sketch migration

article

2009-01-15T18:47:00.000-08:00

woohoo!
Faith is in a North County Times article!
(mentions Studio 2nd Street too!)

click here and then scroll down about half way or so.

Live Painting @ Bar Basic

2008-05-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

Unite & Dash, oil on canvas, 36"x48"
collaboration by Vanessa Lemen and Faith Lindley

well, it's been a couple months since that last post,
and things have definitely changed since then.
It's great to have you back around again at the studio!

Here are a few pics from painting live @ Bar Basic.
Really loved the place and the peeps. Hope to do it again.
..and especially hope we collaborate again too.

..some snaps of the painting in progress..

This pic shows the initial lay-in of the portraits:

This is Unite with the painting in progress:

And here is Dash with the painting at the end:

And here we are again :)

oh.. also.. wanted to answer a question that I heard a lot by people who saw the painting afterwards: Who did which portrait?
We both worked on both - or really, all parts of the painting. I worked out an image in PS ahead of time, not knowing what the event would be like in terms of set-up and lighting etc. Ron and I have done some photo shoots with Unite and Dash previously, so we had some cool images to work from. I prepped the canvas ahead of time with the red, yellow, green stripes in acrylic so it dried fast and we worked in oil on top of that. We were told that we would be able to work from life, but realized when we got there that the venue isn't really set up for that. We were going to be painting the dj's from life. Unite and Dash were dj'ing in the back and it was really dark there. The area that was set up in the front for the art was great - good lighting, good amount of space - and the dj's were around the corner. So, having the image to work from worked out perfect. We were prepared for anything, both of us work from life every day - which really helps with situations like this, dealing with time constraints and changing circumstances, and we know how to work together in terms of constructive criticism and knowing each other's temperament, etc. It was a really great time, and we hope to do it again soon!

hello!..see you soon!

2008-03-09T21:01:00.001-07:00

I kept meaning to take a photo - we'd even be in class and say 'okay now we should take one so we don't forget' but alas, somehow each class just got past us... but here are four hoodlums you may remember. ;) everyone else says hello too. :)

I wanted to get back to you real quick because 1) I meant to post sooner (still have some words about the last post), and 2) you mentioned getting some feedback on your last image. I don't really know the story behind the image and how you intended to treat each character, but my advice is going to be more from an aesthetic perspective. You might try looking at the piece as a whole as far as bringing it up in dimensionality and/or graphic read, and color. Do you intend to have bits of realism and bits of a more linear feel? If so, where should the mixed elements be, and how can you find a stronger balance between the two? For example, the skull is the most 'rendered', the girl is more graphic, the rest is more linear/graphic. And the background and the foreground are not integrated accept in areas like the hair a bit. All of the foreground elements, though they differ in dimensional quality, are essentially black and white, and could benefit from some the background color being integrated into them more. Take a look at your piece with the whole picture in mind (even squint too maybe), and see if this makes sense or if you feel any changes are necessary... it's in a short amount of time, I suppose - if by tomorrow, I mean. so... Most importantly.. Be selective. Observe. Don't fuss. Hope that helps and/or makes sense. :/

Our new class list is up on our site. no images yet, but the descriptions are there on the pdf to download. The new session starts March 24th. Also, we'll be having a show this Friday night coming up. March 14th. Along with the galleries next door - Off Track - their grand opening - they're on the corner, sort of next door - 2nd and D), and Winged Light Gallery (in the courtyard with us).

when are you back in Encinitas?

more very soon.

one down!

2008-03-09T18:08:00.001-07:00

I believe this is finished. . . hanging on to it a little longer in case I change my mind, but I have to give it to my friend by tomorrow, any input?

Getting There

2008-02-27T10:40:00.001-08:00

I love the new paintings! the one with the pipes is awesome. seems like a good way to come out of a funk. I also reeaally love the sketch from Steven Assaels workshop, so rad. That Lion reminds me of the good ol' days. Can't wait to take classes! I'll keep on the look out for the new ones getting posted! woohoo!
Congrats to Ron, thats awesome! :) Sounds really cool but to be honest I don't really know exactly what that means? what happens now that he's on it? eek i should totally know this, sorry :/
The Library looks cool too, hope they get some good art related books in there.
As for my midterm he didn't give me the book back yet but he left me a note in my mail box. Totally bombed it he hated it so much he said he wasn't going to give me any credit for it. oh well, saw it coming and I enjoyed making it.
ok Here's what I've been working on!

Some stuff from Erics Beltz's class . . . the GOOD class

The start of a painting I'm doing in Gauche and Ink as a part of an art swap with someone. The idea for it was actually inspired by a painting you showed the teen class back at Watts. a painting your friend gave you with the praying mantis ect. . . well in this painting theres Antler girl (my thing ) and Polar Bear Skull man (my friends thing). They're havin' a chat. =P

This is a replicating assignment for Dans Painting Materials class. I think I told you how I had to really fight to get to do this painting in the first place. I'm sure you know but It's by Sam Weber. . . former illustrator for I.e. Time magazine. So obviously Dan doesn't like it because illustrators aren't REAL artists.
In any case I brought this in for a sort of half way point crit. I had to present what I had learned so far and explain what i was learning bla bla bla. . . mid presentation Dan decides to add, "You know Faith, You had a banquet of works you could have chosen to replicate and this choice was like deciding to go to McDonald's instead."

