'Go Figure' July/August/September 2012

[Descartes]

As spring showers turn into summer floods it's time to move on to a New 'Go Figure' thread. The last one for May/June can be found here (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1107952).

And for people new to WetCanvas or The Figure forum: Hi :wave: If you're trying to figure out what 'Go Figure' is all about, this is a place where you may discuss anything in addition to your art. This is more like a lounge area, where artists gather to have coffee or drink from the fountain, and discuss life in general before heading off towards the many individualized 'studios' aka threads where the actual creation is taking place. :cool:

[Journeyman]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jul-2012/95424-Barclays.jpg

Give a man a gun and he can rob a bank, give him a bank and he can rob the world. :)

:wave: Dave.

[Indiana Kate]

Ha! You made me laugh, Dave, but only because what you say is so true.

Kate

[macrobertson]

yes Dave banking seems to be a good career choice for the criminally minded :clear:

On Wednesday I took a rare trip into the city, had a look at the Australian Symbolism exhibition at the AGNSW
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Jul-2012/14751-IMG_2077.JPG

then I walked down to The Rocks to meet up with 'our Bethany' who was in the middle of a week long figure workshop at the Julian Ashton art school. I had never been inside so it was interesting to see, and of course it is a rare treat to meet any Wet Canvas members... we had a cup of coffee/chocolate together at the MCA and a nice discussion interrupted only by the loud sounds of chairs being moved... and being escorted to the lift as they wanted to close up the Museum :rolleyes:
It probably would have been a good idea to take a photo with the Harbour Bridge in the background there, but I'm not really much of a photographer (or photographic subject!) and it was just a good opportunity to meet face to face instead of cyberly :cool:

coincidentally one of the newer regulars at our portrait group was also at the workshop, I just missed her but met her at yesterday's portrait... she told me that Bethany is very good... and very fast as well!

Mac

[bethanyt]

Here you go, Mac- great to meet you IRL!
this is where we had our drink... nice view :thumbsup:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Jul-2012/110135-ja4.jpg

How funny to be thrown out of the gallery... :lol: escorted out like we were trouble makers!

[Sonni]

Dave--:lol: :lol:


Congress says they are looking deeper into the Bernie Madoff scandal. Well, ain't that just great. The guy who made $50 billion disappear is being investigated by the people who made $1.5 trillion disappear. --Maxine


Last week I finished up a workshop I started in Mexico. It rained then, I fell on wet tiles, cracked a rib or two and was a bit out of commission so I owed everyone a couple days of instruction. We planned on going to Mammoth Lakes on the east side of the Sierra and paint the lakes and the Sierra Crest. However the three gals in their Eurovan stopped to watch me paint at Olmsted Point, Yosemite, on the way over the pass. Once stopped they couldn't get the van started, even with the help of 10 firemen. So AAA to the rescue (we thought). We were stranded up there seven hours before the van got towed to Yosemite Valley, where the tow truck driver found us a campsite for several days while a new fuel pump was being ordered. So we painted Yosemite Valley. This is the short version, trust me.

Half dome from Olmsted point at 11 a.m.
Olmsted Pointhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Jul-2012/111873-half_dome_from_olmsted_morning_DSC06837.jpg

Half Dome from Olmsted Point at 4pm
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Jul-2012/111873-half_dome_afternoon_DSC06861.jpg

Half Dome from Olmsted Point at 5:30pm
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Jul-2012/111873-half_dome_from_olmsted__late_afternoon.jpg

plein air yosemite falls about 2 hrs 9x12 pastel
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Jul-2012/111873-plein_air_yosemite_valley.jpg

[Indiana Kate]

Mac, you are lucky to meet 'our Bethany' IRL. Thanks for the photos.

Sonni, so sorry you had fuel pump trouble, but I am very glad you posted the photos of Yosemite and your exquisite pastel.

