.
This class was what I had been waiting for so long. Mr. Wu arranged some random items on the model stand and asked us to pick any three for our still-life. OK, that means, 1) Pick an angle that gives you the correct composition, that is two overlapping items at the right place, 2) Make sure the composition has interest, 3) Make a correct line drawing, and finally 4) Reflect smooth value changes. 'Oh, so just start?' I thought. Woah, that's awesome! I was sure I could handle that.
I got down to the line drawing and within first half and hour or so, I had had the correct composition ready. Then I added the values. Did I mention we had to use only vine charcoal? Well yes, just that. From this point on, all I had to do was to shade. Which I did, to a level of my satisfaction. I almost finished it before the class ended. I think I did a good job.
I took a critical look at this from a distance and I felt, there were a lot of darker shades that was not dark enough and could use some more work. The instructor agreed. So, that I leave for the next still-life. Great exposure, good practice, and a lot of learning. I loved it.
Day 4
We first had a demo on plastercast drawing. Once it was complete, then it was our turn to practice on a different cast. For the assigned time of an hour or so, I did my best and I think this calls for a picture which I hope to post soon. Mine turned out to be okay and with practice, I am sure there is a lot of scope of improvement.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Art Class - Day 2
.
The class has finally begun with real drawing practice. We discussed vantage point (VP), perspective, composition and relative values.
Vantage point is the way we look at things. We assume the horizon as the eye level. Anything above this level, such as clouds, appear receding if they go higher. Conversely, anything below eye-level would appear closer to the viewer as they go further down.
For 2-point perspective, things are seen from LV and RV together so that the content appear 3-dimensional, as in the real life. This is interesting. I love it. We got the first homework based on this. I hope to finish this homework with atleast 3 or 4 variations.
We had demonstration on 2PP - circles developing into ball, cubes and cylinders into bottles and so on.
Before the next demo we discussed the right elements for the correct composition including frame-viewer, number of items, and control on light. The instructor arranged a book, a bottle, and a cube on the model stand. Then he directed the light in such a away that the two overlapping objects are closer to the source. The demonstration was quick and very clear. Soon we had a beautiful still life on the demo-sketch.
The class dismissed with this. In the next class we will get our turn on still life and I hope to have some pics to post here.
.
The class has finally begun with real drawing practice. We discussed vantage point (VP), perspective, composition and relative values.
Vantage point is the way we look at things. We assume the horizon as the eye level. Anything above this level, such as clouds, appear receding if they go higher. Conversely, anything below eye-level would appear closer to the viewer as they go further down.
For 2-point perspective, things are seen from LV and RV together so that the content appear 3-dimensional, as in the real life. This is interesting. I love it. We got the first homework based on this. I hope to finish this homework with atleast 3 or 4 variations.
We had demonstration on 2PP - circles developing into ball, cubes and cylinders into bottles and so on.
Before the next demo we discussed the right elements for the correct composition including frame-viewer, number of items, and control on light. The instructor arranged a book, a bottle, and a cube on the model stand. Then he directed the light in such a away that the two overlapping objects are closer to the source. The demonstration was quick and very clear. Soon we had a beautiful still life on the demo-sketch.
The class dismissed with this. In the next class we will get our turn on still life and I hope to have some pics to post here.
.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Art Class - Day 1
.
The dream has finally come true! I always wanted to take formal lessons in drawing and learn where I can improve. So I did some research in my area to find a place that would offer some classes of interest. It's then I came across a wonderful artist, Jian Wu. His work is absolute classic. He teaches at the community college and also gives private lessons. His classes were mostly at the day-time and I cannot attend that due to familial obligations. So, I contacted his studio and requested for the schedule. He gladly accepted to provide but for some reason things didn't work out at that time from my side.
Then I contacted another good artist who said she would contact me but didn't due to some personal problems. Read left this country. I kept the search open but most artists were either teaching kids only or were beyond my budget. So this year, I applied in the local community college for an affordable evening session under a TBA instructor. I had to believe how lucky I was (thank you family!) when I found out that Prof Wu is teaching this class! I thrillingly waited for the start of the class. Slowly but finally the wait was over.