. . .wow.

emerging from submerging

2008-02-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

...up to the same, pretty much – drawing, painting, teaching, etc. And getting our new session’s schedule worked out, the studio website stuff (hopefully posting soon!).. Here are a few random images of some recent paintings/drawing…

A new machinery/pipes and head painting, ‘Submerged’
oil – from imagination
A drawing in my sketchbook during the Steven Assael workshop
from life/imagination
A painting of a lion head mask hanging on a board
oil - demo from a still life
A painting of a clown doll head
oil - demo from a still life.
1) the underpainting, and then 2) I added more color with a combination of glazes and opaque paint in the lights (sorry about the glare on that one).

The short story picture book sounds cool. My sis and I are talking about an idea/project/blog that might be kind of similar. Anyway, I’d love to see your project – of course! You might be surprised on the grade you get, I bet. Unless you started and finished it on the night before it was due. heh.. but you never know. sometimes that's when it comes together best.. but anyway, good that it felt fulfilling. It’s also good to hear some positive things about this one teacher you have, and that you’re seeing a difference in your drawings as you’re learning more anatomy. I’m looking forward to seeing your drawings. Just take pics instead of scanning… Yay for Devotchka! I’ve been listening to some new random stuff. When I painted the Submerged painting, I listened to Eluvium a lot. And the Bob Dylan poem Last Thoughts on Woody Guthrie. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed at the time, and that painting is what came out. And for now (since painting it), the funk is out of my system too. Oh yeah, and I went to the opening of the new library in Encinitas yesterday (and it was packed!). It’s really nice. And the view is awesome too, overlooking downtown Encinitas and the ocean.
oh!... and Ron was voted onto the Arts Commission for the city of Encinitas last week. :D

...post some of those drawings soon. :)

Ratatouille!!!

2008-02-12T21:59:00.001-08:00

oh man what an awesome comparison! I liked that movie but I never would have made that connection. . . its all so true.
I'm still felling impatient about coming home, especially since I've been having midterms for the past week or so. yuck.
Sorry the last post was hard to follow =/.
I've been listening to DeVotchKa quite a bit lately, it reminds me of you and 2nd st....awww.
Eric Beltz's class has been going well and I've been applying most of my time to it. Oh man, he's teaching the coolest class next quarter! Drawing monsters! how fun right?! unfortunately not fun enough to make me want to stay lol.
Mainly what I've been working on has been lots of homework for the drawing class. I'm learning some anatomy and i think its starting to help.
I'm coming home this weekend, if you aren't too busy maybe we could catch up and i could show you my sketch book? then you can see what I've been up to. Unfortunately i can't figure how to get my roommate's scanner to work with my computer. If I could then I would just post some drawings here.
Oh! almost forgot! I wrote the most ridiculous midterm essay for my art theory class. did I tell you about it already? In any case it turned into a short story/picture book. rreeeaalllyy strange. kinda funny but mostly strange. It was written in a rather sleep drunk state, you know one of those papers that sounds awesome as you're writing and then the next day you read it over and wonder who wrote it... yeah one of those. I haven't heard back from my teacher yet but it will be interesting when he does get back to me. I'm not really expecting a good grade, and since the class doesn't matter much anymore, I figured I would just do something that felt fulfilling to me and not really worry about grades. Hopefully my teacher will get it back to me before this weekend so I can take it home for some show and tell =P
How bout you, what have you been up to?

a little guy with a big dream...

2008-02-10T17:34:00.000-08:00

So I guess I caught a bit of a cold or something a few days ago.. Anyway, I spent time sleeping and trying to get over this thing, reading, writing a bit, and I did some painting too. :) I will post that soon.
Then last night, Ron and I watched Ratatouille on dvd. It was really great. I was struck by two dialogs in particular in the film (not to mention the awesome animation and art!), and I thought of you and your quest for life as an artist (which you are already living, by the way.. in response to your “I feel very ready to start my life as an artist.”) You already are. You were since I met you. but I understand what you mean.

First, here is a turning point in the movie, a talk between Remy (main character/rat) and Django (Remy’s dad). Imagine this being a dialog between you (as Remy) and your 3-hour coffee break “I don’t want to influence you” teacher. (The only difference being that his dad eventually does come around, and this teacher you had has completely given up, and now simply exists from day to day – needles to say, he has influenced you by showing you what not to become, and thankfully you are able to see that). I could also replace these two characters with a couple of people as well, and you may find that you will be able to again from time to time...

Django: [showing the exterminator shop to Remy with the dead rats in the window] The world we live in belongs to the enemy, we must live carefully. We look out for our own kind, Remy. When all is said and done, we're all we've got.
[Django starts to walk away]
Remy: [defiantly] No. Dad, I don't believe it. You're telling me that the future is - can only be - more of this?
Django: This is the way things are; you can't change nature.
Remy: Change is nature, Dad. The part that we can influence. And it starts when we decide.
Django: [Remy turns to leave] Where are you going?
Remy: With luck, forward.

