Faces

I always draw faces. Lines that suggest form, shape, depth, movement. Its my style. My drawing teacher hates it. c- because I don't draw like everyone else. I deserved it though. I'm stubborn, set in my ways. As she elegantly put it, "its hard for someone with your talent to accept criticism and try to change. Your ego won't let you." I'm confident in my drawing so I didn't change for her.

This is the first painting where I depict more than one face. I wanted to show a light side and a dark side. Its not working too well. So they just co-habitate the canvas. One relies on the other.

Underneath It All

Most paintings I do consist of a sketch then the first step in painting is an underpainting. A sponge, paint and a lot of water. The paint gets watered down and becomes more like a stain, a wash. In Ambroise Vallant, the underpainting was the lightest part and looks like a sort of spray paint in the background. For this painting, the underpainting also serves double. It was like a mock sketch, planning out where values would go and how big the faces would be. Its a simple and short process. Just water and paint.

Myspace

I decided to film every part of this painting. Set up through completion. Windows Movie Maker sucks. I attempted to edit all these 2-5 second time lapse clips into one clip for a blog posting, but for many reasons, Windows Movie Maker simply will not work. I want a Mac. So until I find a suitable editor, enjoy the set up.

Planning

Every art piece I make, usually begins with a sketch. This sketch was done about 3 months ago. I was attempting to plan a 12x24 painting but I never started it. In preparation for my upcoming art show, I decided to make this painting bigger. The same size as my past work, Ambroise Vollant, Face:Face would be an accompany piece in the same style but warm colors. I also decided that this piece would be the best time to film.

Processing

My process. I've always wanted to witness my process. I feel as though any person that creates anything wants to view it, that's why skaters film their tricks and football players watch game film. This desire, entwined with my friend's camera, resulted in a few video files that showcase my work being created through time lapse. So here is the set up, a 24x36 canvas, paint and a drop cloth.

Tools Of The Trade

Every time I pick up any sports magazine, they break down the "tools of the trade." The common equipment they use for their sport or what new gear their sponsors deck them out in. Pro skaters show off their new cloths or their new board set ups, football players brag about their new under armor models and past stories. Well this is my gear: (Top Left going clockwise) My art box, where I keep all my painting supplies. Inside I rig up tape to hold my 2 favorite brushes and pallet knives. I taped in an old book to separate the box to have all my paints on the left and assorted brushes and oils on the left. Next up is the 2nd drawer in my desk. Cluttered with about a dozen moleskines, hidden gems await. Envelopes, postcards, a sticker maker and random paint samples. Finally, my pencil box. It holds all my drawing supplies, erasers, pencil sets, sharpener. Also, my prized possession, a pair of scissors I "borrowed" from 10th grade art class that almost have never left my fingers for any art project. Double sided tape is also a common resident in the box.

And thats about it. next post will be the starting of my next piece, Face:Face. I'm filming myself painting with time lapse on. Should be amazing. Spoiler alert, I have almost finished the piece and reviewed the film and IT IS AMAZING.

Moleskine In Progress

Just an update of what I've been working on. The molecover was won on a Twitter contest for @molecover. More to come.....