supplies in a portable bag or box might be the next most important thing.  The 3rd important thing for successful anywhere painting is knowing a little about drawing and watercolor painting, say maybe 5 drawing and 5 painting techniques, that's all. 

Last of all you need the right attitude. You have to develop the attitude of looking at each of your paintings as  practice exercises like practicing your scales to learn to play the cello.  After you practice a while you are able to play a simple tune. If you can look at your  painting and sketching with this attitude, and if you can locate your supplies and they are slimmed down enough to be portable you can do it.....by it, I mean paint and sketch wherever you find yourself.

I’ve put all the above into the class I will be teaching in San Diego, this Sat. at Artist and Craftsman from 10:30-1:30. Email me to register anywhereart4u@gmail.com

Sneaky Drawing or How to Sneak In Some Daily Drawing Practice

Today I invented Sneaky drawing because I am caught up in a frenzy of pre-Thanksgiving activities and don't have time for artwork.  So I was forced to think up the Sneaky drawing method, which is not difficult and anyone can learn to do it after reading the instructions in this blog post.

Instructions:

Find a pencil, any pencil, it doesn't have to be perfect or a special #, just so it has a tip that writes.

Find a piece of paper to draw on.  I used my shopping list.  Throw your paper and your pencil into your purse, briefcase or pocket if you are going out. You need to be able to grab the paper and pencil when you have 1-5 minutes free.  II was waiting in the check out line at the market, when the realization struck me that I did not need to peak at the tabloid on the rack by the cashier.  It really wasn't crucial to read about Queen Elizabeth's secrets to a happy marriage or the latest movie stars most recent divorce and trauma.  Instead, I could draw!

How to make a sneaky drawing:

Find something in your line of vision. I chose a magazine cover. I looked at the cover for 3 seconds and then moved my pencil to capture some outlines of the dog on the cover. This type of drawing is known in the drawing business as contour drawing. You  move your pencil on the paper as you move your eye over the image you are looking at. When you need to, you can look at your drawing but try to spend most of your time looking at your subject. That's it. You are fully trained. I was able to complete three short drawings until my turn came to check out. I was pleased with my results, because the drawing part of my brain felt activated for the short 5 minutes I spent drawing. I am definitely going to be doing more sneaky drawing anytime I can. What about you?