And the second quote from the movie is at the end..
The antagonist in the film, the food critic Anton Ego, writes a very poignant and insightful review...In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations, the new needs friends. Last night, I experienced something new, an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the meal and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about fine cooking is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core. In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau's famous motto: Anyone can cook. But I realize, only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere. It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the genius now cooking at Gusteau's, who is, in this critic's opinion, nothing less than the finest chef in France. I will be returning to Gusteau's soon, hungry for more.
what have you been up to lately?...

no more duckin out...

2008-02-05T00:20:00.000-08:00

That last post is a doozie.. tough one to follow...
I have some catching up to do…

well for now, this is re: your ‘I don’t really know’ post..

This little painting of mine caused quite a stir.
Do you remember this story?

Here’s the brief recap, minus emotion: On the morning of the reception, the gallery owner demanded (pacing, waving his arms) it be taken down because it would offend his clients. We compromised (unbeknownst to him) and moved the painting to a different (less central) location. It ended up being quite a conversation piece, and ended up being the first painting to sell at the reception. (That may have been my briefest recap ever). The point? That painting made quite an impact – both positive and negative. And I am definitely willing to accept that. Still, I have to laugh when it’s all said and done because it’s quite a tame painting in my opinion (it's a fricking plein air painting!), and there were others of swami’s and missions with crosses.. who knows what’s going on in people’s heads… it’s hard enough keeping track of everything in my own sometimes. But I try to pay attention to these things and use them as fuel and inspiration for more paintings and ideas.
So… re: your board painting.. I’m so glad you have someone that close to you that will give you such an honest response instead of thinking they have to walk on eggshells because it might be hard for you to hear. You're free to do whatever you want with your work. You can hide it away and keep it to yourself if you want to. But if you do choose to put it out there, you're going to make it harder on yourself by being so self-conscious (pot calling the kettle black). But here’s the thing… these are off the cuff responses - we all say things differently, and sometimes it’s hard to hear in the moment what’s actually being said (Imagine yourself asking 'when you say gross, do you mean that the gouge is painted so convincingly that it is physically difficult for you to look at?'). Anyway, just don't forget to take it in and assimilate it. And remember that your way of speaking through paint can be left for several different interpretations. And that’s something that’s so cool about it. The thing to keep in mind here is that it’s making someone feel something…and something really strong.

But then, we can all truly benefit from “explain this sh*t” too.. ha!

Onward!

2008-02-03T19:36:00.000-08:00

What I've gained from my university experience:
I feel very ready to start my life as an artist. I think people come to public universities to figure out their direction in life and I'm really grateful to have already known mine. (thus, university... not for me) I think I've known what i want/need to do with my life for a long time, how much I paid attention to it or recognized it before I couldn't say. To sum up my direction would be to say that I need practice and to cultivate different aspects of being an artist to the best of my ability in order to get imagery from my head to something physical, visual, tangible . This is what I have to offer the world and for my life to be fulfilling I have to do my very best and become the best artist i can. sounds obvious and hoakie, but i feel motivated as a result, so what evs. I've become very anxious to return to Encinitas with ideas of art projects, shows, and museums. And as it is not the defining reason to return home it is a plus. . . The enormous amount of money I'll save! That I can then spend to actually forward my art education sooo much more! it wouldn't make sense to anyone who hasn't experienced it for themselves.
That's been a little hard. . . People really don't understand how an art education needs to work (for my goals at least). Everyone (who doesn't know me well) assumes I'm lost and doomed to starvation, homelessness, and drugs (starving artist lifstyle? lol. jokes) oh well, what they think is the least of my worries. I just need to stay focused and motivated to do well. I'm really looking forward to good classes. As I have only had one good studio art class so far, I have been called to consider what makes a good class. Here are some ideas I had about what does and doesn't make for a successful teacher/class.

Having reason to respect the teacher is always good.
respect can be dependent upon good model etiquette. closed doors, windows, teacher supervision, maintains comfortable temperture, pays model well, no implied tipping. Things you think would be universal for a figure drawing class. But know all of these were in fact neglected or done poorly in one of my other figure drawing classes here at SB. Models, if you want to know who to hunt down, just email me or something sometime I would be more than happy to contribute to that creepy ol' guy getting what he deserves.
Art students. . . also avoid that guy. He would often not even show up to class (3 hour coffee break). Cliche advice of the day, no personalized advice. Teachers work displayed little knowledge about the subject. Referred to ancient greek pottery for ideal example of perspective. lawl!. . . you know the forward facing body and profile feet. . . Claimed works by Henry Yan and Steven Asseal to be "unsophisticated". I dropped that class. . .
Teacher should be up to date with directions, movements, and trends in art. Not stuck in Dadaism sitting around for the next big "ism" to stamp "property of UCSB" on to.
Teacher should be as open minded/supportive of students personal goals as possible. *cough* instead of shoving obsolete perspectives down their throats.
Instead of expecting your students to know when to ask for help, when they're screwing up help them!!! that is if you know how? Odds are the student doesn't know they're screwing up or they wouldn't be making the technical mistake in the first place. (in some cases, not all)
Don't be an ass. . . Instead of approaching a personal critique with "Explain this shit!" (direct quote) maybe ask with a less arrogant and disabling intro.
Teachers should do their best to not attempt living vicariously through their students. In other words, avoid mini me syndrome.

