Out of the Box

When you come to a roadblock, take a detour. (Barbara Bush)

Each year Heleni prepares a special project that we work on at home and bring in for a general critique.  This year was a bit different. We were to prepare a presentation verbally and visually about a subject, concept, or idea, not necessarily about art. We all drew lots and each week, we take a break from our work for the presentation. On the 18th of April, my turn came.  

Instead of giving a talk about getting out of the box I decided that it would be better to have them do it as part of an exercise.  I brought paper, crayons, colored markers, charcoal etc. So I told them to start a drawing and timed it to 5 minutes. Then instructed them to tear the paper in two sections. Place one section face down and continue on half that was shown for 2 minutes. Then do the the same for the second half. Then I asked them to cut the halves in half and gave another 2 minutes on each quarter. 

Neomi and I made a collage of the work on a cardboard format. 

100 x 70 cm

We mixed them all up for this collage,here is an Album link where you can see the work as well as some general images. All had a grand time and I hope that somehow I helped them look at their art with a new perspective.

My Visual Display

10 x 20 x 6 cm

I got out of the box by making small statues in small boxes. Haven't done this type of work since my college days!

Doodle Doodle Dandy

The workshop is not a class to make art; it is a class to make mistakes, to rework, not to make finished pieces. (Rick Rotante)

I am really glad to get back to blogging. Holidays behind us. I hope that those that celebrated Easter, Passover, and any other holiday around the world had enjoyable family times. We had a long two weeks break from workshop and I am glad to get back. This week was my turn to make a presentation. This year our home projects were to prepare a presentation on a topic or concept and present it verbally as well as visually.I will post more on my next blog. I didn't do much in class, didn't even take out paints. Had a piece of heavy brown paper, and a few stencils and started just to doodle away with just an HB pencil. 

Started on the bottom left with free doodles and then used some stencils and masks of stuff I got from a craft store. I am still debating what to do with this, sort of kitschy right now. Probably some washes and then we'll see. 

Pencil Trails WIP

25.5 x 35.5 cm

Brown Paper Hb Pencil

Fun with Paper II

For me a square is not really an abstract shape. It's more like a window. And a rectangle for me, really is a door, something we could pass through. (Pat Martin Bates)

About the quotes. I am learning about new artists. Her work is amazing.

Aside from my writing course, I am also taking two other courses through MoMA. The first is In the Studio Postwar Abstract paintings   What is different about this course is that the instructor demonstrates how the painter worked in the studio and invites participants to try their hand. The first painter is Barnett Newman, a painter that I was not familiar with. Haven't tried his zip technique but it is amazing, I can't wait to try. Remember he painted these in the 1960's!

This is a continuation of Fun with Paper I. These papers are a light beige color not as heavy as the red.

An Orange Sea

36 x 25

Paper 

Oils with Cold Wax

Collage

Through the Window

25 x 36

Paper 

Oils with Cold Wax

Collage

Fun with Paper I

Creative vision contains a playful quality. (John Briggs)

Today in my workshop I brought some cut paper that I had laying around the house. It's time for you to get some color. Two pieces were an earthy type of red and quite heavy with a texture. The other pieces were just heavy beige paper. I am sorry that the colors in the photographs are not what I see. Maybe I will try again when I have a bit more time.

I am off in an hour+ to my weekly babysitting. I am anxious to see what Uri has done. This week he is taking an Art Course at the Jerusalem Museum,  The kids have Passover holiday for 2 weeks.

The inspiration for these pieces came from a post from Jane Davies about working with 2 complimentary colors. She showed pieces from a demo she had using blue and orange. I sort of followed suit.

Playing with Perception

35 x 35 cm

Heavy Paper

Oils with Cold Wax 

Plus Collage Pieces

Let's go for a Swirl

35 x 35 cm

Heavy Paper

Oils with Cold Wax 

Plus Collage Pieces

Blue & Beige Collages WIP

No need to shop for a better you, or to work overtime to make bigger promises.

Keeping the promises we've already made is sufficient.  Seth Goldin

I feel that my head is splitting. I am working on a writing course through Coursera. Actually, Academic writing, I feel like I am back in college. That's not so bad but research and reading and picking the key issues are taking me away from painting more at home which I miss doing.

 These collages were made last week in my workshop. Cold wax and oils and collage pieces. I am using a limited range of colors. Heleni says they are finished but I feel I can work on them some more, and even if I make mistakes I will take them in my stride. So back to class they go and will go with the flow.

Will prepare more cut canvas as well. May try some cold wax on paper.

33 x 33 cm

Oils & Cold Wax

Collage

32 x 35 cm

Oils & Cold Wax

Collage