Today I worked for quite some time in my art studio. I started by painting shellac onto the ends of drink skewers that I made from recycled magazines and wooden stirrers. I then gessoed over a painting I really don't like. Then I performed an experiment by gold leafing the end of a stick and lighting it on fire. I was surprised that the metal leaf burnt up. While searching for the branch in the backyard, I slipped and fell. I spend some time afterwards photographing my wounds.
I spent a few hours today at my studio working on an armature for an upcoming sculptural project. Although, it will not ever be seen in the final piece, I really like the way it looks. I also disassembled an old art piece of mine.
After collaging all day, my friend Nikki and I headed over to Spring Open Studios at Blue Studios. This will be the last one due to the building being taken over by office spaces. There was a giant canvas that was a joint project and I decided to take it over.
Here is what the canvas looked like before and after: I spent the holiday making arts and crafts with my two nephews. We worked on color wheels, hot pads, paintings, and stuffed toys.
Today I visited the free day for the Academy of Science and it was very, very packed. I took many pictures of the skull exhibit and sketched for a short time. The proportions on the sketch are really off, but it was extremely relaxing and meditative, despite the chaotic loudness around me.
I was going to attend the free figure drawing class tonight, but felt really tired. Instead, I decided to stay home and enjoy the last moments of sunshine coming in my apartment and draw my hand. So I pulled my supplies out and next thing I knew, I was organizing all the pastel kits I have into similar colors.
Had a nice day drawing and painting with my nephews.
Both of my nephews, Ethan and Zane Richards completed three drawings where we each started for 10 minutes and then continued to switch for decreasing amounts of time. Here are our finished sketches:
I tried my hand with another watercolor that is looser than my last. The small format is not optimal, but it's a good way to play around with ideas. I still have some work to do on this, but here is my progress so far:
I finished this creative gesture today and am somewhat disappointed in it. I find it too finicky and want to create watercolors that are looser. I also wish I would have taken in-progress photos. A lesson learned for next time.
After organizing my collage materials, I decided to tackle another project. I have a bunch of dried-up tubes of watercolors. Using an Xacto blade I cut them open so that I can use them straight from the containers. I still have a dozen more to finish.
I've always found the idea of mass-produced greeting cards distasteful. So many years ago, I started collecting recycled blank greeting cards and making my own. My sister's birthday is next week, so created this card that I drew/painted from a picture of her cat named Sasha. I think it turned out like a ghost cat!
I drew a couple of pictures with my nephew Zane who is age 8. We both started a drawing for 10 minutes and then switched for an additional 8 minutes. We repeatedly switched the sketches, working on each other's for an added 6 minutes, 4 minutes, 2 minutes, and a final 5 minute to complete.
I made an agreement with my accountability partner that I would take some time sketching. I only spent a little time, and many of the proportions are off, but felt good.
Spent the day at the California Academy of Sciences in GG Park. I sketched several live animals, which left me feeling exhausted, but fulfilled. I've been depressed and disillusioned about art for many months, but drawing left me in a good mood. I was quite aware how my energy level and concentration decreased as the day went on.
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AUTHORTerrance Graven is a San Francisco artist whose installations incorporate sculptural elements, performance art, costumes, sound pieces, and theatrical lighting. CATEGORIES
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January 2024
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