I'll add more in the future but that's what I have for right now.

I don't really know. . .

2008-01-31T13:42:00.000-08:00

you're right. . . And I didn't even take it down for any good reasons really. I talked about/showed Michael the painting and it kinda grossed him out and he said it hurt to look at. He didn't intend it in a mean way, he was just sharing his reaction. I think from anyone else I wouldn't have cared but because I care about him it made me self conscious. I don't know what I was thinking, it obviously was never intended to be a feel good painting.
The Clown Banner is Awesome! I really like it, I also imagine it's even more affecting in full size and out in the world though. Is it hanging yet or when do they hang them? I'm coming home for a long weekend in a few weeks maybe I'll get to see it then?

where's the board?

2008-01-25T16:04:00.000-08:00

hey, what happened to the board painting? I really like that one. especially how you handled the area where the gouge and drips are.. why's it gone?

here's the banner for the 101 thing this year.
Harlequin.
Harlequin is a peaceful and easy-going clown who is genuine and hopeful enough to brave the outside world regardless of the dogmatic fears of clowns that have been placed in the minds of so many by the Entrenched Attitude Society.

Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!

2008-01-03T17:14:00.000-08:00

New Years in Japan was spent in Tokyo standing in lines on the streets at midnight (freezing btw) in order to get into the local shrine. once we got there it was awesome, still a mob scene, but awesome nonetheless. The shrine was classic, it had one of those big round bridges and it was all orange, white and green. we eventually figured out we were in a line to get to the entrance of the shrine where we would throw a coin into a box, ring a bell, bow twice, clap twice, bow once, aanndd then you get to make a wish.
here is a picture of the shrine during the day so you can see what it looks like.
Happy New Years to you too! how was it over there?

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T10:23:00.000-08:00

so how was New Years Eve in Japan? can't wait to hear!..
I'll post more later.. just wanted to say Happy New Year!
=D

every truly great accomplishment is at first impossible

2007-11-19T11:32:00.000-08:00

(fortune cookie wisdom)

~ edit ~ okay.. I put it all back.. ;)
Hey Faith. You are missed here too. It was great to see you at the show, and to get to hang out for a bit. I’m glad to hear that you will be transferring to the other college. That was what the drawing teacher was telling you when he said that maybe you should try the college of Letters and Science. I went researching it all (wrote this before in a different post) and found that they have a better foundational art program there - what you are looking for. I have also spoken to a couple people who know the program there and their thoughts are that it is not for you, so you are doing the right thing. I’m not sure of what validity the conceptual college has, but I suppose that’s an oxymoron anyway. It seems that even the instruction is conceptual, but he did give you good advice in the beginning, and I’m glad you’re taking it now. I’m also very glad that something there has spawned a solid work ethic. With as much experiential examples Ron or I could have shown you before you left, I suppose it was a bit too early to truly see (also because we don’t tend to go on about ourselves too much either) and I’m glad that something clicked there amidst other more frustrating circumstances, and that you are seeing that now. This is becoming even more engrained in you than it was before, and that’s when things start to come together. You’re making sure that what you love to do is the first and foremost thing in your life. I have written and re-written you since your last post, and I can’t seem to narrow down all the things that I would like to say. I think the fact that we used to see each other almost every day, and those times when we used to hang out after class and talk were really great because we could go on about so many things. Sometimes putting it in writing is so difficult without feeling like I’m just blathering (did I just say that?) on or sounding too preachy. So I apologize if I ever do, but let me say just this (and then elaborate a little): You are responsible for your own experiences – or lack there of. And sometimes the toughest thing about being a creative person is accepting it and getting used to it. Just as everyone does, you have thoughts, opinions, your own voice, your own temperament, preferences, likes, dislikes, (I could go on).. and most of all, you are aware. Sometimes your awareness hurts, is extremely frustrating, or can even make you feel very alone. This will happen occasionally. But to take the route of boredom over those feelings that awareness gives you, would be far from who you are. Just don’t fight it so much, and it won’t hurt so much. The fighting comes from other voices. Listen to yours. All of this has more to do with living, and less to do with a career path. Choosing to put art in your life as a constant is more a choice that has to do with living and less to do with a career path. The other parts work themselves out. (and btw, it has nothing to do with luck either, no matter what any person who doesn’t understand this would have you believe). Remember when you were asking everyone’s advice a while back about whether you should stay here in Encinitas, or go away to college. You had a ton of people that were giving you advice. All said to go. Some of us really gave it some thought, and to some, it was an automatic. As much as we all would like to tell you what we think might happen based on our own experiences, I think you are finding that out on your own, and I am glad. That’s why you had to go, and eventually you may go again but somewhere else - and you will find things out on your own. Not that we’re not all here for you. We are and we always will be – wherever you go, and whatever you do.

