It's been a long day and I am really tired but I wanted to post this demo painting before I fall into bed. I enjoy doing demonstrations for art groups. It is a nice way to meet new people and practice working under pressure. I'm not sure why I need to learn to work under pressure but it is a challenge. It's good to challenge ourselves once in awhile. The most difficult thing to do is talk while you paint. This group had a few people that asked some very deep questions where you had to really think about it. One person asked me if I could only paint one more painting, what subject would it be and what media would I pick. I'm still ruminating on that one!
I thought I had allowed enough extra time to get there before the meeting started. I never, ever get used to the rush hour traffic here. It was a parking lot as soon as I got on the freeway. Even the carpool lane was stop and go. It took me an hour and a half but I did make it before they were ready to turn the program over to me. I got home in half an hour. During the drive I was listening to a book on tape 'Reading Lolita in Tehran". It puts things in perspective. I can live with overcrowded freeways.
I'm sure you recognize this lady. I think I took a few years off of her in this one. Actual painting time was probably about 45 minutes. I'm always working so fast during these demos that I'm not really satisfied with the results. It feels like a painted sketch to me. There was a woman who told me she took lots of photos during the demo. I asked her to send me some if they came out. If I get them, I can make a little slide show out of it.
Tomorrow I set up for a two day open studio event with some other artists. Photos to follow.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
SANTA CLARA ART ASSOCIATION DEMO
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3 comments:
Wow - not bad for what you're referring to as "a painted sketch". There's an advantage to a quick painting, as it has a fresh look to it, or as Katherine Chang Liu describes it, "the one breath look". Sometimes you need to agonize for weeks for that look, sometimes it comes in 45 minutes...
I admire the fact you painted that woman again! not only did you take years off of her, you also took a lot of the bitterness. She seems more content now.
I love the colors in her face. Your portraits have such character. Lovely.
"Reading Lolita in Tehran" is an AWESOME book. And yes, it definitely puts things in perspective.
Can't wait to see the slide show of your demo. Great idea!!
What a great piece and so fresh, the advantage of working quickly. I admire your ability to do such accomplished work in front of a room full of people. I hope to get up to your artshow Friday night.
I finally checked out George James paintings, and Wow! I love his work, which resonates with my love of shape and color. Like you, I've been so busy with taxes, work, and other passions that I haven't had timefor my art all week -- bummer. Last night I started some value sketches and will begin a piece for the February challenge with my art group tonight.
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