Plein Air Painting or Chasing Pigs & Goats - Painting and Drawing Tips

Do you view Plein Air Painting as a Static Activity?  You come, you set up, you stand, you paint, you’re done.  Other than moving your painting arm, you are basically motionless. 

JUDGE, THE KING OF THE CASTLE - all the goats had a turn standing on the cart.  

In many ways, that is probably true. 

Of course that doesn’t take into account, your brain.  It is moving a mile a minute.  And don’t forget that you are stepping back, looking, evaluating and then moving in for the ‘stroke’.  So yes there is movement. 

However, Plein Air Painting with Pigs and Goats is definitely not STATIC.  . .

Painting the Flowers was a very Popular Theme for many of the artists

Last weekend was the Plein Air Festival at Kilby Historical site.  It is a great 3 day event.  Okay, as one of the organizers I am a little prejudice.  But really, 3 days to paint on a Historical site, for $20 with great prizes for everyone.  Who wont have a good time? 

Others were in the orchard, with the veggie garden and scarecrow to catch your eye

This is my 5th year helping out.  Each year I challenge myself to step outside of my box a bit. (see last year's Pen & Ink Portraits) This year it was to draw animals from life.  As a wildlife artist I draw lots of birds and animals in great detail but always from photos.  This year was going to be different.  No photos, just the real thing. 

THE 3 LITTLE PIGS - Chasing pigs around the pen to draw them was not such a popular place

Do you realize Pigs and Goats are on the move.  All the time. . . 

Drawing them is a bit like a bunch of 2 minute poses in Life Drawing.  Actually some were maybe 1 minute.  It was a challenge.  My goat, Judge was first.  That little picture took me 4 hours!!  ‘The 3 Little Pigs’ went much smoother.  And I felt I got more interesting poses for my animals.

Things I learned while chasing Pigs and Goats:

1.     You need to watch the animals for a bit to see what kind of poses they make and what poses you want to include in your picture.  When I was drawing Judge I was so busy getting his body shape, I really didn’t pick a very interesting head position.  I wished later I had his head turned a bit. 

Of Course there is a show to display all the hard work

2.    You need to quickly layout where they will be your picture plane.  I used a rough circle the size I thought the animals should be.  For my pigs, I made each circle a different size, to put them in a different plane.  I also needed them to be facing different ways. 

3.    You really do need to chase pigs and goats if you want to draw them.  They don’t stay still.  While sleeping yes, but not such an interesting pose.  As they move, watch for a duplication of the pose you want. You wont get the whole body duplicated but you can see how: the legs work; the shoulder connects to the back; the different way the ears bend. . . .   Basically draw the pigs in pieces. 

4.    You should be ready to work on the setting/background when things are quiet.  In my case the pigs went into their house.  My goat trotted off to the other end of the field.  So I worked on the trees, the ground, fence posts. Other stuff. I had the advantage of knowing soon people would come along with food for the animals and they would be back.  I know, this wont work in the wild but hey, maybe with lots of practice I will be faster and able to do detailed 2 minute poses of a heron or deer.

Pigs, goats, flowers, old buildings all found their way into the paintings

5.    You need to be patient.  Waiting and watching.  Pretty soon they will turn, sit, stand. And you will be ready to gather more information for your drawing.

 

6.    You need to celebrate your work.  I know my goat and pigs aren’t perfect, but hey.  I am pleased.  They look like pigs and goats.  My pigs have a sense of movement.  They have interesting poses.  I am ready to try again. 

 Have you tried drawing animals from life?  Any thoughts on what helps you?

The Festival wasn’t all chasing pigs.  . .

Max and I got out for several paddles. Weather was up and down but still great sights.  Saw an bald eagle catch a fish and carry it off.  

It was meeting new people.  Catching up with old friends.  Sharing stories.  Lots of laughs.  Seeing how others took up their own challenges and come up with some neat ideas.  And of course the best part was celebrating at the end.  There was so many different, awesome, interesting pictures capturing the Kilby grounds.  The Festival has a Grand Prize which is juried, A People Choice Award and then lots of door prizes for all the contestants.  Any age can enter and any age did.  Even the weather cooperated, well for the most part anyway.  

Helen, Joanne and myself were the jurors, loved this winning painting by Stephenie Egg

Special thanks to Kilby and their Staff for hosting such a fun event.  And special thanks to singers Lawrence Congie and Bruce Coughean who sang for us Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Awesome sounds guys.  And of course a special thanks to all the sponsors for adding to the event. 

