Jun 25, 2020

Have you heard of BOOK ART? - Painting & Drawing Tips

Do you love Art Books? I do. 
I have stacks of books on painting and drawing.  I love to go through them. They fill me with excitement and inspiration.  I love to crack open a new Art Book and just study the pictures.  And dream of how I would do it.   

Book Art - Page 1 of Young Barred Owl in the Forest
Opening Page of my new Book Art - Young Barred Owls in the Forest - Mixed Media 

 Book Art is NOT Art Books.  It is a Fine Art Genre of its own. . .

 Surprised!!

 Not only is it a Fine Art Genre but there are many different types of Book Art!!!

Handmade books with special paper, bindings and covers probably comes to your mind. It is one that fascinates me.  I enjoy studying the process of making a book. I have recently started to make a few of my sketchbooks to work in.

Sculptures made from recycled books is another very advanced form of Book Art.  I invite you to google images of Book Art.  You will see sculptures that are absolutely fascinating.  It is hard to image how someone could visualize and construct such things out of an old book. 

However, the form of Book Art that intrigues me is where the book and its contents are the Art Form.  I find the idea very intriguing.  To me it is a natural extension from working in my sketchbook.  My books often become theme based, devoted to a single topic. My pages are hodgepodged together on the theme with a variety of techniques and mediums.  This is not quite I mean by Book Art. 


Book Art: Ducks on the Water by Wendy Mould
Ducks on the Water: Book Art, Ink, Watercolour, Acrylic  $300

See a full view of DUCKS ON THE WATER on Youtube here.   (Be sure to like and comment while your are there. 🤗)

Book Art is a one-of-a-kind piece of art that uses the form of a book as its finished structure.  One of my first pieces of Book Art is Ducks on the Water.  This is an accordion style book, specifically designed to portray my story of the ducks on the water.  It is complete with a front and back cover.


Cover: Ducks on the Water (Book Art) by Wendy Mould
Front Cover - Ducks on the Water - Book Art

Yes, designing a complete book that is a painting is a captivating experience.  It is like working in a series but not.  Everything builds to make one complete image.  My newest Book Art project is centered around three young Barred Owls.

 Max and I were out walking in our favourite forested park and happened upon the three Owls.  It was an unbelievable experience. To come down the trail and see 3 owls just sitting together on an old mossy stump.  There was 4 of us shocked and amazed, standing on the trail. They wondered about and eventually flew off to their parents that we could hear calling to them.  I decided I needed to capture this special moment in my Book.  

Full Sheet with Acrylic Prints
Full Sheet which has marks on it from the acrylic monotypes process 

Steps in my Project

1.  I took a 13.5 x 17.5 piece of watercolour paper and did some mark making with acrylics paint using a monotype process.  See post on this here.  Why this treatment you ask.  I like the randomness of the marks and I like to mix them with my more realist drawings.  

The first page without the drawing on it
Page 1 before I started drawing on it. See Owl at the top for the finished page. 

2.  I cut the paper into 6 pieces: 6.75 x 5.5 inches.  

3.  I arranged them horizontally and put them into an order.  At this point I was looking at the shapes and colours on each page and just looking for a pleasing combination.  

4.  I began my drawings.  I am using a .08 Micron permenant ink pen for the drawing, ink washes for the shadows, white charcoal pencil to tone any acrylic paint that is too dark for an area and a bit of watercolour for added colour.  ie.  Beak on my owls page 1.  (See owl picture at the top of the page.)  
 
5.  Study vegetation and my owl pictures to decide how my setting will develop across the 38 inches of the picture and how my owls will fit into it.  This will be one of my summer projects so it will be a few weeks before I can show you the finished results. 

If you haven't tried Book Art before, take a new look at it.  Whether you sell your book at the end is immaterial.  I guaranteed you will enjoy the challenge of designing your book.  And you will enjoy studying it later when you are done.  Totally an awe-inspiring project.  

Do you have big/small projects on the go?  
Looking for a sounding board, help, suggestions, techniques. You and your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions.  I am available for Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75). more info here.   
  
Many find this post helpful: Turn your Inner Critic into your BFF

If you are looking for Live Outdoor Sketching Classes they are now underway.  See info below.  Contact me to set something up. 

Outdoor Sketching Classes !! 

Ready to go out and do some sketching?  Have fun painting and sketching while learning new tips and techniques. Capture a moment in time without worrying about the World and the crazy problems of today.  Come Join me for a session or two.  