For the first day of my class I sharpened my pencils and rearranged the lately untouched sketch-pad. I went to the class on time and mused over the uniqueness of attending this class. For the first time I am taking any non-Science course. And that too, in a class-room setting. Did I mention, I was thrilled! I am already loving the idea of my yet to create art-work being critiqued in coming sessions.
I had to take my little honey-bunch with me due to some impromptu situation. 'Ok, we will see what happens' - I thought. Instructor okayed her presence as long as she stayed quiet. To my surprise she not only cooperated but in fact liked the class. She curiously watched ASL interpreter who were there to help the instructor. She closely observed their hand gestures and their animated delivery. It held her attention not for long but that seemed to motivate her for more surprises in a class in 'college'. It shortly came in the form of a slide show in near dark. Soon after I knew she was eager to leave as her whispering grew louder and more frequent with every passing minute. It's sort of coincidental that she often says that she would rather go to a college than a school. We never thought she would actually do that. The class ended soon after. Little earlier than the regular time. Next time on, it will be on for its entire duration.
Before we left, we were given supplies' list and the big-picture of the overall course-work. I have most of the stuff but I might need some more as we go forward. We are encouraged to draw everyday for the rest of our days if we really want to improve. Well, I want to, so I will. I hope.
The dream has finally come true! I always wanted to take formal lessons in drawing and learn where I can improve. So I did some research in my area to find a place that would offer some classes of interest. It's then I came across a wonderful artist, Jian Wu. His work is absolute classic. He teaches at the community college and also gives private lessons. His classes were mostly at the day-time and I cannot attend that due to familial obligations. So, I contacted his studio and requested for the schedule. He gladly accepted to provide but for some reason things didn't work out at that time from my side.
Then I contacted another good artist who said she would contact me but didn't due to some personal problems. Read left this country. I kept the search open but most artists were either teaching kids only or were beyond my budget. So this year, I applied in the local community college for an affordable evening session under a TBA instructor. I had to believe how lucky I was (thank you family!) when I found out that Prof Wu is teaching this class! I thrillingly waited for the start of the class. Slowly but finally the wait was over.
For the first day of my class I sharpened my pencils and rearranged the lately untouched sketch-pad. I went to the class on time and mused over the uniqueness of attending this class. For the first time I am taking any non-Science course. And that too, in a class-room setting. Did I mention, I was thrilled! I am already loving the idea of my yet to create art-work being critiqued in coming sessions.
I had to take my little honey-bunch with me due to some impromptu situation. 'Ok, we will see what happens' - I thought. Instructor okayed her presence as long as she stayed quiet. To my surprise she not only cooperated but in fact liked the class. She curiously watched ASL interpreter who were there to help the instructor. She closely observed their hand gestures and their animated delivery. It held her attention not for long but that seemed to motivate her for more surprises in a class in 'college'. It shortly came in the form of a slide show in near dark. Soon after I knew she was eager to leave as her whispering grew louder and more frequent with every passing minute. It's sort of coincidental that she often says that she would rather go to a college than a school. We never thought she would actually do that. The class ended soon after. Little earlier than the regular time. Next time on, it will be on for its entire duration.
Before we left, we were given supplies' list and the big-picture of the overall course-work. I have most of the stuff but I might need some more as we go forward. We are encouraged to draw everyday for the rest of our days if we really want to improve. Well, I want to, so I will. I hope.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Garter Stitch Jacket
Finally the sweater I had been meaning to put on my little pumpkin is finished with photoshoot and all.
Stormy Weather
How much impact weather can have on us is most realized when it rains over the days. You are forced to restrict yourself indoors and the activities are prohibited to a great extent to the inside of the four walls of the home.
As a child the rains are absolute bliss. What can beat a chance to play in the free fall of water! Water everywhere...above below, right left and everywhere in between. Getting wet, splashing it all around, jumping in and out of muddy water puddles, making paper-boats everything is nothing short of magic.
In youth, the rain and the romance go hand in hand. You would give anything for a cozy stroll in rain with the loved one right next to you. The next best thing is to be with that special person in the toasty covers and listen to those drops splitting into tiny droplets in a mushy songlike rhythm.