FYI - Plein Air Festival at Kilby next year - August 21-23, 2020

 Put it in your Calendar and join us for a fun time.  Come for 1 day or all the days.  Book a campsite with Kilby and stay the whole time.  That's what I do.  

 Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Contact Me to Register ↓↓↓↓

Upcoming Drawing Classes: 

Sunday, September 22 & 29, Beecher Place, Crescent Beach, S Surrey. 1-3pm. $40 ea. 
Part 1: Get that Line Drawing Right - Sept 22
Part 2: Values, Light & Shadows - Sept 29
Beginners to Advanced Welcome.  Come to one or both.      

Drop-In and Draw
Monday, September 30, 1-4pm Beecher Place, Cres. Beach $20.  Get tips on old projects or new. 

Contact Wendy to Register and for more information.  

OR Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225 
Based on your Schedule at my Studio, N. Surrey. 

September 19-30 I will be at Beecher Place with Art Theo featuring Art by myself, Doris Biddle and Donna Schipfel.  During our stay we will be offering classes and showing/selling our work. I have Drawing Classes on the Sundays (Sept 22 & 29)  and a Drop-In Session (Sept 30)  for those that want to practice more from the classes or would like help in their own projects or starting new ones. 

Doris will be offering a 2 Day class working with Acrylics $80 and a Ceramic Painting class $45.  Donna will be offering 2 classes on Watercolour on Rice paper $40 ea.

FYI

I am scheduled for a Demo at Opus this fall: 

 Drawing: Values, Light & Shadows - Saturday, Oct 19, 11-12:30 or 2-3:30 Free 

Contact Langley Opus to Register  604.533.0601

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

Originals, Prints, Commission Work and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons available.

Be sure to like and share my posts to keep me coming into your box, 

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Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Creating Texture in Graphite Drawings - Painting & Drawing Tips

When I think of birds and animals I think of soft, plush feathers or fur.  I want that look that makes you feel how smooth their coat is. 

So why would I want anything else?

WHAT'S FOR DINNER - Graphite $500 Matted Unframed

When I think of texture, I think of more than soft and smooth, I think rough and coarse.  When I draw my wildlife I want them to stand out but still be part of their environment.  Unfortunately, although they might have a coat of smooth silky fur or feathers, their surrounds may not.  I need some options. (Read more on my thoughts of making soft and fluffy birds and animals here.)

How do You get rough coarse texture with a only a pencil and paper?

Each pencil has its own properties - note the difference between the 8B and 2H both in colour and texture

First you need to understand a graphite pencil.  Graphite pencils have a lead which is a mixture of clay and graphite.  Your HB pencil is a good mix of both that gives a sturdy lead and a fairly dark mark.  However, by increasing the graphite and decreasing the clay, you can get a much darker mark.  The down side is a more fragile lead as graphite is very soft.  Pencils with labels like 4B, 6B or 9B indicate more and more graphite and less clay.  Thus the 9B pencil is very dark, very soft and has very little clay.  On the other hand a pencil labeled 9H is very hard, has a very light mark and is mainly clay. 

Graphite deposited between the tooth of the paper. 

Secondly you need to understand paper.  Paper has a tooth.  The role of a pencil is to deposit graphite on the paper.  As you do that you can deposit the graphite between the tooth or flatten the tooth and put it on top.  Those little white flecks of tooth between the graphite is what gives the surface a rough look.  By using a very soft pencil, 8B or 9B, you can put down a very dark mark, soft enough that you will leave the tooth in tack. Note the examples above, the 8B gives quite a dark rough surface where the 2H has a lighter mark with little tooth showing.

THE FAMILY OUTING - Graphite with a touch of coloured pencil - $500 Matted Unframed

The foliage in THE FAMILY OUTING has been completed without flattening the tooth of the paper Using harder pencils lightly allows less graphite to be deposited, a lighter mark but preserves the tooth.  Uses darker pencils the mark is darker and still keeps the tooth.  Looking at the close up you can see how the different pencils were used to develop the foliage.

Detail from THE FAMILY OUTING - notice the white flecks in the foliage.