Class Size: 3  Rescheduling for Bad weather.  Covid  Rules and Social Distancing will be followed.  
Sessions 2.5 hours, in local North Surrey Parks, Tuesdays 10-12:30 or Saturdays 10-12:30.  
Cost: $45  

June Dates: Tuesday, June 30  FULL.   Saturdays June  27, 10-12:30 pm  - 2 spots

July Dates: Tuesday, July 28, 10-12:30pm

August Dates: Tuesday August 4. 11, 18, 25: 10-12:30:pm

Save a Spot Now. Contact Wendy    More information: artbywendy.com 
 
Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 
Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy  

Jun 19, 2020

Turn your Inner Critic into Your BFF - Painting and Drawing Tips

It is a wonderful feeling to open fresh paints, pick up a new pencil, shake out the canvas.  Excitement is in the air.  Life is Good. 
Drawing of Little Trooper
LITTLE TROOPER - Sketchbook Practice, Pen & Ink 

But then disaster strikes!! . . .  

You are frustrated, unhappy, disappointed.  Materials are put away and creativity is done.  

What caused that sudden change.  Why did your mood change.  How can something so much fun and filled with yearning and excitement change so quickly.  It was your Inner Critic (IC).  He trashed you.  (I have never really decided if  IC is male or female, but calling him male seems to feel right to me. 

"That line is wrong. Those shapes look dumb.  Boy, you are really bad at this."  Some of his more favourite comments. He is generally mean, outspoken and doesn't give a darn for your feelings.  

But your IC really loves you and wants to help you!!

Right.  I know, you are now thinking I am crazy.  But IC does care about you; he is trying to protect you from disappointment. He has a wealth of information.  After all he sits in your brain and watches everything.  He remembers everything.  However, IC has no Social Skills and the Language Development Level of a 3 year old.

Trail Lines for Little Trooper
Drawing the Bow - 3 lines, trying different angles.  

You need to teach your Inner Critic how to talk to you. . . .

The next time your start a project, don't let him trash talk you. Nip him at the bud.  When he says the line is wrong, ask him why. Where should that line go. How long should it be.  What part of it is right. Now let him show you.  

Here's how to teach IC to talk in a productive way: 

First of all, teaching IC has several implications for how your work.  You need to make a few small changes in your techniques.  For example, when starting a layout drawing keep your lines light so they are easy to change without damaging your paper.  Dark enough to see but easy to erase. 

Erasing AFTER drawing the correct line
After Mr. IC is happy with a line, the others are erased. 

Move your eraser a long way from where your are working.  (4 or 5 feet will do)  Now start your drawing.  As soon as IC jumps in, stop.  His first comment will be about a line or shape being wrong.  Your first reaction was always to erase and start again.  Don't erase.  Ask him why it is wrong.  Is it all wrong or only part of it.  Lightly make a new line.  Does it work.  Try another if not.  It make take 2 or 3 times to get one that works.  Now, erase the ones you and IC don't want.  

For more on Training your Inner Critic see my video: How to Train your Inner Critic

Link to Video - How to Train the Inner Critic


Sometimes things are harder to resolve with IC. . .

When a quick change doesn't work it is time to step back from the drawing.  Most of us tend to sit when drawing.  (Let's face it, that is way more comfortable than standing) But when sitting our work is flat and very close.  It is hard to get a good perspective of what is happening.  Hold your work upright and move back.  

This is where IC can really shine. . .

As you stand back start asking him questions: What does he like? Why? What is not working? What is the matter with it? How can it be fixed?  What is the best way to go about it?  Don't be surprised if IC is overwhelmed.  He is use to giving a quick criticism and moving on. Suddenly he is expected to justify his comment and come up with a solution.  

Study Drawing and Reference
Place picture in upright position and study it and reference at various stages of the drawing. 


A solution may not be right there . . .

IC may be stumped.  Give him a little space.  Don't sneak in an make a change, talk it over with him and together move forward.  I find only disappointment comes with those desperate quick changes.

When IC and I are having trouble with a drawing, we will often: 

*go for a walk.  Somehow not seeing the image makes it easier to visualize what is needed

*check another reference.  Sometimes not understanding what you are trying to draw or paint makes it hard to visualize what needs to be done. A shot from a different angle may explain everything.