With time, things change. The very idea of rain makes us ensure we have ways to avoid it or atleast prepare us to face it without it letting it us touch anywhere. We try to get out of the house when rains stop. If we have to leave the cozy home for anything we get set with raincoats, umbrellas and whatnot. And if we don't see the Sun for a few days, the spirits start sinking, so much so, people get moody, sad, and downright depressed. What a three-sixty degree shift!
Then finally with the parenthood comes that protective feeling that would make us keep those little ones inside the safe and dry. They might catch cold - although we have been told over and over by the doctors that it's not the cold but the virus that causes cold but in the heart of our hearts we just know it that we have to keep them warm.
Now we go full circle from here. Haven't we become our own parents. They would yell at us when we returned home in muddy clothes & shoes and dripping wet and mom would remind us continuously how bad is it out there and they'd make us promise as they changed us that we would never go out like that ever again. And we would do so only to get just one more chance to do that all over again.
So much for the collective fall of the drops from sky, the magical thing called - rain!
As a child the rains are absolute bliss. What can beat a chance to play in the free fall of water! Water everywhere...above below, right left and everywhere in between. Getting wet, splashing it all around, jumping in and out of muddy water puddles, making paper-boats everything is nothing short of magic.
In youth, the rain and the romance go hand in hand. You would give anything for a cozy stroll in rain with the loved one right next to you. The next best thing is to be with that special person in the toasty covers and listen to those drops splitting into tiny droplets in a mushy songlike rhythm.
With time, things change. The very idea of rain makes us ensure we have ways to avoid it or atleast prepare us to face it without it letting it us touch anywhere. We try to get out of the house when rains stop. If we have to leave the cozy home for anything we get set with raincoats, umbrellas and whatnot. And if we don't see the Sun for a few days, the spirits start sinking, so much so, people get moody, sad, and downright depressed. What a three-sixty degree shift!
Then finally with the parenthood comes that protective feeling that would make us keep those little ones inside the safe and dry. They might catch cold - although we have been told over and over by the doctors that it's not the cold but the virus that causes cold but in the heart of our hearts we just know it that we have to keep them warm.
Now we go full circle from here. Haven't we become our own parents. They would yell at us when we returned home in muddy clothes & shoes and dripping wet and mom would remind us continuously how bad is it out there and they'd make us promise as they changed us that we would never go out like that ever again. And we would do so only to get just one more chance to do that all over again.
So much for the collective fall of the drops from sky, the magical thing called - rain!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Baby blankets
Made this baby blankets for NiN.
These were knitted in garter st using the standard 'CO 1 st and then incr on either side' method. Both acrylic yarns, machine washable and bright colored. I thought about the babies all along the knitting and prayed for the welfare of the little bundles. I am not sure if I ever felt so much connection during knitting as much as I did this time.
These were knitted in garter st using the standard 'CO 1 st and then incr on either side' method. Both acrylic yarns, machine washable and bright colored. I thought about the babies all along the knitting and prayed for the welfare of the little bundles. I am not sure if I ever felt so much connection during knitting as much as I did this time.
Green Scarf
20 st in st. st. Knitted until ran out of yarn. Crocheted the ends.
Steam-ironed to kill the acrylic. Satisfactory output. Anyone has scarf requests, bring it on.
2 Pink Vests
If only I had better pictures to show off and waiting seems to be never ending. So I just put this entry up anyway. The actual vests are cute, functional, and pretty.
I haven't written a pattern, but that can be prepared on request.
I haven't written a pattern, but that can be prepared on request.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Baby Hat
To fit : 3 - 9 months
Yarn: Bernat Satin, medium
Needles: US 8
Swatch: 4 x 4 = 18 S x 24 R
Pattern
CO 70 st and transfer to the circulars.
Knit for 8 rows for the seam to roll.
Knit until the hat measures 6.5in.
Shaping
*K2tog, knit 6*, repeat for the round.
Knit a row.
*K2tog, knit 5*, repeat for the round.
Knit a row.
*K2tog, knit 4*, repeat for the round.
Knit a row.
*K2tog, knit 3*, repeat for the round.
Knit a row.
*K2tog, knit 2*, repeat for the round.
Knit a row.
*K2tog, knit 1*, repeat for the round.
Knit a row.
*K2tog, repeat for the round.
Make an i-cord for the remaining st.
Cut the yarn and pass it through the st when the i-cord measures 1 inch.