Thirdly contrast the rough and smooth.  Mixing the rougher more porous darks and lights with smooth blended darks and lights increases the sense of texture. This mix is very effective and works  both ways.  In the case of the goats above, the rough finish of the post contrasts with smooth blended goats to make them appear softer and the post rougher.  Notice how soft and smooth the Sandhill Cranes are when contrasted with the grasses that surround them. 

OUT ON A LIMB - Graphite with a touch of coloured pencil $225 Matted Unframed
Doesn't this little chickadee look soft as its smooth sleek texture contrasts with the coarser finish of the leaves and stems.  

This tiny little chickadee in OUT ON A LIMB is a great contrast in texture.  The rough leaves makes the little bird seem even more soft, you can almost feel the light, smooth finish of the feathers. 

Special Note: 
I do apologize as I realize even with my close ups, it is harder to really see the difference in textures on a computer screen. However, if you saw the originals it would become very apparent.  Take your pencils and a blender and try a few experiments to see what I mean. 

Comment on Materials:
My favourite pencils are the Derwent Graphite pencils although I do use some other brands for special effects. My paper of choice for Graphite is not really paper.  It is 2 ply White Rising Museum Board, a good strong support that has a great tooth, will hold lots of graphite and takes the punishment of the blenders.

Let me know how your experiments work out.  My next post is going to be on a subject new to me - Coloured Ink Pens.  As you know, I am a confirmed black ink person, who knew coloured inks could be so fun and forgiving. Looking forward to sharing with you.

Opportunities Coming Up: 

1. Heart to Home Art  Show & Sale, Saturday & Sunday, Nov 17 & 18, 12-5pm daily

Surrey Art Center, Bear Creek Park, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey
Looking Forward to seeing you there. Guaranteed to find that perfect One-of-a-Kind Gift - Handmade Arts and Crafts from 30+ local Artists. Free Admission, 

2.  Paints'n Bloom Workshops & Art Show & Sale in Support of the Alzheimer's Society of BC

Gardenworks at Mandeville Gardens, 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby

Show Days: Thursday, Nov 22-Saturday, Nov 24Workshop Day: Tuesday,  Nov 20

10-12pm - Beginner Watercolour Class  FULL

1-3pm Christmas Card Making Class  1 Spot Left

$40 ea. All supplies incl. Beginner to Advanced Welcome

Registration Happening Now Contact Wendy 

Artists reading this post also find the following valuable:

3 Ways to Turn Drawing Despair into Action here

Drawing a Seagull Part 1 and Part 2 Starting here
Using Edges to Make Soft and Fluffy Birds & Animals Part 1 and Part 2 Starting here 

 Be sure to like and share my posts.

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Putting Your Mark Down - Painting and Drawing Tips

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

 Drawing Is Mark Making.  Most people  Are fascinated with it.  

 

"I always wanted to draw but . . ." 

"I can't draw stick people".

"Wow! How long does it take to do something like that?"

"Have you always been drawing?"

WE'RE IN TROUBLE NOW - $225 Matted Unframed

Degas said “Drawing is not what one sees but what one can make others see.”

I totally agree.   Drawing is like magic.  You take a flat piece of paper and with a pencil or brush  you can make others see anything.

Is there a limit to what Mark Making can be ?

I think we define our limits through our preferences.  Each of us has our own personal preferences.  This is what governs our marks. Here is how my preferences influence my work. 

Texture is a Big One for me

Having a variety of smooth and bumpy marks on my paper attracts my eye and provides a sense of satisfaction for me.  This preference affects my choice of paper and also my choice of subjects.  I want a paper that has a strong tooth that I can leave untouched or flatten.  I like the the way my fur and feathers are soft and fluffy.  It seems to invite you to touch.

Polished Construction is a Big Draw for me

Loose flowing lines, running across the page are okay for my sketches but quickly tighten up when I get focused on my subject.  Again this preference affects my choices in medium and methods.  In graphite I like my subject fully developed but often leave the background blank. Working in layers, I sculpture the shape of my birds and animals letting the values give the feeling of mass.  My work in watercolour is very similar with a loose flow of colours in the background but with subjects that are build up with layers of paint until they appear alive and ready to move.

These little guys have soft fur that contrasts well with the rough wood they are standing on.  

Black, Sharp, Crisp Lines Fascinates me

As much as I love the soft grays of graphite I often rebel and pick up my pen.  I love the intricate marks that a pen makes and the smooth easy way it moves across the paper.  Again the choice affects my paper.  For ink work I want smooth bright, white paper and a black pen.  Although pens are available in other colours I don't feel the same attraction. 