To every one who has been giving me advice

2007-11-16T00:44:00.000-08:00

I miss everybody so much.
here's a plan, I'm going to stick it out this year and then I'll see you guys next year and over the summer. sounds good to me! I really thought that getting out of encinitas and being on my own would be a good experience. Which I did, and now I realize that I love encinitas and it's a great place to be. More importantly, studio second street is amazing! i don't know how I lucked out so much. To have that kind of instruction when i was 14 was quite an opportunity. I plan to really kick it into gear when I come back. One thing I've learned here is "how to develop a studio practice" or in other words, work hard often, lol.
As for my teachers, I told them what I'm looking for and what is important to me. And as for the drawing teacher too stubborn even for tracing paper, and you know why? because he isn't very good at drawing. The last class, he showed up for the first 15 minutes of a 3 hour class and then just left. someone saw him wandering around the halls with a Starbucks cup later. jerk.
I discovered recently that the art department I'm in considers themselves "conceptual." whoops. didn't catch that before. So next quarter I'm signing up for art classes in a different college here at UCSB. They are supposedly more interested in skill, which is what I'm looking for. The degree doesn't matter to me, i think I just needed an experience. I had to see for myself I guess. Curiosity killed the cat though...
I haven't really found many students who have similar ideas about art as me. people discredit having a good foundation a lot here. I'm just going to do my best and try to make the most of it. Thanks for all the support you guys, you're the best =)

about time

2007-11-09T00:30:00.000-08:00

wow it really changed a lot. thanks for telling me your other painting had hands or hooves actually. I like the idea of using hooves for hands. Cool. That’s great that Andrew Wyeth and Odd Nerdrum have come up. Seems to work that way, eh.
The artist you asked about: Jerome Witkin
Good paper to try: Strathmore 500 or Windpower Drawing Paper
Oh yeah.. and remind me to tell you the story of how JimDad really saved the day.. :)
but right before that, I felt like I was going to spontaneously combust.

Here’s another that will be in the show: Self Portrait with Dream-To-Voice-Box Device: I have developed this device over time, but sometimes it malfunctions. There are so-called glitches. But sometimes those lead to something unexpected and exciting, so I haven’t bothered to mess with it.

It’s interesting to see how your deer woman paintings are evolving. I mean individually and as a whole. This last one makes me feel very chilly. Temper tantrums eh. ..means good stuff is ahead.

See you very soon. :)

2007-11-05T11:57:00.001-08:00

pretty much done? maybe? I got really frustrated with this one and it ended in a two year old temper tantrum, complete with yelling, cursing , and crying. lol. what a dork =P
any thoughts?

citizen LA

2007-11-03T00:13:00.000-07:00

woohoo for the Citizen LA! click here
more soon... ("our buddy odd" ..ha ha!).. ;)

2007-11-02T13:11:00.001-07:00

ewwie, ashes. Glad everyone is doing well though and that all is back to the way it should be. I miss our Kealani's lunch breaks too =(. I miss good/cheap food also, i totally took it for granted.
I'm getting close to being done with the white one. The image posted is a detail picture and only a small portion of the canvas. The first deer painting does have hands in the painting. the photo is just bad and cut off there because i wasn't finished yet. sorry about that. And actually she has hooves (hooves? hoofs?). Thanks for the tips on the drawings I'll try that in my next one. By the way, my last drawing from that class totally sucked. Mainly because my teacher won't let me draw on newsprint any more and had me draw on this fancy paper that was really rough. know of any good paper to try? Oh I also wanted to ask about an artist book you showed me a while back. artist from the seventies I believe really large paintings of rather morbid/political subject matter. I can't remember his name maybe you can help me out?
in one of my classes the other day we a had a discussion involving Andrew Wyeth, that made me happy. Oh! and during a critique where i was showing my progression from the last painting of the deer women to the current white one, a girl told me I should look up Odd Nerdrum. She asked if I had heard of him and I was like YES! very exciting ^-^ hhhuuugggeee compliment that my work could somehow even somewhat relate to him.
I love the cornucopia head, it is totally awesome. Zoe's brother sounds like a crack up. But seriously, that painting is incredible. I love the way the girl exists in the environment and lighting you created, its really beautiful, i like the feeling I get from it =). it's a real jaw dropper. Our buddy Odd would be stoked i think =P. I'm assuming this will be in your show in LA, if so I can't wait to see it in person. I bet that's a whole other story. My mother saw the painting on the blog before me and called me and said "are you near your computer? because you have to see Vanessa's new painting!" pretty epic.
I will think more about the arrow, thanks for your thoughts on it, can't wait to hear more.
P.S. entered the deer lady into a student work group art show. i was one of the only ones rejected from it. haha =P oh wellz