Block it lightly.
Yarn: Bernat Satin, medium
Needles: US 8
Swatch: 4 x 4 = 18 S x 24 R
Pattern
CO 70 st and transfer to the circulars.
Knit for 8 rows for the seam to roll.
Knit until the hat measures 6.5in.
Shaping
*K2tog, knit 6*, repeat for the round.
Knit a row.
*K2tog, knit 5*, repeat for the round.
Knit a row.
*K2tog, knit 4*, repeat for the round.
Knit a row.
*K2tog, knit 3*, repeat for the round.
Knit a row.
*K2tog, knit 2*, repeat for the round.
Knit a row.
*K2tog, knit 1*, repeat for the round.
Knit a row.
*K2tog, repeat for the round.
Make an i-cord for the remaining st.
Cut the yarn and pass it through the st when the i-cord measures 1 inch.
Block it lightly.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Winter Knitter Returns
.
As the days shrink, leaves fall and winter comes my inner knitter starts warming up to some serious knitting. I know it's time to open the carefully packed knitting machine and buy some new yarn (you know what happened to all my stash) for the winter projects. I just got a couple of skeins of this aptly named pure wool - harvest. I hope to make a toddler cardi for my little angel.
.
As the days shrink, leaves fall and winter comes my inner knitter starts warming up to some serious knitting. I know it's time to open the carefully packed knitting machine and buy some new yarn (you know what happened to all my stash) for the winter projects. I just got a couple of skeins of this aptly named pure wool - harvest. I hope to make a toddler cardi for my little angel.
.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Genius or Zaniness
I watched 'Factory Girl' few months ago and it brought back the debate that I had been having for a long time. What's genius? What is it anyway?
When it lurks at the borderline of madness, it just freaks the logic of true genius. Or may be that's the whole point! That of being on a completely different plane than the regular folks.
When we are provoked we are shocked, surprised, or confused. I think I am struggling with the last emotion at the time.
Is it both? What's absolutely amazing to some could be totally insane for others. They may have opposite views and still be correct. Well, that sort of makes sense. It really is about timing. If the timing is right, the new idea, the spark may turn into a trend, a tradition, a lifestyle, an icon, who knows what else.
That boils down to the knowledge of the right timing. Be it art, technology, retail, anything. (I think its making sense as I type this.) So many new ideas have died a premature death just because it was aired at the wrong time. There is no dearth of talent, smarts, and hard-work and still only a few make it to the top. Why? Because either they know how to recognize the right timing or they are lucky to be at the right place at the right time.
So there is hope. For everybody. Do your best and learn the art of projecting and presenting your ideas at the right time. Who knows you haven't recognized the genius within you until someone else points it for you.
If you haven't seen "Factory Girl", it's about Andy Warhol, the Campbell Soup guy. Question was if he was what he's been portrayed as or not?
.
When it lurks at the borderline of madness, it just freaks the logic of true genius. Or may be that's the whole point! That of being on a completely different plane than the regular folks.
When we are provoked we are shocked, surprised, or confused. I think I am struggling with the last emotion at the time.
Is it both? What's absolutely amazing to some could be totally insane for others. They may have opposite views and still be correct. Well, that sort of makes sense. It really is about timing. If the timing is right, the new idea, the spark may turn into a trend, a tradition, a lifestyle, an icon, who knows what else.
That boils down to the knowledge of the right timing. Be it art, technology, retail, anything. (I think its making sense as I type this.) So many new ideas have died a premature death just because it was aired at the wrong time. There is no dearth of talent, smarts, and hard-work and still only a few make it to the top. Why? Because either they know how to recognize the right timing or they are lucky to be at the right place at the right time.
So there is hope. For everybody. Do your best and learn the art of projecting and presenting your ideas at the right time. Who knows you haven't recognized the genius within you until someone else points it for you.
If you haven't seen "Factory Girl", it's about Andy Warhol, the Campbell Soup guy. Question was if he was what he's been portrayed as or not?
.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Life of Inanimate Object
.
