Besides the usual wonderful paintings, we have some interesting choices for our library table, a discussion about negative space, extracurricular activities, a group activity and much, much more. So let's get started right away. But first, an apology—looks like some of the photos came out a bit fuzzy today due to low light conditions. If your painting is less than optimally clear, bring it back next week for a re-shoot and we'll upgrade. You'll especially notice this on Vivian's glowing night leaves, Greeta's plant leaves and Susan's portrait of Pat.
Meanwhile, enjoy our paintings, starting with our annual tribute to fall and its leaves and colors, followed by our farewell to the tastes and activities of summer—a lemonade still life, blueberry/blackberry pie, and lazy days at the pool and the playground. John's added to his painting of elfen magic and we move from kitchens to kittens and trains. Yes, there are two trains—scroll through as we all have a bit of fun with the second one.
Negative space—Today our discussion turned to negative space...and a spirited discussion it was. We began discussing the space between us and between objects in our paintings. Then we started looking at our paintings in terms of negative space. Pat asserted that each shape in a painting is positive or negative in relation to other shapes and that every shape should be interesting. Well, it must be right, since Pat said so and she's the teacher, right?
Still, we started wondering about focus and composition and hierarchy. If every shape is interesting, how do you know where to look? Doesn't the eye flit everywhere, never settling, never seeing what the artist wants you to see? Well, we ran out of time and never quite settled the question, but we're leaning toward the idea that interesting does not equal important. Every shape doesn't have to be equally important to be interesting. Backgrounds are no reason to get lazy! (But we may change our mind, so check back for an update.)
Playing with paintings—Remember how Ken felt stuck last week on his train painting? And there was talk of passing it around for everyone to take a brush to it? Well, that's exactly what we did today. It was fun! Here's the painting below. Everyone added, edited, overpainted and shaded—and we don't think we're finished yet. Despite such touches as the flowers, the people in the windows and the cat watching, we think we can go even further. Tune in next week.
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| Our class painting of Ken's train |
Artists of the day: Another interesting combination. We had the November issue of Art in America and an old paperback book from the '70s called Watercolor Complete. We scanned the exercises, lessons and tips and found that some things just don't change. Except for a strange fascination with mushrooms as a painting genre (hey, this was the early '70s!), the book teaches the same basics we learned. And who'd have guessed that portraits are new again? Watch this space for all the latest trends and remember you heard it here first!Events
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DePaul Community Chorus—Here's a chance to hear Steve and the DePaul Community Chorus in A Thankful Heart: Music for the Season of Gratitude. It's a free concert on Sunday, November 24 at 3pm at the DePaul Concert Hall at 800 W. Belden in Chicago. Find out more by clicking on the poster at right.
One more thing.....our thoughts go out to the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines. It's not too late to help. Besides giving to relief organizations like the Red Cross, you can drop by the Rizal Center to donate if you are in Chicago. They are valiantly fielding an overwhelming number of donations, but the need is still great.
See you next week.
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