head o' plenty

2007-10-31T00:12:00.000-07:00

hello!
Well, I’m back and we are all safe from the fires, zoe and sadie are snug. Nobody had to use the studio to evacuate to..it was full of ashes anyway.. ugh, took a while to clean, but it’s safe as well as our home, so we are very thankful. Classes are back in session after the fires too, and it’s really good to see everyone again. Missed you today when I went to Kaelani’s between classes.
So, this painting looks good. I really like what you’ve shown of it so far…the hint of skin tone in some areas is nicely done. It’s the most you, so far, out of all the ones you’ve posted. I look forward to seeing the rest of the painting and how it evolves. I was thinking about the use of the arrow (symbol vs. metaphor), but since I haven’t seen the rest of the painting, I might wait til then. (..but.. see the comments below the painting in this post too..) Hopefully the hands aren’t cut off, right? The last one you posted.. don’t want to paint hands? Or causing an uncomfortable feeling for the viewer? (ie: where they are cropped and how they are positioned could be a bit disconcerting to the viewer..which may be what you’re going for? Especially coupled with the stiffness of the pose and the subject looking directly at the viewer..). This new one (b&w with arrow) is much more dynamic in the pose – good stuff. Keep going, can’t wait to see. Also, I agree with what Nathalie says in her comments about the boards you used for the painting of the couple. The application of paint is good overall in all of them, I’m seeing that you’re experimenting with different effects with the materials.. Some of the brushwork in this last one is really great. The drawings are looking pretty good. A bit stiff and outlined overall though. Try incorporating the environment.. think about the overall composition of values as a whole picture and less focused on just rendering the figure. Lose some edges, for example. Where do the edges of the figure get lost into the background? Think more abstractly instead of figure with outline pasted on white paper. Well, anyway, some things to think about I hope.

Here is a new painting that will be in the show in LA on the 10th…Zoey’s little brother came in to class and pointed at it and yelled…Cornucopia Head! ..awesome.. oh!.. Happy Halloween! :)

I just noticed that you added more to your post on the 20th. I will definitely add feedback regarding some of those questions very soon. For now, think about this... when they ask why, it's not that you have to answer exactly why, but think about other ways metaphorically to illustrate your ideas. For example, as I alluded to above, the arrow to the heart with blood is a stark symbol. How can you visually describe the concept of what the arrow and blood represent in different ways besides showing an arrow to the heart with blood? make the message more close to your own heart. Speaking from your own unique experience or take on the subject, and less straightforward symbolism. From my own experience, (even though you mentioned that you don't care if other people understand or relate), this will speak universally, and more powerfully. And may lead to many different interpretations at the same time.

...more soon...

everybody ok down there?

2007-10-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

I hear the fire situation has much improved down there. Are you guys alright? how about the kids (Zoe and Sadie)? Did any one else have to use the studio as home base? everyone's homes are ok?
i hope all is well =/

I'm working on a new piece. it's way different for me which is why i think i did it. It's outside the comfort zone and it's been good practice as well. experimenting with thin and thick paint, as well as color or lack of.
check it?

The first assignment yet! woo! our first assignment was to do another painting that relates to the last one we did but make it significantly different. Thus the same character but in a very different environment. I wanted to see if i could use white to create an interesting environment. Its pretty hard and I've been messing with it a lot. The photos above are close ups/details the canvas is bigger and there is more to come. this is where I'm at right now. any ideas?

Fires in San Diego

2007-10-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

I hope to post more soon regarding art and other projects, but for now, click here to visit my post regarding the fires and the last few days here.

Hope all is well with you

2007-10-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

here is a drawing and another painting I'm working on. my painting teacher told me I should always be working on multiple paintings. I don't know if I agree but I'm going to try it out anyway. School is going a little better I think. I'm learning a lot from myself which is pretty exciting.
any constructive criticism for them?

Unlock the door, look at people's work, not say anything, is exactly how instruction goes here. It's interesting you brought up grades a while ago because in the college of creative studies we don't really have grades. you just get more or less units depending on how hard you're working/how well you do in a class. This is supposed to encourage us to take more classes and push ourselves.
Next quarter i will take some classes in the college of letters and sciences. There is one instructor there, a mr. eric beltz, who supposedly teaches drawing and painting? i've heard good things. In Letters and Sciences i will have grades, it will be a more traditional way of running classes.
I've had a difficult time articulating my work to my instructors and fellow classmates. I guess right now my art is this borderline subconscious spill of symbolism that speaks of my feelings in relation to the world around me. Is this immature and oh god. . . arbitrary or trite? It feels genuine to me, but i feel like others may think it's not out there enough. not that it even matters what they think. oh my god, look at me. what a dork. I guess I'm just trying to understand where they are coming from and why they would think that about my work.
How do you talk about your work? I always feel really on the spot and like I'm being attacked. my painting teacher always bombards me with millions of whys. Sometimes i don't know the answer to why when it's not finished because it's still piecing itself together.
oh boy. . .
Maybe if you get the chance you could talk about your clown painting that you're working on?
the art world is a bizarre place.
As for the painting on the floor boards. I see what everyone is saying. i went into it going "hey this would be interesting to paint on." I didn't think to consider the painting surface as part of the subject or how it would interfere with the subject for that matter. In any case it was a good learning experience =) thanks for the crit.