A few weeks ago our microwave stopped doing what it's supposed to. That is, to heat. We thought that it was just a glitch and it will work fine after a while. All gadgets do that, malfunction sometimes but work okay otherwise. Just give them a break now and then. So I gave it a cooloff time for a few hours by not using it. Then later that day I put a cup of milk to warm, but nothing. Cold as it was before. Just like that. No warning, nothing. Simply not working. I checked for any loose connection, any other obvious signs but on the surface everything is just fine. Clock is working, light turns on when door is opened, turntable rotates when on, but just not warming.
I was not ready for this. My beloved microwave not working? It has never happened before. It will be fine, I assure myself. And then I tried to warn a glass of water. Okay, wait for 30 seconds and ding! I opened the door gently and took water out. Cold! Oh no.
I have this sinking feeling that something is wrong but I kept telling myself that it can be fixed. Sure, why not. A while ago, its wheel under turntable had broken and we fixed that and it worked just fine. Little bit shaky at times, but alright in all other respects. So, this time can't be any different.
Its behavior made me stop and think about its presence in our lives from the day we were a newlywed couple. Everything was new and everything was full of possibilities. When we received this as a wedding gift, it was more than a gadget, it was the beginning of experiments in culinary journey. We instantly fell in love with this and the bond grew stronger with each bowl of cereal that we warmed in it. Initially I followed every instruction of the manual and then trial phase began. I cooked, boiled, fried, and baked. I even placed steel dish in it just to see what happens. Okay, that was a bad idea, don't do it, ever!
Years passed. We moved from place to place and this moved with us. It was always the last to be packed and first to be opened during every move. It had been there for every occasion and had been part of every meal of the day. It reheated stuff countless times. But no more. Now after a few days of denial, we are finally convinced that after a very short ten years the time has come to say goodbye.
We look at its clock. It's showing the time, time for a change, time to move on. We take a deep breath and decide to let it go. We have to. We have a history and that needs to be told. We unplug it and put it in its box. A new one will be plugged in shortly after but we know nothing can replace our first from our hearts.
A few weeks ago our microwave stopped doing what it's supposed to. That is, to heat. We thought that it was just a glitch and it will work fine after a while. All gadgets do that, malfunction sometimes but work okay otherwise. Just give them a break now and then. So I gave it a cooloff time for a few hours by not using it. Then later that day I put a cup of milk to warm, but nothing. Cold as it was before. Just like that. No warning, nothing. Simply not working. I checked for any loose connection, any other obvious signs but on the surface everything is just fine. Clock is working, light turns on when door is opened, turntable rotates when on, but just not warming.
I was not ready for this. My beloved microwave not working? It has never happened before. It will be fine, I assure myself. And then I tried to warn a glass of water. Okay, wait for 30 seconds and ding! I opened the door gently and took water out. Cold! Oh no.
I have this sinking feeling that something is wrong but I kept telling myself that it can be fixed. Sure, why not. A while ago, its wheel under turntable had broken and we fixed that and it worked just fine. Little bit shaky at times, but alright in all other respects. So, this time can't be any different.
Its behavior made me stop and think about its presence in our lives from the day we were a newlywed couple. Everything was new and everything was full of possibilities. When we received this as a wedding gift, it was more than a gadget, it was the beginning of experiments in culinary journey. We instantly fell in love with this and the bond grew stronger with each bowl of cereal that we warmed in it. Initially I followed every instruction of the manual and then trial phase began. I cooked, boiled, fried, and baked. I even placed steel dish in it just to see what happens. Okay, that was a bad idea, don't do it, ever!
Years passed. We moved from place to place and this moved with us. It was always the last to be packed and first to be opened during every move. It had been there for every occasion and had been part of every meal of the day. It reheated stuff countless times. But no more. Now after a few days of denial, we are finally convinced that after a very short ten years the time has come to say goodbye.
We look at its clock. It's showing the time, time for a change, time to move on. We take a deep breath and decide to let it go. We have to. We have a history and that needs to be told. We unplug it and put it in its box. A new one will be plugged in shortly after but we know nothing can replace our first from our hearts.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
50 Things About Me
.
These are the 50 random things that somewhat define me including my quotations that are mostly experience based. You will see it's a random collection and to be taken lightly. Its an attempt to sort of introspect and let others know little bit more about me, just in case anyone is interested.