*look in reference book.  You are probably like me and have a library of books to look at and of course check the internet too

*study the reference and drawing and ask more questions: What makes this shape look like a tree/owl/flower?  How does my eye know it curls/lays flat?  What kind of pattern tells me it is cedar rather then pine tree?  What are its 'treeness' qualities?  (not sure if treeness is a word but you know what I mean)

*dissect my values pattern.  IC knows that is often a problem for me.  Because I work in layers I don't always remember to bump up the values in another area.

You will find if you encourage these types of questions and discussions with IC that rather than destructive criticism you will be having very productive conversations. (with you and IC of course).  Just remember, don't let him trash talk.  Make him work.  

Do you have big/small projects on the go?  
Looking for a sounding board, help, suggestions, techniques. You and IC looking to expand your discussion.  I am available for Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75). more info here.

If you are looking for Live Outdoor Sketching Classes they are now underway.  See info below.  Contact me to set something up. 

Outdoor Sketching Classes !! 

Ready to go out and do some sketching?  Have fun painting and sketching while learning new tips and techniques. Capture a moment in time without worrying about the World and the crazy problems of today.  Come Join me for a session or two.  

Class Size: 3  Rescheduling for Bad weather.  Covid  Rules and Social Distancing will be followed.  
Sessions 2.5 hours, in local North Surrey Parks, Tuesdays 10-12:30 or Saturdays 10-12:30.  
Cost: $45  
June Dates: Tuesday, June  16, 23, 30.   Saturdays June  20, 27
Save a Spot Now. Contact Wendy    More information: artbywendy.com 
 
Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 
Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy  









Jun 11, 2020

Working with Caran D'Ache Grafwood Graphite pencils - Painting & Drawing Tips

Have you ever glanced into a Golf Pro's bag??  
It is full of clubs.

Prince of Darkness WIP -  Graphite - When completed $550 Matted 16 x 20

In fact they have rules as to how many clubs they can have in their bag.  Too the nongolfer that may seem mystifying.  After all, really, all you need to do is wack the ball till you are on the green and then putt.  (OK. I do apologize to all the golfers at this point.)  But really, a few good hits and your on the green and putting.  Why all those clubs?  

As any golfer knows, each club has its own special features that make the ball do wonderful things. (Again, I apologize to golfers, the ball is supposed to do wonderful things but for some reason often has a mind of its own. )  

Well just like each of those golf clubs, pencils have their own special features and help you do wonderful things.  (Well most of the time. I guess, they are more like golf clubs than you think. 😉 )  
A Set of Caran D'Ache Pencils - note the thickness of the lead as the pencils go from Top to Bottom. 


Our local art store decided last year to quit carrying Derwent Pencils, my favourite and carry Caran D'Ache Grafwood Graphite Pencils instead.  I wasn't sure I was ready for the change.  I bought some though and started working with them.  However, it is not until Covid Quarantine got underway that I really focused on them. 

Each pencil does its own job - you pick if you want texture with your mark

All pencils have a binding agent in them.  This means that the core is not pure graphite but a combination of a binding agent and graphite.  Graphite is a very fragile material and needs the binder to give the core strength.  The less graphite in the pencil the more binding agent in it and therefore the more sturdier the core.   This results in a light gray no matter how hard you press with the pencil.  Conversely, the more graphite in the pencil, the less binding agent in it and the softer the core.  The core has to be much thicker to give it strength.  The result is a much darker mark, even when you press lightly.  
Prince of Darkness WIP - I like the beautiful rich dark I can get with the 8B but still get lots of lighter values with the other pencils.  

Testing a pencil doesn't tell the whole story.  You really need to draw something.  Above is Prince of Darkness - WIP with areas mapped for pencils used.  One thing to note as you read my comments is I love the texture I can get with a pencil.  So I am actively working to get it.  The support I use -  2ply Rising Museum Board - has a good tooth and is strong enough to take pressure if  needed.  I use the softest pencils (8 & 9 B) to get my darks so I can use a light pressure and keep the tooth of my paper.  To get the different values I want I always work in layers.  This allows me to use less pressure and thus keep the tooth of my paper and have more texture.  

Click here to see Drawing in Progress


My thoughts on the Caran D'Ache pencils so far:
* the Darkest are really dark.  The soft 8 & 9B pencils are almost creamy to draw with.  A little harder to get this dark with my Derwent pencils. It would take alot more layers. 
*pencils are bit bigger than normal pencils, hexagon in shape, making them very comfortable to draw with
*it is easy to build up layers and keep the texture
*tricky for sharpening as they are larger than standard pencils so don't fit in my electric sharpeners
*more expensive than Derwent pencils
*soft, light values have a different tone to them and I haven't quite decided if I like it better or not as compared to the Derwent pencils.  