So far

2007-10-12T17:51:00.001-07:00

here is the painting I've been working on for my ambiguous painting class. . . not done yet and theres a few things I can see that need fixing. but it could be worse =P. [advice maybe?] My teacher has not given me any constructive criticism for advice for the piece yet. When I asked for it he proceeded to interrogate me on why i chose to paint on wooden floor boards and what it means. . . way over my head lol.
i just think it looks cool. Its already a darker color which is better for me to paint on than white and it is really slick which is also fun.
One time I was working outside of class, it was probably around 9 or 10 at night and I had left the room. when i came back he was checking out my painting. I thought he would say something. instead he just walked away. strange?
Oh man! and this one girl in my painting class told me that she didn't like the figure on the left and that she thought it was "too creepy". I proceeded to laugh to myself at her comment for a minute and then decide that it was good she didn't like it. I'm glad its creepy, i think its supposed to be.
This same girl was painting in the group studio space the same time i was once. . . she had her headphones turned up really loud and was singing in some other language . . . really really poorly. it was really awful and loud. I had forgotten my headphones so I contemplated leaving but i stuck it out and luckily she left shortly after.
oh man. . . funny stuff.

heres my janky group studio space setup. for all the underclassmen... fun stuff. lol

heres my first drawing from my figure drawing class. again, not great but not awful either. That time I managed to get some criticism out of my teacher at the end of class, yay. It was good advice too, he told me i needed to step back from my drawing more often and that my values needed to relate to each other more appropriately. all very true.
One of the weirdest things I've had to adjust to is the different lighting for life drawing. All the light is natural from a skylight instead of the lights at second street. I think maybe its harder this way or I'm just not used to it.

oh man. . . guess who went to art academy of San Francisco as an illustration major. . .
sylvia ji.
just shoot me now. lol

heavy on the flip side

2007-10-11T09:55:00.001-07:00

how's it goin?

so, what would be the reason that an art student would choose one internal college over the other? - the college of letters and science or the college of creative studies? The letters and science art classes seem a bit more like what you're wanting, but I do stress the 'a bit'.. Both programs are kinda lacking as far as I can tell - I mean, for what you're looking for. Right now, I'm just talking about their course offerings. I could elaborate on more of this later. And my facetious comment ' do the actually teach art in the college of letters and science' still holds true. I did look up some of the teachers' works too, though. Also not from whom I'd want to be learning figure drawing etc. One teacher (possibly the one you mentioned regarding your drawing workshop) has a gallery site where he is touted as being 'reductive' and a 'chronographer'.. that might explain his briefness with you.. ha! Can you take classes from both colleges and have them go towards your major? And eventually.. can you transfer out of there completely to another college altogether?

I'm a huge advocate of 'speaking' in your work, finding your unique voice or vision, and incorporating life with art and so on. You know this. But these course descriptions are a bit too weighted on that side. There has to be a balance and a progression, and they're not offering much in terms of structure. It's crazy to even read my own writing here. I'm usually talking from the side that wants to see more artists actually say something and not just paint a so-called pretty picture of a foofy woman and her dog or a frilly still life. But hey, I suppose I'm glad there's a whole vacuum-of-a-world of artists taking that route so I don't have to. And to think - I actually did think I had to not too long ago (it was a brief few years of brainwash-stifle-fog, thank god it's over). I'm learning a lot from this.

This might be the reason that parents wonder what the heck their child who chooses to go to college for art is going to do with art when they graduate. They think 'you're supposed to' get a bachelors or masters degree, but the places that offer these degrees are like this. And ironically, this is also the reason (that totally contradicts the former) the general public thinks of someone being an artist as them having a gift - translated to mean they don't have to work at anything, they already have it or they don't. Yeah, right.. I mean, the gift part rings true to some degree, just as a scientist has a passion or ambition for science, and so on. But in this case, what are teachers there for then? To unlock the door when class begins, sit and draw for 3 hours, and then lock up? To walk around and peek over the shoulders of students but not help, so as not to influence them? And if this is the case, then how do they give out grades? Do you think these teachers have become disheartened and so have become this way (and how am I learning about 'speaking' in my work from this type of person?), or did they get into this line of work actually for this reason? I can only wonder. I'm sure it's all relative to whom we're talking about.

Well, for anyone who has some sense of 'speaking' through their art, this would sure dole out some frustration to work with. I will say this.. and don't forget it.. don't ever allow things to stifle you. Frustration or anything or anyone else. Some really great things can come from it. Some really great art can come from it. Don't stop creating because the current conditions are less than expected. Make this all work for you in the best way it can. And figure out the other stuff in the process. 'Tis life.

time to start wearin your afro wig to class.

2007-10-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

funny..I just finished typing some answers for an article to promote the show next month. what's funny is.. one of the questions was "Who are your influences?" (a standard question, which I ironically have a hard time answering because I'd say everyone and everything which is what I do say - but I do name a few). Now, I'm not sure anyone on my list ever thought of being my influence in the least, but don't you think if they did have the opportunity of actually knowing they can be an influence, that they'd want to be a positive one?