[bethanyt]

Wow, Sonni- you have had some "interesting times" I hope you are healed- I know that cracked ribs can be the most painful!
Thanks for showing the beauty of the mountain- and your pastel shows your love of colour. What is the saying about making something out of a bad experience?!

(thanks for the kind words, Kate- hope we meet someday, too!)

[Journeyman]

Nice to know that you two met up Mac and Bethany, at least that proves that Mac is not some sort of cyber creation churning out those wonderful drawings :).

If I’d known you had cracked ribs I wouldn’t have posted that Barclays add Sonni, sorry to make you laugh ;) Spectacular scenery I can see why climbers head for that territory.

:wave: Dave

[Descartes]

Lovely pastel Sonni, what a view. Sorry to hear of your troubles.

[lovin art]

Beautiful work Sonnine ,and nice shots guys! ...I'm wishing I'd got to be in on the meet up but that's life .... It never goes as is should ....

Mac love that sculpture.... Beautiful stuff

[macrobertson]

Sonni the short version is quite a tale!... and what a terrific place to get stranded in and compelled to paint landscapes1!
I hope the ribs have healed up!

I think I'm finally going to get back to doing some plein air painting, went out this morning for the first time for ages and hope to do it once a week ... the initial attempt back in the studio

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Jul-2012/14751-IMG_2144.JPG

Mac

[Lauren F-M]

Mac -- lovely landscape painting, and I also like how that guy (portrait behind) is peering over to take a look, too! :thumbsup: :lol:

Sonni -- ouch! :eek: I can feel your pain (really -- I fell a few weeks ago and did something to my ribs; probably a few cracks, and it really does hurt and lot and cramps one's style. I wish it healed faster!) What a wonderful place, and I hope that all that delay and stranding did give you more time to draw/ paint. I think that pastel is masterful! :clap:

Bethany -- I'm so glad to hear that the trip to Sydney and the workshop went well, as well as you and Mac meeting and chatting... and getting kicked out of the museum together! :lol: (Gotta watch those artists, eh!) I've been kind of rushed out of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts... though they were quite nice about it. I guess they wanted to close up and go home. :rolleyes:

[Sonni]

It's difficult to draw and paint when you are in pain and it's a trip to do it on drugs. On vicodin and clinoril I did 2 more days of the workshop. Probably babbled a lot. Everything healed up in about six weeks and I'm fine--at least that part's fine.

Mac, good to see you back plein air painting. It's not that much different from life drawing/painting. Maybe you could start a group as I have done here for the summer. Requirements: at least 2 plein air paintings a month-- and you have to paint when you join-- in Calaveras County (where I am), no membership dues, no minutes, no instruction, no pot-lucks. Calaveras Outdoor Painting Society (COPS). You don't paint, you get dismembered. Right now there are about six of us.

PS--if anyone wants to use the photos of half dome for a painting ref, go for it.

[macrobertson]

Sonni the local art society has a monthly paint out... which is not always convenient for me, but I went out yesterday with another enthusiast and we will see if we can do that on a weekly basis.

Mac

[lovin art]

Mac I'd go with you for sure !!! Love plain air ..... Shame I'm not a little closer :-)

Sonni , I'd love to have a good at one if you don't mind that is - thankyou for such a great photoshot ...

[Journeyman]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Jul-2012/95424-Arms.jpg

[bethanyt]

thanks for the laugh, dave! ; )

[bethanyt]

A different kind of painting project...
Finally finished this mural painting for my school. It is about 10m in length and 1.5m wide.
It is for a backdrop to a "bush-tucker" (indigenous edible) garden and will be used to show the distinct environments found in our local area- with info about the native species of plant and animal.
You have to imagine these panels joined together to show a panorama. It is low-odour acrylic (because of working with the kids) onto weather-proof building panel.
The kids painted most of it with lots of guidance- I drew the whole thing onto an under-painting and they painted specific colours that I had mixed. Then I spent many hours painting the final details.
Hopefully it will be installed around the garden soon.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Jul-2012/110135-m1.jpghttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Jul-2012/110135-m2.jpghttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Jul-2012/110135-m3.jpghttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Jul-2012/110135-m4.jpg

