Oh Simpleton, Ye Jest...

Above is the most recent in-class drawing from my Head Drawing class, and below is the first in several illustrations to be completed for my Watercolor class, which consist of interpreting various scenes from Oscar Wilde's "The Selfish Giant."

Head Case

Having only two studio classes this semester puts added pressure on the works produced from said classes to attain "blog-worthy" status, in which they may exhibit the qualities necessary for visual judgment and comparison to previous works and the potential to be labeled successful, therefore acting as evidence of my artistic advancement. Thus, I present for consideration two pieces from my Head Drawing class, 18"x24" charcoal drawings from life, as well as three 9"x12" watercolor studies of interiors for my Watercolor class, two from life and one from reference respectively, emphasizing the various colors found in natural and artificial light and shadow (please subdue any urge for hysterical outburst.)

Color Me Bad(ly)

So, against my better judgment, I have decided to post even more of my amateur attempts at a decent watercolor painting by way of my latest homework assignment for Watercolor class, three self portraits from life: one as photo-realistic as possible, one using loose, broad strokes with no under-drawing, and one emphasizing the various colors found in the skin tones, respectively. Before you cringe and find an awful taste in your mouth, I direct you attention to the pictures below, which are more easily digested; a photo of yet another Frans Hals master copy for my Head Drawing class, as well as a shot of my new studio, of which I have all to myself (you may remember my previous studio was shared.)

So It Goes

One week in the trenches and a handful of homework assignments to show for it, all of which prove the requirement of a five week interim between semesters to be unsound. Sure, the original painting from which I derived the charcoal master copy below was a bit strange in its execution which led to me skewing a few facial features in my finished piece, but several weeks of exposure to fresh Virginia air are enough to cloud anyone's sense of focus, particularly mine when it comes to catching such obvious mistakes (i.e. the "F-ed" up eye). This semester also finds me trying my hand at watercolor, for a class of the same name, in which our first assignment was three objects from life. As enjoyable as this medium is, it is very tedious, and my lack of experience shows with these pieces. However, my undying determination, brute strength and cat-like agility shall ensure that these remain amateur studies compared to the riveting, technically sound work I will be producing a mere fifteen weeks from now.





This past week did prove to be unfortunate, though, in that I saw the passing of a dear friend of ten years. Tyke, the handsome gentleman pictured below, fell ill to pneumonia and passed away in his sleep; only a transfer, no doubt, to a VIP suite in the sky filled with plush couches, T-Bone steaks, and H-D television.

A Beast Approaches

Monday begins as yet another day in the continuing war between those who seek the highest of ranks amidst the world of art against the evil forces that would see them returned to a life of part time wages and bleak outlooks. As we stand on the battlefield that is the Spring semester, opposite that of the giant shadowed beasts which call themselves Professors, who wield razor-sharp tongues and are armed with "projects" formed of the hardest stone and most jagged steel, we tighten our grip around our wood-encased charcoal pencils and synthetic haired sable brushes, spit in the dirt, adjust our kilts, and charge up the battle field emitting fierce battle cries (in slow motion, of course) to meet our foes head on.


My preparation for said battle was perhaps not as complete as it should have been this past week, but it did include "flaming" one of my sketchbooks, as well as enjoying an end of the week Mexican style dinner prepared by the lively Rachel.

Zoology

After a week back in San Fran, I'm finally reacclimated to west coast time and thoroughly bored, with yet one more week to go 'til the Spring drawin' seasun. I did, however, manage to catch some sun rays with a trip the the San Francisco Zoo with my compatriot Rachel. With the unseasonably warm weather the area has had all week, most all of the animals were out eating, playing, or lounging. I also managed to get a few sketches done in the process.

One Flew Over Virginia

A few photos from my winter break in VA...