50. Enjoy interaction. Humans are the most beautiful and complicated creations.
49. Love soups.
48. One who loves dogs can't be unfaithful. Mostly.
47. Life is wonderful and death puts it into perspective.
46. I love love.
45. Good presentation is as important as the preparation.
44. I don't have a sweet tooth.
43. I am not superstitious.
42. I plan ahead and live in the moment.
41. Tell the truth. Always.
40. I have a inbuilt-radar for sincerity.
39. I have no favorites when it comes to colors. But red sure is a statement.
38. I don't know a lot of stuff but I do know where to look for information when I need it.
37. Money to me is a way to be able to help others.
36. Try to make the best out of any situation. But do apologize if you created the mess.
35. Treat others with the respect you give to yourself.
34. I don't tell my age unless you tell me how much you make.
33. I am frugal about shoes.
32. Stereotypes are not that bad.
31. I give what I think is the right advice. Even to people I don't like much.
30. I love to know more about healthy food but not when I am eating.
29. Kids are just the best thing. Enjoy them while you can.
28. Flowers are pretty but kindness is prettier. It's very underrated.
27. Hair is way overrated. If you are a good person who cares about what your hair look like.
26. Take control of your life or it controls you.
25. Read. It's old fashioned but still beats any other hobby.
24. Leave your footprint for future generations. Let this be your inspiration to be good.
23. Try something challenging yet sane. The line between bravery and stupidity is sometimes very blur. Especially at work.
22. I don't understand why even good people smoke or drink.
21. Some things are downright wrong and to make it right best way is to speak up. If it doesn't do any good shut up. And move on.
20. Celebrate just because.
19. Work hard. And work smart.
18. Watch movies with caution. It has stronger impact than you think.
17. Every day is different. A bad day just makes a good day worthwhile.
16. Don't eat meat. Neither good for you nor for environment.
15. You know what's right for you. If you don't, ask. But ask the right person.
14. Some people are mean. Accept it.
13. Some people are nice and to have them around is true blessing.
12. I don't believe in zodiac signs.
11. Cluttering is not good.
10. Aging is good. If you feel otherwise you're headed for disappointment, because time just moves forward.
9. I love the fact that everyone gets same hours a day, rich or poor.
8. When in doubt, think twice.
7. Surround yourself with things you love.
6. Going organic is hard but worth a shot.
5. Knitting is addictive.
4. So is painting but is not that time consuming.
3. If it doesn't sound right, it may not be right. Take precautions.
2. One size doesn't fit all, but there are exceptions.
1. Take the advice from someone who gives it sparingly.
.
These are the 50 random things that somewhat define me including my quotations that are mostly experience based. You will see it's a random collection and to be taken lightly. Its an attempt to sort of introspect and let others know little bit more about me, just in case anyone is interested.
50. Enjoy interaction. Humans are the most beautiful and complicated creations.
49. Love soups.
48. One who loves dogs can't be unfaithful. Mostly.
47. Life is wonderful and death puts it into perspective.
46. I love love.
45. Good presentation is as important as the preparation.
44. I don't have a sweet tooth.
43. I am not superstitious.
42. I plan ahead and live in the moment.
41. Tell the truth. Always.
40. I have a inbuilt-radar for sincerity.
39. I have no favorites when it comes to colors. But red sure is a statement.
38. I don't know a lot of stuff but I do know where to look for information when I need it.
37. Money to me is a way to be able to help others.
36. Try to make the best out of any situation. But do apologize if you created the mess.
35. Treat others with the respect you give to yourself.
34. I don't tell my age unless you tell me how much you make.
33. I am frugal about shoes.
32. Stereotypes are not that bad.
31. I give what I think is the right advice. Even to people I don't like much.
30. I love to know more about healthy food but not when I am eating.
29. Kids are just the best thing. Enjoy them while you can.
28. Flowers are pretty but kindness is prettier. It's very underrated.
27. Hair is way overrated. If you are a good person who cares about what your hair look like.
26. Take control of your life or it controls you.
25. Read. It's old fashioned but still beats any other hobby.
24. Leave your footprint for future generations. Let this be your inspiration to be good.
23. Try something challenging yet sane. The line between bravery and stupidity is sometimes very blur. Especially at work.
22. I don't understand why even good people smoke or drink.
21. Some things are downright wrong and to make it right best way is to speak up. If it doesn't do any good shut up. And move on.