[Lauren F-M]

Wow, Bethany! :clap:

You guided your students to do a great job on these panels. I can see your input, in the style and the palette. :thumbsup: I'll bet it will look wonderful installed. Please post some photos of the finished plantings and backdrop! :D

I finally got to a drawing session last night -- hadn't been to any life drawing for a few weeks. It was the monthly Dr. Sketchy's night, with the theme being "Super Villainy" -- 2 models dressed up as some female super villains from DC and Marvel comics. We had a fun time! :D Good to be back drawing, and tonight I'll be at a life drawing session. :clap:

[lovin art]

Way to go Beth ! Looks nice

Laurie u would lov it here ld every Night babe !!! Exhausting but worth it !

[Lauren F-M]

Sandra, going to LD every day with you would be a blast! Had a good session tonight, and plan on going to portraiture tomorrow morning -- new model! Might be in court on Thursday drawing at a bail hearing.

[bethanyt]

Thanks guys! I will certainly get some photos once the panels are all in place.
Wow- life drawing every day- such a dream!

[Journeyman]

For those who can’t get to life drawing every day the “Lines and Colour” Blog (http://www.linesandcolors.com/2012/08/26/figure-gesture-drawing-tool/) has a review of “Figure Drawing Training Tool.” Haven’t looked at it personally but it looks like it might be useful and its free :).

:wave: Dave

[bethanyt]

Thanks, Dave- I have used something similar for a warm-up and when I have a spare 30 seconds with my sketch-pad!

[macrobertson]

about a month ago we turned a local mall into a kind of Montmarte for the launch of our annual Hawkesbury Artists Trail (http://www.haat.com.au/gallery.php?mid=3) brochure, I had done a portrait in the morning and only arrived in time to do one quick portrait sketch (of the artist I've started to go out plein air painting with)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Aug-2012/14751-DSCN0300.JPG

I entered some paintings into the 36th annual Springwood Art show (http://www.springwoodartshow.org.au/), sold one and got the Portrait Prize.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Aug-2012/14751-IMG_2372.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Aug-2012/14751-IMG_2370.JPG

and we had the Piggery Lane Studios (http://piggerylane.blogspot.com.au/) open for the Artists trail on last weekend, had a reasonable number of visitors and I cleared a few little landscape paintings

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Aug-2012/14751-IMG_2384.JPG

Mac

[Descartes]

Cool link Dave. I couldn't get the resizing working properly using Firefox on my Mac but Safari worked fine. I've got a similar system working at home and have used a lot of the same poses they have (plus some virtual pose and art models CD-ROMs).

Mac, lovely paintings and congratulations on the award.

[Indiana Kate]

Congrats on the award, Mac, and for selling a few. I enjoyed the photos of you drawing and of the Piggery.

Kate

[bethanyt]

Congratulations, Mac- well deserved! Thanks for the update and photos- love looking at your artistic life!

[Journeyman]

Glad to hear you took the portrait prize Mac :thumbsup:, The piggery will become as famous as the Jam Factory. :)

Glad you got the Figure Drawing Tool to work Nathan, I hadn’t looked at it when I posted but when I did it didn’t work :( So now we at least knows it does work.

:wave: Dave

[Indiana Kate]

Dave, the Figure Drawing Tool worked for me, but I had to go to the site itself. I couldn't click through the poses from the link above. It looks like a great site. I've bookmarked it!

Kate

[Sonni]

Mac, your portraiture has improved by leaps and bounds. The old guy with the beard is wonderful.