Can you bring a roll of tissue paper next class (no, not for crying) and suggest putting it over your drawing and using it to help with any corrections or any other kind of information. That way he can be reassured that he won't be 'influencing' you, and you both can feel comfortable knowing you're getting the kind of help you were asking for. Did you ask him.. do they actually teach art in the college of letters and science?

I digress.. next class, I suggest going in there positive with ideas on how to get the information you want - straight up. Let him know about what you're expecting to get from the class, and how you were hoping to work on your own style outside of your fundamental figure drawing class. Maybe there was a misunderstanding in how the dialog happened. ..?.. this is just the first week. who knows. but you have a semester left of it. Try new things. How can this benefit you? Make a list.

just fyi.. I looked online for drawing groups in your area. It's easier to find something like that if you start talking to other artists near you, and see if anyone knows of anything else to go to in SB. Maybe the city college offers something like an open workshop. I know the LA area has a lot, but I don't know what kind of distance you can go. Otherwise, just random.. I found this was going on in your neighborhood this weekend coming up.

more soon.

Oh god. . .

2007-10-06T12:46:00.000-07:00

I'm a painting major and I haven't had any time to paint, due to tons of boring and snobby contemporary art reading/writing assignments. I should get to paint monday in my "painting class" though. I hope I hope.
My drawing class was good but a little disappointing also. I guess it isn't a class but a "workshop" meaning the teacher doesn't teach he just draws with us. I might as well just stay at SDA for that.
I asked the teacher why and he said it was because there is no right way to draw and he doesn't want to influence us.
I hope this is the right place for me. when he said that I almost started crying right there in the middle of class.
I'm not looking to draw like him I'm looking for information so that I can develop my own drawing style.
And to top it off he told me maybe I should go check out the college of letters and sciences instead. . . that hurt. Whats funny about that as well is that they don't even offer a figure drawing workshop let alone a class. so that wouldn't help me at all.
Oh boy. . . I hope I still get better at art. . .
People here are very much into the ideas of Contemporary art. Using it as a language. Like being an author but with images. As much as I am concerned with this I feel that at this stage of my learning I'm more concerned with technical aspects and aesthetics. Just like how having a good vocabulary can help you be a more expressive writer drawing and painting skills can make you a more expressive painter with no limits on what you can create.
I'm very much a advocate of the concept that one should know the rules before you break them.
I'll get going on posting some sketches soon. I was painting last night on my tablet pc in the lounge, it was really fun and people were supportive.
I also did a drawing i really liked in a friends sketch book, maybe they'll let me borrow it to scan it.
I miss studio second st. a lot. Say hi to everyone for me, ok?
Can't wait for your show in LA its going to be so awesome!!!

how's that tablet pc?!

2007-10-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

hey hey!
good to hear from you! your classes sound great...can't wait to see the new work you produce in some of them. Glad you found some good veggie places too. I do remember that about IV, among the other things you mentioned. But it can be what you make it, and you've always been good with that. As far as the camera goes, whatever. What's the tablet pc for but to record the world around you via sketching directly on your laptop? No need for a camera when you've got your eyes, hands, laptop, pen tool.. am I right?
For example, here's a digi sketch I did this morning of my turp can on my desk.Not that I don't want to see pics of your lovely mug or your new digs, but let's see some new artwork! And don't be a perfectionist either.. Okay, I might be asking a bit too much there (pot calling the kettle black, as they say), but hey.. what's it take to get you to post your work? Do a sketch of something in your immediate surroundings.. like your dorm room in all its colorful glory! ha ha! ;) Miss you 'round here! some of your peeps say hello too...

ps. E Street Bob is posing for the next 2 weeks for the open workshop at the studio.
pps. my show in LA is on Sat. Nov. 10th, 7pm to midnight.. not much more time...crap!
heh, anyway, more info soon. looking forward to seeing you there! woohoo!

do you copy? Faith here. over and out

2007-09-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

I'm here in SB, its really beautiful and so far my teachers/classes are cool. My classes include Painting (focus on materials), life drawing (mostly figurative from a model), symposium (lecture by working artists), Colloquium (studies on contemporary art), Print Making, and Image-text-context (how to write and speak about your work).
My dorm is only CCS (college of creative studies) students and they are quirky and fun. So the school is great. . . Isla Vista on the other hand is really, really dumb. I've been trying to keep and open mind but most of it and its inhabitants are really lame. Lots of sororities and fraternities, yuck. One cool thing about IV is some of the food and the organic food co-op market.
Right now I'm working on getting studio space so I can start painting. I have a key to the college of creative studies building so I'm allowed to paint in there any time. cool, huh?
I'm working on fixing the camera so I'll post pictures of my life here soon.

wings and things

2007-09-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

woohoo! first post! here are a couple mixed media sketches.
combo of oil painting, graphite, color pencil, digital painting...
a couple of sketches for a larger painting in oil.

faith...come out come out wherever you are...
how are things? miss you at the studio!