20. Celebrate just because.
19. Work hard. And work smart.
18. Watch movies with caution. It has stronger impact than you think.
17. Every day is different. A bad day just makes a good day worthwhile.
16. Don't eat meat. Neither good for you nor for environment.
15. You know what's right for you. If you don't, ask. But ask the right person.
14. Some people are mean. Accept it.
13. Some people are nice and to have them around is true blessing.
12. I don't believe in zodiac signs.
11. Cluttering is not good.
10. Aging is good. If you feel otherwise you're headed for disappointment, because time just moves forward.
9. I love the fact that everyone gets same hours a day, rich or poor.
8. When in doubt, think twice.
7. Surround yourself with things you love.
6. Going organic is hard but worth a shot.
5. Knitting is addictive.
4. So is painting but is not that time consuming.
3. If it doesn't sound right, it may not be right. Take precautions.
2. One size doesn't fit all, but there are exceptions.
1. Take the advice from someone who gives it sparingly.
.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Smiling Woman: Sketch
.
Smiling Woman
9 x 12
Graphite and charcoal on paper
This is a warm-up project for the color portrait I am planning to work on. It's done from a black and white picture that I saved from a magazine. When the reference is not too varied in colors it's rather easier to reproduce. But at the same time it's too easy to pinpoint the slips on likeness.
There are a couple of important lessons that I learnt during and after I finished. One, choose the right paper. I meant to use Bristol but used classic cream instead because I forgot! I need to remember this for all the future projects. Two, Charcoal and graphite don't mix too well. I used 2B of both but I had to cottonball most of the charcoal for smooth burnishing.
This project was the shortest of all so far in the similar category. It took me just a weekend. That's progress. I think it's quite bold of me when I say I feel ready for a commission if anyone brings.
For future, I plan on drawing from live models and getting some published stuff about what I know. Well, we will see how distant future am I talking about but I am sure...soon.
Smiling Woman
9 x 12
Graphite and charcoal on paper
This is a warm-up project for the color portrait I am planning to work on. It's done from a black and white picture that I saved from a magazine. When the reference is not too varied in colors it's rather easier to reproduce. But at the same time it's too easy to pinpoint the slips on likeness.
There are a couple of important lessons that I learnt during and after I finished. One, choose the right paper. I meant to use Bristol but used classic cream instead because I forgot! I need to remember this for all the future projects. Two, Charcoal and graphite don't mix too well. I used 2B of both but I had to cottonball most of the charcoal for smooth burnishing.
This project was the shortest of all so far in the similar category. It took me just a weekend. That's progress. I think it's quite bold of me when I say I feel ready for a commission if anyone brings.
For future, I plan on drawing from live models and getting some published stuff about what I know. Well, we will see how distant future am I talking about but I am sure...soon.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Birthday Gift
.
I had been looking forward to my birthday to claim this from my sweetheart. And now that he gave it to me I am just too happy! I received multiple things and this is the best - a colored pencil set all to myself!
I have done all the homework and ready to start my new project but I just want to make sure its perfect as I always imagined it to be. I can't really wait!
.
I had been looking forward to my birthday to claim this from my sweetheart. And now that he gave it to me I am just too happy! I received multiple things and this is the best - a colored pencil set all to myself!
I have done all the homework and ready to start my new project but I just want to make sure its perfect as I always imagined it to be. I can't really wait!
.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Yellow Umbrella: Oil Painting
.
I am delighted to have this painting realized(instead of saying finished)to the most of my efforts. As always I feel a mixed bag of emotions when a project is completed. Sense of accomplishment, conveyance of mood, and then emptiness for some unknown reasons. It happens pretty much every time. A void, a vacuum, something like that.
The journey of this project was full of surprises, encounters with nice people and an array of unexpected twists. The very idea of starting this project stemmed from my desire for originality, challenge and realism. So, I started looking for the appropriate subject and one day leafing through the pages of Portland I saw this picture that I would use as a reference.
Reference Photo
I guess it arrested me for it's uniqueness. It was all I was looking for. To paint a human in it's likeness sounded like a challenge for a novice like me. Plus it has color, mood, and sensitivity of a moment captured. So, I sought blessings of Tim Jewett to use his picture for my work and he gladly did.