Our outdoor painting group has a core of four painters. Three times that many have signed up, but I haven't seen them. The old saying "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink..." A couple painters and I had a conversation and concluded that you won't do it unless you love it and have to do it. It happens like an addiction. Now I can't wait to get out and paint. Here are a couple

Calaveras Big Trees. These are the Giant Sequoias, the largest trees in the world. Before they were protected, they hollowed some out so folks could drive cars through. One in this park was stripped of its bark which was reassembled in New York. Of course the tree died. The state park is 15 minutes up the hill from me. Only two of us were painting. The medium is pastel on a dark blue suede board (the kind they use for matting). It is the first time I tried using it in plein air. Everything comes out much softer than on sanded paper. About 2 hours. 8x18

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Aug-2012/111873-Big_Trees_pastel_on_suede_board_plein_air.jpg

This is a quick oil I did at a nearby lake

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Aug-2012/111873-White_Pines_Lake_oil_plein_air.jpg

[Indiana Kate]

You're right, Sonni: unless someone feels she or he has to do it, it won't happen. That is true about so much. I love the nearby lake painting, btw.

Kate

[Sonni]

Kate,

What I don't get is why these people would sign up for something they couldn't or wouldn't commit to. I know it happens with many things, not just a plein air painting group, but I still don't understand it. I talked with one of the painters who really loves it and told him about my life drawing group in the summer. What I got out of him finally is that he'd never done drawing from a live model before and didn't want to look like a fool stabbing around in the dark. We turned that around right away with a little more conversation, and afterward I wondered if this might be a reason people didn't show for plein air painting. Do all these folks want to turn out something miraculous by osmosis:confused: ? (If I think about it, it will happen?) Ego? No grasp of the process? Quien sabe?

BTW--the Big Tree painting looks duller than it really is and the other looks brighter. Dunno how that happened--my lousy photography most likely. Everything else can be blamed on the painter.

[Lauren F-M]

Sonni, I really like both of those landscapes! :clap: You are so good in both mediums! I see how your work is growing! You are a good example of what you wrote -- hard work and sticking at it makes the difference! :thumbsup:

I haven't done any plein air work this summer. :( I like to go with others, as I need to take bathroom breaks, and it's reassuring to know that others are watching my stuff while I'll off. I also am not great in the hot weather that we had all summer. I hope to get at least one session in autumn - perfect weather!

With your work and your example, you are inspiring me. I'm taking my watercolours and some small w/c pads with me on my trip to Newfoundland. :D

[bethanyt]

Sonni- I know what you mean about the sign-up to actually-turning-up ratio. We rely on people showing at the life drawing group to keep the group going- such a small group anyway. They show sometimes, but usually late, leave early and don't help with the set-up/pack-up.
Other painting/drawing events they say they will come, then nothing.
(the osmosis idea sounds good!)

[Sonni]

Lauren, thanks. I don't think the pieces are terribly good, but I seem to be getting better with practice. It's been hot here, though it's cooled down some to the high 80s at peak afternoon. I have forced myself to get up early and out painting at 8:30. Two of the other painters are early risers --they think this is a normal time to paint and usually beat me to the spot, so I have to keep up. So far it's working.

Aside from pencil and colored pencil, watercolors are the easiest on a trip and you can always do a studio painting from them. I've brought along watercolor pencils and had a ball with a little water. Some artists make notes on value and color changes.

Bethany, I thought the life drawing challenge was licked when I set the fee for a month at a time in my life drawing group. No cigar. A couple plunked down $50, showed up once and we never saw them again. Another didn't return because I run a tight ship--no yakkity-- yak while we are drawing and arrive on time. She thought it was social hour. The guys are good. It's the gals. Now I over book the class and at the first session after telling them there is the expectation of doing homework as well, I lay a guilt trip on them, mentioning this will most likely separate the "men from the boys." :D Always a groan from some. And these are adults. Old adults, like me.

[bethanyt]

I also deal with older adults (like me).
I wish I knew the answers... I wonder if it is really because they don't see that the "try-hard-practice" stage is worth sticking with to get to the next stage of the process? Is it that they expect a masterpiece the first time? just don't know.
Even when I have one-on-one students (who pay up front), they start out keen and then when I talk about 20-30 minutes a day drawing (a-la Harley Brown) they don't want to form the habit- many excuses. Fear of failure? Are we in the age of instant gratification?
Some are amazed that I paint/draw almost every day, even with a full-time job. Am I so strange? Let me know when you have answers...