Have you tried the Caran D'Ache pencils?  What are your thoughts??
While I need to get back to my Prince, I am anxious to get back to him. 

Do you have big/small projects on the go?  
Looking for a sounding board, help, suggestions, techniques.  I am available for Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75). more info here.

If you are looking for Live Outdoor Sketching Classes they are now underway.  See info below.  Contact me to set something up. 

Outdoor Sketching Classes !! 

Ready to go out and do some sketching?  Have fun painting and sketching while learning new tips and techniques. Capture a moment in time without worrying about the World and the crazy problems of today.  Come Join me for a session or two.  

Class Size: 3  Rescheduling for Bad weather.  Covid  Rules and Social Distancing will be followed.  
Sessions 2.5 hours, in local North Surrey Parks, Tuesdays 10-12:30 or Saturdays 10-12:30.  
Cost: $45  
June Dates: Tuesday, June  16, 23, 30.   Saturdays June  13, 20, 27
Save a Spot Now. Contact Wendy    More information: artbywendy.com 
 
Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 
Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy  


Jun 4, 2020

Putting Texture, Shapes & Values into your Painting Backgrounds - Painting and Drawing Tips

Do you struggle with the Backgrounds in your Paintings?  
Should you put more? Less? Too busy? Too dark?

Backgrounds have always been a mystery to me.  

Using colours, textures & shapes go on a Discovery Trip into the background. 

As a wildlife artist, I am always focused on my subject.  I often have to create a background or setting for them as my photos don't have them in an interesting or natural setting.  (Stellar Jay on patio table is definitely not nature in action!!) 

As you know I love working in my sketchbook as much as producing Fine Art Pieces.  When I saw this activity with Karen Stamper I just knew I could take it and run with it. And run I did.  


RABBITS IN THE GARDEN: So much fun to make this loooooong picture. 


Pretty exciting project eh?  Now don't panic, you don't need to put rabbits in your garden but I do challenge you to make a garden. I made a video on the whole process for the Arts Council of Surrey.  You can see it  here.  In the meantime I have given you a summary of the process below. 

 When you watch the video you will see "My Garden" version which is done mostly in blacks and grays.   'Rabbits in the Garden' was my second project as I decided I needed animals in my garden. 
 

MY GARDEN - pen, charcoal, pastels, coloured pencils

Steps for Rabbits in the Garden Project: 

1. Add an extension to your sketchbook page.  Having the longer format is half the fun.

2. Gather a variety of mark making tools.  I used: micron pens, pencils, watercolours, pastel pencils, wax, a variety of thicker pens, paper and scissors for stencils

3. If you are going to put specific subjects in your garden, sketch them in now.

Stage 2 of my Garden: Painted Rabbit and continued to make marks and shapes around him

4. Start mark making.  Moving across your page make marks that are plant like, overlapping and layering as you go.  Note in my Stage 2 there are painted leaves that were a stencil, leaves drawn in ink, branches thick and thin scattered about.  

5.  Look at bushes and see what is happening at the ground level for more ideas for shapes.  Add some abstract shapes.  

6. Colour in your shapes.  Think about the light source as you do

Final Stage: All coloured in.   Note patterns inside of drawn shapes like the fern at the top left


Super Fun Activity eh?  I know challenging as well.  I spent a few of my walks with Max studying bushes and really looking at what was happening.  This is definitely not a 1 day project but one that will interest you and challenge you for days.  It really is all about shapes, textures and values.  How they work together is really the secrets you will learn.  

Do you have big/small projects on the go?  Looking for a sounding board, help, suggestions, techniques.  I am available for Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75). more info here.

If you are looking for Live Outdoor Sketching Classes I will be starting them June 6.  See info below.  Contact me to set something up. 

Outdoor Sketching Classes !! 

Yes,  2 in a class for Outdoor Sketching starting Saturday, June 6.  Covid  Rules and Social Distancing will be followed.  

Sessions 2.5 hours, in local North Surrey Parks, Tuesdays 10-12;30 or Saturdays 10-12:30.  
$45 
June Dates: Tuesday, June 9, 16, 23, 30.   Saturdays June 6, 13, 20, 27
Save a Spot Now. Contact Wendy


Be sure to like and share my posts. 
You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 
Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy