So, I am suspending LANDdraw until March 15th. I am taking the first part of the licensing exam for Landscape Architecture (the LARE it's called) and it's a real ass kicker. For the next four weeks I'm coming home and studying for a bit every night, and need my weekends for long study sessions as well.
I figure this is OK as most people who have expressed interest in joining me for LANDdraw, are interested for when we can go outside, instead of drawing inside.
So, until then, look for random posts on interesting artists - and an announcement for March 15th!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Artist - Andrew Schoultz & LANDdraw #3
I found another artist who's landscapes are intriguing - Andre Schoultz - a veteran skateboarder and graffiti artist.
I'm not particularly moved by his installations (though I like one part in particular), and even his "landscapes" aren't really "landscapes" in the traditional sense. He is not painting the landscape - but I find his technique to be very compelling, and I like the way he makes paint mimic ball point pen.
His landscapes are imaginary - but the stylistic vision would be fascinating when used in drawing the landscape.
As for LANDdraw 3 - I may or may not do it this week. I have ot research some new places to draw.
I'm not particularly moved by his installations (though I like one part in particular), and even his "landscapes" aren't really "landscapes" in the traditional sense. He is not painting the landscape - but I find his technique to be very compelling, and I like the way he makes paint mimic ball point pen.
His landscapes are imaginary - but the stylistic vision would be fascinating when used in drawing the landscape.
As for LANDdraw 3 - I may or may not do it this week. I have ot research some new places to draw.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Artist: Robert Mullinex
I haunt a couple of "art per day" sites. I love this form of exploring. I subscribe to a "plant of the day" site, and NASA's "Astronomy Picture of the Day" which is awesome in the original meaning of the word!
Today, a landscape painter named Robert Mullinex came up, and I was very moved by his work. His images of Northeastern secondary forest remind me of walking through the woods - not only in Ohio where he lives, but New Jersey, Massachusetts, parts of New York, and most of all, Connecticut. These are not idealized landscapes of virgin forest, but accurate depictions of what is forest now. And it still is beautiful and complex.
One thing I have been noticing while looking at current landscape painters, is how often they paint very small. Mr. Mullinex's work tends to be 5"x18", wide and short. Another painter I was looking at yesterday worked on what looked to be 8.5" x 11" board - the same size as a letter.
In last week's disasterous LANDdraw, I could not figure out what my view should be limited to. Because that's part of it - the limit of the edge of the page. How do I choose what in the VAST landscape to focus on? What tiny slice captures the sweep?
One of the things I like about Mr.Mullinex's work, is that he uses a tight view. On another site he says,
The camera only shows about sixty degrees (I think, please correct me if I am wrong!) of the visual field - a thin slice. Looking at his work, and the work of other artists, should help me in the field, to narrow my vision.
We speak often of the benefits of a large vision - landscape seems to be about the narrowing of that. That is, in my view, a good thing. In a time where are constantly urged to be more, to think big, and to "step outside the box" - landscape calls us to take a step back, and to really focus on the smaller view rather than the big picture. Landscape reminds us that we are not all conquering, that we are not the biggest thing out there. That call, that acceptance of smallness in a big world, becomes a way to balance the outsized demands that are placed on us - and to allow us the space to operate on the human scale, rather than a superhuman one.
Today, a landscape painter named Robert Mullinex came up, and I was very moved by his work. His images of Northeastern secondary forest remind me of walking through the woods - not only in Ohio where he lives, but New Jersey, Massachusetts, parts of New York, and most of all, Connecticut. These are not idealized landscapes of virgin forest, but accurate depictions of what is forest now. And it still is beautiful and complex.
One thing I have been noticing while looking at current landscape painters, is how often they paint very small. Mr. Mullinex's work tends to be 5"x18", wide and short. Another painter I was looking at yesterday worked on what looked to be 8.5" x 11" board - the same size as a letter.
In last week's disasterous LANDdraw, I could not figure out what my view should be limited to. Because that's part of it - the limit of the edge of the page. How do I choose what in the VAST landscape to focus on? What tiny slice captures the sweep?
One of the things I like about Mr.Mullinex's work, is that he uses a tight view. On another site he says,
I am interested in the relationship between photographic and hand-painted imagery in the perception of visual information.
The camera only shows about sixty degrees (I think, please correct me if I am wrong!) of the visual field - a thin slice. Looking at his work, and the work of other artists, should help me in the field, to narrow my vision.
We speak often of the benefits of a large vision - landscape seems to be about the narrowing of that. That is, in my view, a good thing. In a time where are constantly urged to be more, to think big, and to "step outside the box" - landscape calls us to take a step back, and to really focus on the smaller view rather than the big picture. Landscape reminds us that we are not all conquering, that we are not the biggest thing out there. That call, that acceptance of smallness in a big world, becomes a way to balance the outsized demands that are placed on us - and to allow us the space to operate on the human scale, rather than a superhuman one.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
LandDraw 2 - cut short
Hey All,
LANDdraw #2 was cut short by the beginnings of a wicked headache. I didn't see anyone else there drawing so I left around 1:40 and made my way home.
I'm not sure what to do for the next one. I'm thinking it might be best to go back to the museum, but am always open to suggestions. It's difficult now that it's still winter.
See you next time.
LANDdraw #2 was cut short by the beginnings of a wicked headache. I didn't see anyone else there drawing so I left around 1:40 and made my way home.
I'm not sure what to do for the next one. I'm thinking it might be best to go back to the museum, but am always open to suggestions. It's difficult now that it's still winter.
See you next time.
Friday, February 1, 2008
LANDdraw #2: The Winter Garden
The Winter Garden is an indoor public garden located at the World Financial Center. I'll be there from 1 p.m. to 3 or 3:30 p.m. on Saturday for LANDdraw. Look for the chick with dreads, glasses, and drawing!
I recommend using Hop Stop and Google Maps to help you find your way there! Please feel free to email me before then if you think you may need my number.
Hope to see you there!
I recommend using Hop Stop and Google Maps to help you find your way there! Please feel free to email me before then if you think you may need my number.
Hope to see you there!
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