Mixing Textures, Layers and Crisp Lines Excites me

I am not sure if any artist is a purist to one medium. As much as you are attracted to one or two main points your eye is often drawn to other things. The desire to mix things leads me to mix different mediums: graphite and pen, coloured pencil with ink and pencil and watercolour and ink. 

As you move further along your Journey into your Art Making do you feel the pull of certain things.  Are they shaping the directions you are going?   What things really hold your interest and keep you coming back. 

Up next week, Can't wait to show you a new approach with my old Standby! 

Looking for more Drawing Tips, check out my previous posts in this latest Drawing Series.  

How to Find Your Starting Point in a Drawing - here

4 Ways to Grow the Sketchbook Habit - here

Time to Meet Your Drawing Friends - here

Ready to Start Drawing - Get Your Materials Together - here

Get Those Values Working for you - here

Blenders the Secret to the Soft Touch of Graphite - here 
Values and Colours in Action - here

Time to Move Inside and Draw
Drop-In & Draw Sessions: 
Tuesdays: Jan 9, 23, Feb. 6 & 20, Mar 6 & 20, April 3 & 17 - 10-12pm or 1-3pm
Expressions Art Gallery, 227 & Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge.  
Choose a morning or afternoon session. Bring your sketchbook or your project and come draw.  I will be happy to give you a few pointers as you work on a drawing.  $15 Pre-Register Required. Contact Wendy Here

 Be sure to like and share my posts.
 You won't miss a single one if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

 Have a great artful day,
Wendy

Blenders - The Secret to the Soft Touch of Graphite - Painting & Drawing Tips

Whether creating a Drawing or Painting

 Values Make the Difference

WE'RE IN TROUBLE NOW! - WIP - Graphite (Completed $200 Matted, Unframed)
Working with values means that even white goats have a range of tones, without them the goats would just be a flat, white blob

As an Artist you know Values are Important. But when you are deep in the trenches, working on a picture, it is hard to see if the values are right.  Drawing with a pencil is a great way to train your eye to see values.  In a pencil drawing the values are clear.  You can see the tones of gray and compare them with a value scale. 

White being a Value of 1 and Black being a Value of 10.  (Often you will see the numbers reversed, White being 10 and  Black being 1. The important thing is you have a range of 10 values.)

In my last post the focus was on using a range of values to create the 3-dimensional poppy on the left.   One that had volume and felt like it was alive.  (See the post here) For that poppy the majority of the values were in the dark range, closer to the Black.  But what if you wanted to create some of those lovely light values like the ones in the poppy on the right.

Poppy Reference: The Poppy on the right has quite a range of light values in the petals. (Contact me if you would like a larger reference file to work with.  I would be happy to send it to you.)

This can be done with graphite pencils, using very light pressure.  However, there is another way to create soft tones - using a blender. (Note: I would not do one poppy in pencil and one with the blender, I wanted to show you how a blender works and the range you can get with it.)

I have drawn the poppy on the right - tools are lined up 2B & 4B Derwent Graphite Pencils, larger blenders, kneaded eraser, vinyl eraser, brush for cleaning off debris, Note the scrape of paper with the graphite on it. 

The names Blenders and Tortillions are often used interchangeably, basically they are rolled paper or cotton in various lengths and thickness. One approximately .5 inch thick and one approximately .25 inches thick is a good starter kit.  Often they will come in a package of 3 or 4 thicknesses.  The thicker ones are good for bigger spaces and the smaller ones for those tight corners.

When you get your Blenders they are nice and clean.  They will become black as they pick up graphite.  They can be cleaned with sandpaper but I have never found the need for that. (Notice how black mine are)

Tricks to using a Blender:

A light layer has been applied and now I am blending it

1.  Put a light layer of graphite down with a 2B, then blend it by rubbing hard with the blender.  Pay attention to the direction as you are sculpturing your shape at the same time. When working in a darker area use a 4B to set down a layer of graphite.  Work in stages to build up your value rather than trying to "slam it" on the first go.

Using my 4B to add some of the shadows on the petal

 2.  To build up the value, add another layer of graphite then blend it again.  To increase the value a small amount put a light layer of graphite using a 2B.  To increase the value alot, use a darker layer of graphite with a 4B or 5B. Build up your layers accordingly.  It is easier to darken an area then to be lightening it.