Untitled
18 x 20
Oil on canvas
I was so excited to put my skills to work that first thing I did was to paint the woman. The rest of the work has been developed after and around her. It was not the most common thing to do, but I am glad I did that because once she came alive on the canvas, rest got painted all by itself.
Despite my efforts, I haven't found a suitable title for this work that took me nearly 2.5 months to finally get it off my canvas. Hope that changes soon. I borrowed the book from library and after multiple renewals, I had to return it back. I hoped to get it back in a few days but that never happened as the book got lost. It still is missing! Buying the book was prohibitively pricey. So, the project was forcibly suspended.
In August, I received an easel from hubby dear(xoxo - I heart you!) and I couldn't resist to work on it. It's around this time I had a light-bulb moment! I had taken a picture of the picture in the book and thought why not take a printout of that to see if that might work as a reference picture! I did and it did. I put up the canvas on easel and it was absolute fun to paint using this.
Once I developed this background after a couple of different combinations, inspiring from another picture of a rainy day I stopped on further build-up. I realized that has to be it.
I used only one brush for everything and seldom used any medium, just the paint. I think for the future projects I would need some more brushes but for now, this is just right. Before I end this post, I must mention that my work has been incomplete without art encounters with Steve Allrich and Lee Hammond via their books. They are very talented people.
I am delighted to have this painting realized(instead of saying finished)to the most of my efforts. As always I feel a mixed bag of emotions when a project is completed. Sense of accomplishment, conveyance of mood, and then emptiness for some unknown reasons. It happens pretty much every time. A void, a vacuum, something like that.
The journey of this project was full of surprises, encounters with nice people and an array of unexpected twists. The very idea of starting this project stemmed from my desire for originality, challenge and realism. So, I started looking for the appropriate subject and one day leafing through the pages of Portland I saw this picture that I would use as a reference.
Reference PhotoI guess it arrested me for it's uniqueness. It was all I was looking for. To paint a human in it's likeness sounded like a challenge for a novice like me. Plus it has color, mood, and sensitivity of a moment captured. So, I sought blessings of Tim Jewett to use his picture for my work and he gladly did.
Untitled18 x 20
Oil on canvas
I was so excited to put my skills to work that first thing I did was to paint the woman. The rest of the work has been developed after and around her. It was not the most common thing to do, but I am glad I did that because once she came alive on the canvas, rest got painted all by itself.
Despite my efforts, I haven't found a suitable title for this work that took me nearly 2.5 months to finally get it off my canvas. Hope that changes soon. I borrowed the book from library and after multiple renewals, I had to return it back. I hoped to get it back in a few days but that never happened as the book got lost. It still is missing! Buying the book was prohibitively pricey. So, the project was forcibly suspended.
In August, I received an easel from hubby dear(xoxo - I heart you!) and I couldn't resist to work on it. It's around this time I had a light-bulb moment! I had taken a picture of the picture in the book and thought why not take a printout of that to see if that might work as a reference picture! I did and it did. I put up the canvas on easel and it was absolute fun to paint using this.
Once I developed this background after a couple of different combinations, inspiring from another picture of a rainy day I stopped on further build-up. I realized that has to be it.
I used only one brush for everything and seldom used any medium, just the paint. I think for the future projects I would need some more brushes but for now, this is just right. Before I end this post, I must mention that my work has been incomplete without art encounters with Steve Allrich and Lee Hammond via their books. They are very talented people.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Graphite Portrait in progress
Untitled
9" x 12"
Graphite on Bristol
I used a reference photo that was taken the day I had had my hair curled. It was a sunny afternoon and I wasn't too sure about this change.
In the portrait, I hoped to show the time of the day by light and dark areas. Also, there is an attempt to capture the conspicuous conscious smile. I have yet to sign and title this. Do you have any suggestion before I take this off of my workboard in a couple of days?
Friday, July 24, 2009
Break in Blogging
As most of you have noticed I am missing from the blogging scene for almost a month. There is a lot going on in real life that I am not able to justify the time set aside for this. All good though!
I hope to return in a short while and will post the finished and ongoing work. You all have fun and enjoy everything you love to do.
I hope to return in a short while and will post the finished and ongoing work. You all have fun and enjoy everything you love to do.
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