I spent around 7 hours working today to glue more mirror shards and was happy to get a ways past the halfway point. The circumference will continue to get smaller from here, which means it'll take less time.
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I spent a few hours cutting up a large mirror into smaller squares so that when I break the mirror panels, the sharp shards are not too long. They will be a added to one of my art projects in progress Air Person (working title).  We got together and my one goal for the evening was to create a large quantity of flesh-color that matches my general skin tone. I then painted my hand, which still turned out too saturated and red. I also tried two experiments painting watercolors on black paper. You can see the collected sediment in the paints, but I then used a very pale flesh color to create moments of brightness.    Last year in the Fort Wayne's art museum, I saw a large photo by Kirsty Mitchell. My mom said that she is now having a current solo show, so I decided to explore her work more. I really love her constructed realities and the different textures.     My artist friend shared a free museum pass, so I finally got to see the Magritte show. It featured work from his later years, wherein he explored other painting techniques and themes that most people do not know about. I particularly liked his night paintings.   An excellent self-portrait   My favorite painting of his. My friend Airy is painting a beautiful mural in Clarion Alley in San Francisco. It is turning out beautiful. She asked for my opinion for a couple of things and so we chatted for awhile.  Close up of the mural.  Detailed view My friend Ilana Crispi was having an art show that was interactive and so I quickly grabbed my bike to go. This artpiece is extremely strong both in concept and aesthetics.        I'm excited to coordinate this group for there are some really amazing artists involved.  My collage for the day.  Tobiah's work in progress  Tobiah's finished piece  Airy's work in progress  Airy's finished piece  Mark's work  Mark's later collage My artist friend Loretta and I met again tonight to work on art projects. I made two watercolor paintings, while she worked on the logistics of creating a book for a 5 year old. I am still getting the hang of using watercolors. It's difficult to foresee how dark and rich the colors will end up. Both paintings ended up overly-saturated and underwhelming in the contrast. Using Photoshop, I adjusted lowering the saturation and increasing the contrast and really wish this is how my final paintings would have turned out. 
Today I visited Pier 24 Photography Gallery with an artist friend, Gary. How have I lived in the city for almost 28 years and never heard of this gallery? I have a mixed relationship with photography, but the current exhibit, THIS LAND, is exemplary. I do not remember the last time an exhibit affected me this deeply. It was painful, exhilarating, and depressing. I would like to visit again.  Shadows from the wall between the US and Mexico.   One of the model's name was Alita–a tall transwoman–was delightful to draw. Her poses were unusual and full of energy.        The proportions are drastically off in this drawing, especially the size and length of the forearm and hands, but there are passages that I really like, for example, the upper shoulder.
I can't believe I haven't painted a Vanitas before! Every artist should create one at least once in their career, whether it be painting, photography, sculpture, etc. My artist friend Sarah loved the idea, so I visited her amazing art studio and we both created a few watercolor paintings as a study. I really enjoyed myself and could not believe the way the time flew.   Our work in progress  Sarah's work in progress.  My finished sketch  We both agreed that the sea urchins were one of the most enjoyable things to sketch and paint. Tonight I met with my artist friend, Loretta and we both worked on projects with the theme of "Dream". I created using watercolor paints, while she worked with richly-colored pastels.   My painting I recently had a good friend die, which completely shattered my heart. I built a votive offering stand using scrap wood I found.  I was not very impressed with the building because it felt really cold and uninviting. Regardless of that, I saw several artworks that I loved.  Kathrine Worel  Claudia Huenchuleo Paquen  Kirk Maxson at Eleanor Harwood Gallery   Kate Nichols at Eleanor Harwood Gallery  Tiffanie Turner  Tiffanie Turner  Eiko Borcherding My sister works in a building with a mortuary and today sent me a picture of the door. I spent a little time working with Photoshop to adjust the perspective, invert the overall color, add metal trim on right side, greatly adjust the contrast, and change the left button's hue and saturation. After taking the Photoshop class at CCSF with an instructor that works for Adobe, my skills have vastly improved.   Puttered around a bit, then got to work mixing some paint mediums. I also routered the edge of a small wooden panel I created. I must admit, I'm a bit nervous about oil painting again, for I haven't touched the medium since 2005! I can't believe it's been that long ago!  I spent the entire day, ripping and organizing pages from Restoration Hardware catalogs. I now have tons more collage materials. After adding these to my previous collection, I have two whole plastic bins full.  Mark's incredible collage.  Mark's finished collage using my remnants. As I was tearing out pages, I ended up with thick bundles from the spines of the magazines. My artist friend Mark took them home and incorporated them into a collage.  Tobiah's lovely collage for the day. Started by drawing with charcoal and oil sticks and then switched to watercolors. I could tell my artist friend was frustrated, but I really had a good time.       This is my best work of the day. I haven't worked with gouache before, so it quickly spun me into "beginner's mind."  I started to overthink the process and therefore ended with a painting that's not so great. Came across this artwork today online and instantly fell in love with it. It was created by JJ Cromer who is considered an outsider artist.  I started a new collage, but having a tough time placing some of the pieces together. This resulted in a bunch of separate pieces that I'll eventually use.  I finally got around to working on these sketches more. They're not perfect, but much better than before.    Many go out to bars to hang out with their friends on a Saturday. I like to work in my quiet art studio. Tonight I gessoed two wood panels, cradled a small panel, broke a mirror, and then sorted the pieces.  I want to be able to create small paintings at home, so I've collated a small kit which includes paint jars.  Had a delicious cup of iced chai and painted the cats.   |
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 2020
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