Anisette Studio

Japanese lanterns are lovely!

Good morning! It is a sunny and cool day today! This is nice after hot weather and thunderstorms. The world has its bath, and all is bright, full of light and wonder and beauty.

I have been reading and researching this past week. A new book! I love books. This one is titled Creative Illustration by Andrew Loomis. It was highly recommended, and I can see why. Since it has been a while since I have drawn. This I am changing up. I felt a need for being reminded of “what I once knew”, that said I have forgotten techniques, etc. I am reminded of what their terms include. I like short cuts into understanding, and “Oh! Ya Moments are good.” (I was told it has been 30 years since 1994. Really?) It is simply that what I was creating had a very different approach. (Shibui began in 2011.) I was writing more, and painting on hard maple eggs and bowls as well. I also began to teach Shibui Found Image Art in the mix and was learning about art as business with the Catherine Orer’s Artist Entrepeneur Network. She has wonderful pod cast on this topic. Check her out!

Back to what I can glean from the books. After learning of the following artist/writers I would recommend Andrew Loomis, George G Bridgeman, Burne Hogarth. I also ran across Fitz Schider whose book on anatomy looked good.

My current goal is to master the art of still life by learning how to set up really good compositions without too many light sources. You do not always want to draw everything you see. Design is a part of the process. What is necessary for form and shape? Light of course! It’s about the use of values. Its simplifying them to the strongest choices.

It is important to listen to strong critique from highly skilled artist and not let something be too precious. Not a time to take it personal. I have such a friend. Being told by others that something is wonderful, beautiful, etc is not what you should be looking for in a critique. You need to hear about what you have not seen! Where your image is not working the best. Each drawing or painting we do is the opportunity to learn more. And so, consistency! Having sticktoitiveness is key.

I write what I want to learn by putting it in my own words so that it will stick,

Best wishes! Pejj