[Sonni]

Age of instant gratification.

[Descartes]

Lovely paintings Sonni.

[Indiana Kate]

I'd like your tight ship, Sonni. Get there early enough to take care of any set up you might need before the model takes the stand, and no yakkity-yak! I don't care what you had for breakfast or where you went on vacation. I want to concentrate on drawing.

[Nonno]

I make a point of getting to LD early,
but that's mainly because I rely on buses to get me there and if I didn't go early enough to catch the bus before I need to, I would be usually late.
Sometimes the buses don't come at all, then I'm really late.

What's worse though, is that sometimes the model is in the same position,
and when the model isn't there by starting time it can be difficult!
What amazes me is that some models don't seem to think there's a problem with arriving late!
Of course, occasionally something does go wrong with the traffic,
and we are all adult enough to accept that with good grace,
but usually when that happens they phone in or text to let us know.

I remember one session where the booked model was flying in from another city
and her flight arrival time was 30 minutes before the session starting time!
And, yes its a 30 minute bus ride from the airport.
And yes, she was late!

In terms of yakity yak, I like a little bit of talk, but not too much.
I remember going to a LD group where there was a "cone of silence" during the session.
It was very off putting, until I got used to it.
Our group always has light background music playing which I find very helpful.

Sonni, that lake scene is lovely. It feels very peaceful.

Mac, Congratulations on you award, and it's great to see the photos of some of your exploits!

Jonathan.

[Sonni]

So far I have solved the problem of the model arriving late. I pick her up.

[bethanyt]

I am the main organiser so I get the key etc. Usually there first to start setting up. We are a very small group and use a community hall.
What annoys me is those that arrive late (or just barely on time) sit down, draw and then leave immediately at the end without helping to set up or pack up. Same people every time.
At one point I put on my best teacher voice and gave them (the late ones) all specific jobs to do. Now I don't bother.
We don't talk- just some soothing music- while drawing. Talking is for the tea break in the middle.

[Journeyman]

Interesting to hear of others experiences of organizing groups, I facilitate two groups a portrait group once a month and life drawing every week.
They are just open sessions without tuition. 70% of the people are professional artists and are much better than I am.
At the portrait group one chap helps me set up and take down ( I usually give him a lift) and all the participants are friendly and helpful, though rather messy at times :rolleyes: !
With the life drawing I set up and usually get some help with packing up. Some of the people at life drawing tend to grumble about things, they are also the same people who never help.
Our models without exception are terrific, usually very reliable and on time. On the rare occasion when one of the models can’t make it someone has always stood in at the last minute :crossfingers: .

:wave: Dave.

[Nonno]

Wow, it's really interesting to see how many variations on a theme there are!

Tea breaks are great for the social side of things, but I've been to a group which doesn't have a break,
just goes straight straight through for two hours.

It seems to be a fact of life that the non helpers are also the grumblers!
You seem to get that everywhere!

Dave, I'm interested to hear that most of your artists are professionals.
Do you mean by this that they make their living from their art?
Most participants here are amateurs, some sell their work, some don't.
And there are quite a few art students practicing!

Jonathan.

[Journeyman]

Dave, I'm interested to hear that most of your artists are professionals.
Do you mean by this that they make their living from their art?
Yes Jonathan, two of the artists have brought up families entirely on their earnings from art, the one lady has never taught to supplement her earnings. But the other, a man taught and also worked as an artist for the BBC when he was younger, he now makes a living exclusively from his art. Most of the other professionals have taught, one man who comes to the portrait group was head of an art collage, he is now in his 80's. Two ladies (one who has a huge reputation) who sell very well also have high earning husbands so have not needed to make a living, but could have.
:wave: Dave

[Journeyman]

Does this put you in a spin?
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Sep-2012/95424-Circles.jpg

:wave: Dave

[Nonno]

Who needs alcohol?