Holding the blender in a more upright position to keep the dark and to give it a hard line next to the petal

3. Holding your blender upright allows more pressure on a smaller area.  This gives you a sharper edges or line.  Holding it more on its side allows for a softer blend over a larger area.

4. Making circles with the blender will give a more even layer without streaks or lines.

Using the blender to give a very soft layer on the petal that is rolled over and reflects the light

5. Once your blender has graphite on it, you can also use it as a drawing tool for a really soft, light touch on your paper.  If it does not have enough graphite on it, take a 6B pencil and scrabble on a scrap of paper then rub your blender in it.  It is now loaded with graphite and ready to draw with.

Using the thinner blender to soften the dark shadow lines.  

6. You can soften a line by first drawing it then running your blender over it.

Rub the area softly with the kneaded eraser to lift off and lighten.  You will need to go in with your blender to soften any edges.  

7.  Use your kneaded eraser to lighten an area.  

A Closeup: The center has not been blended and makes a nice contrast with the soft petals.  (Petals are not complete, I would like to darken the far petal a bit more. I will wait til more of the flower is completed so I can compare the values in that area.) 

Using a blenders gives an image a very soft look, one that works well with flower petals, fur, feathers and more. Combining this soft look with a textured surface makes a great contrast in a drawing. Notice how I did not blend the center of the poppy.  This gives a roughness to the center that contrasts nicely with the petals.  (Note: I would not do one whole flower in pencil and one whole flower with a blender unless I wanted to practice and compare the results.)

 See my Post: Drawing A Seagull Part 2  to see how another way of mixing the two types of textures with a Seagull and to see other blending tools.

What are your favourite blending tools?  Do you mix it up in your drawings?

Looking for other drawing information, See the previous drawing posts:

How to Find Your Starting Point in a Drawing
  4 Ways to Grow the Sketchbook Habit
Time to Meet Your Drawing Friends
Ready to Start Drawing - Get Your Materials Together

      Next up: Values and Colour in Action  

Etsy Shop now Open: WendyMouldsArt  Come on In!! 

Special Offer: Free Shipping with your order of 5 or more  Christmas Doodle Cards or buy the Digital Down Load Cards and print as many as you wish. Lots of time till Christmas to personalize your cards with colour.  Your Special People will love their Cards.

Great DIY Christmas Project:  Make Your Own Christmas Cards 

Christmas Card Doodle Classes Happening in November

Kitten and Puppy are happy to be featured on Your Special Cards

You will make some Great Christmas Cards for those Special People using my friendly little kitten and pup.  You will make at least 2 cards and you will feel confident to make more.  $35 all supplies included.
Classes: 

Sat Nov 18, 10:30-12:30 or 2:00-4:00  Art by Wendy Studio, North Surrey
Thurs Nov 16, 2:00-4:00 or 6:00-8:00   Art Expression Gallery, Maple Ridge.
Wed, Nov. 22, 3:30-5:30 Gardenworks at  Mandeville,  South Burnaby 

 Contact Wendy Here to register. 

Time to Move Inside and Draw
Drop-In & Draw: 
January Dates: Tues, January 9 & January 23, 2018
Expressions Art Gallery, 227 & Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge.  
Choose a morning or afternoon session. Bring your sketchbook or your project and come draw.  I will be happy to give you a few pointers as you work on a drawing.  $15 Pre-Register Required. Contact Wendy Here

Be sure to like and share my posts.
 You won't miss a single one if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)

 Have a great artful day,
Wendy

Spring Cleaning!!

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

HERE COME TROUBLE!!! - 6 x 9 - $225 unframed

 

Yes, I have been doing some spring cleaning and this little goat was one of my projects.  I finished this picture over a year ago but something about it just didn't ring right for me. I had it out at a few shows but he never really got the attention I felt he deserved.  So as part of my cleaning I decided to retire him from showing and out of the frame he came.  He looked at me with such pleading eyes so I decided to drop a few different sized mats on him, Voila!  With some of the machinery gone (painstakingly drawn machinery I might add ) I could see my picture now told the story I wanted to tell - this little trouble maker was poking his head into places where he surely shouldn't go.  If you have been around goats, you know what I mean!!

 

( See old picture http://www.artbywendysblog.blogspot.ca/2011/03/here-comes-trouble-on-its-way.html)

 

As always, cards and prints of my pictures are available, starting at $3.50 for cards.