Jonathan.

[bethanyt]

Thanks, Dave- now I don't feel so well.....

[Indiana Kate]

That image is great, Dave. Who knew concentric circles could be so confusing!

Kate

[Journeyman]

Glad you all enjoyed the circles :) If you flick scroll the screen up and down it’s a cure for sea sickness :D Dave

[Lauren F-M]

:lol:
Dave, now I really feel like I need new glasses!:D

[macrobertson]

this is where glasses come in handy, I can take them off and it loses that hal'lucinatory effect :cool:

Mac

[Lauren F-M]

Hi, folks! :D

Checking in now that I'm back from my vacation travels, have recovered from my city's first "Nuit Blanche" art extravaganza, and then last night's Dr. Sketchy's!

Here in Canada, autumn as just started, the weather is cooler, students are back in school and it can put one in the mood to hunker down and do some art. :clap:

... and it's already the last week of September! :eek:
So, what are you all up to, art-wise? :confused:

[bethanyt]

I am at the beginning of 2 weeks of holidays! I plan to paint on almost every day.
Then I have a 3-day portrait workshop with one of Australia's best portrait painters.... Evert Ploeg http://evertploeg-artist.com/
I helped to apply for the small Arts grant that is subsidising the workshop for our drawing group. He is also giving a public talk on the Friday night to share some of his experiences.
I am getting some practice in.... and getting a bit excited!

[macrobertson]

last week of September, should be warmer all the way from now on, and I don't envy you people going into Winter!

Good Plan Bethany, and I'll be keen to hear how the workshop goes, I have been in contact with Evert... I'd like to do another of his weekend workshops at his studio, and I've put out some feelers about him doing a life drawing workshop for our Life Drawing Group.

I've been working on a few things in my studio, and have started going out plein air painting again.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Sep-2012/14751-IMG_2663.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Sep-2012/14751-IMG_2673.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Sep-2012/14751-IMG_2676.JPG

Mac

[bethanyt]

Beautiful work here, Mac!
I am hope you get to do another workshop with Evert. I will post photos when I am there, hopefully.

[Journeyman]

Great paintings Mac :thumbsup:, glad to see you are ready for the summer, with your skill at both the figure and landscape you should combine the two and visit a cricket match :)

Can’t think of a better way to spend a holiday Bethany than with Evert Ploeg, his work is terrific.

:wave: Dave

[macrobertson]

I shall have to watch out for those streakers then, and nude rugby and hog wrestling :D

so far I've only seen this sort of thing at the cricket

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Sep-2012/14751-IMGP1679.JPG

Mac

[lovin art]

Mac I'm most impressed by your rather Beautiful work and just by you.... Wonderful :D

I hope to get out and start doing more plein air around here I'll post some pics if you like ...

[Lauren F-M]

Bethany -- Oh, you are SO lucky to be doing that workshop! :envy:
I took a quick peak at his site, and your teacher is amazing. I look forward to seeing the work you do at that workshop. :thumbsup:

Mac -- you are wowing me -- what wonderful landscapes, and I love how you photographed them 'in situ' so we could see the actual landscape. All three paintings look masterful. You sure are cookin' these days, both in landscape and in portraiture. :clap:
And I love that page of cricket players! :eek: Frame it up! I know that you could sell it, if you can part with it. It's so fun and wonderful drawing.

So much inspiration from my Aussie WC buddies! :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Journeyman]

Ow’s Zat!? Bloody marvellous Mac, You have definitely got to paint at a match :thumbsup: as Sandra says wonderful.

:wave: Dave

[macrobertson]

the drawings of cricketers was something that I was thinking about working up to enter into the Cricket Art Prize (http://www.cricketartprize.org/), bit never got round to, I pinned it to the wall out our annual figure exhibition a year or two ago and somebody bought it!

Mac

[Descartes]

Mac, wonderful pleine air and love those cricketers: so full of life and action.