The Creative Core

Update

2010-01-07T11:12:00.000-08:00

This blog was started for my sister to help prepare her for her Advanced Placement Art Class in high school. Once she started that class, or rather became to involved with her assignments there, I stopped doing posts and assignments here.

I suppose if there is enough interest in keeping it going we can do so. :)

For now, I'll just be posting on my book arts blog and perhaps we'll get this one rolling again in the future :)

~Karleigh Jae

Results for Assignment 13: Depth

2008-09-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

Artist: Sandra Faye, Utah

Title: Glenwood Study

Size: 10 x 14

Medium: Watercolor

Artist: Rett Ashby, Provo, Utah

Title: Midway House

Size: 10 x 16

Medium: Oil

Artist: Haleigh Ashby, Provo, Utah

Title: Search for a Reason

Size: 5 x 7

Medium: pen and crayon

Assignment 14: Artist and technique research

2008-09-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

If you haven't noticed...this post was not on time as it was due this morning. However, I have been trying to decide what to do this next week and nothing seemed to feel just right so it's taken me all day to decide on this next week's assignment.

I've heard many artist's (including my dad) say that when creating a style or trying to do anything in art, I should take a look at other artists that I like. This next week's assignment is to find your 5 favorite artists. When looking at their artwork, list the things you most like about their style. Write the list down!! Try and find at least 3 things you like about each of the artists.

For example: One of my favorite artists is Marc Chagall. The three things I most like about his artwork are

#1: The bright bold colors he uses. He was not afraid of using color.
#2: The purpose of his artwork. All his artwork had a meaning or some type of symbolism in it. I love symbolism and this is one of the things I most like about his artwork.
#3: It's not all perfectly realistic. People have weird colored skin and arms longer then they should. Two left feet or houses that are drawn in complete misproportion. He's able to do this though because of consistency. All the houses are drawn in the same proportions even if they are all oddly shaped and have incorrect perspective. The consistency makes this work.

By next Monday, Sept 29th please turn in your list of 15 favorite things from your 5 favorite artists. No need to email it to me, please just leave it in the comments section here when you have your completed list. No artwork will be due until the beginning of October but we will use this list next week as we do our artwork so, if you'd like to get started, pick 3 out of the list to incorporate in your artwork and each must be from a different artist. Please spend some time on your list as I think it would invaluable to your artwork in the future.

I'm hoping that this list will help us share a little of our knowledge about artists and technique as well as help us understand our own approach to our artwork a little better.

Results of Assigment 12 Part 2

2008-09-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

Artist: Rett Ashby, Provo, UT
Title: Flower(2)
Medium and Size: Oil/Mixed media 12" x 12"

Artist: Haleigh Ashby, Provo, UT
Title: Temptation
Medium and Size:9" x 12"- mixed media

Assignment 13: Depth

2008-09-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

This week we'll be working on depth in our artwork. I've given two examples of using depth below. If you can suggest other ways in which to show depth please leave a comment for us.
The photograph below was taken by Clay Schnurr. In this photograph you get a feel of distance. This is because of the use of perspective. The large train on the left getting smaller as it goes into the distance as well as the tracks that get closer together as they go into the middle of the photograph.

The painting below was done by Adam Pynacker. Notice how the values change throughout the painting. The darker areas are closest and the ligher areas are far away. Also notice how detailed things are the closer they are to the veiwer. The mountains in the back are almost blury and have little to no detail. Look at the branch in front and see how much detail it has in comparison to other things in the painting. Using values and detailing can also help to show depth.

This week we'll create an art piece that has depth in it. You can choose the way you would like to portray the depth whether it be like the perspective in the first example or value and detail like in the second.

All assignments should be turned into by next Monday Sept 22nd by 9pm.

If you would like a little help on subject and medium choose a street in your neighborhood or town to do and try to show depth using the three ways suggested above (perspective, value and detail.) Try a large format this time with a minimum of 11" x 14"

Assignment 12 Part 2: Texture

2008-09-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

I was going to move on to another topic (depth for those who wanted to know.) But I found that I didn't stretch myself as much as I could have this week and I'm wondering how many other people did that too. I found that my strength in using texture is using physical texture with building up paints and other material to create the texture. My weakness is using texture by drawing or painting it in and not building it up. So, for those of you who may have stretched yourselves and chose to do the assignment as you haven't before...good for you. For those of you who didn't (like myself) we will have a chance this week to make up for it.

The assignment is to do another textured painting but do one opposite of the one you did last week. If you piled on the paint to allow that to make the texture then try doing a drawing or painting in which actual physical texture is limited. And vice versa.

Here is a link to a few watercolor techniques that have been done by Ellen Fountain.

Please remember to critique this past week's assignment when they are posted.

Assignment 12 part 1 Results will be posted tonight!

2008-09-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

Artist: Sandra Faye Roy, Utah

Title: Study of Tomatoes on Burlap

Medium: Watercolor

Size: 9" x 11 1/2"

Artist(s): Karleigh Heywood and Jadon L. Heywood - Rexburg, ID
Title: Silly
Medium and Size: acrylics on canvas, 12" x 24"

Artist: Rett Ashby, Provo, UT
Title: Flower
Medium and Size: Oil, 10" x 10"

Artist: Haleigh Ashby, Provo, UT
Title: Read
Medium and Size:14" x 10"- mixed media

Assignment 12: Texture

2008-09-01T05:40:00.000-07:00

I really love texture in art work. The most texture I've ever seen in an oil painting was Van Gogh's. I was completely amazed at how much paint was on the canvas and how much physical texture his paintings had. I haven't ever found a nice photograph that actually shows the texture his paintings have but here's an artist I found that does use a lot of texture and it is photographed well to show the texture. Debra G. Campbell did the art piece below. You can see how much physical texture it has. Click on her name to see more paintings done by her that show a lot of texture. To view information on the specific painting below click here.

You can show texture without using a lot of materials though. Below is a painting done by Gabriela Stauffer. Notice how she uses texture to create more interest in the bottom half of the painting. You can see more painting by clicking on her name and more about the painting below by clicking here.

Even if the painting is physically smooth (like when using watercolor) you can still add texture.

Yuri Trushin has many watercolors and other artwork that shows texture without the thickness in paint or other media. Click on his name and take a stroll through the galleries. I especially like his water based paintings.

This week we'll create an art piece that has a lot of texture. You can do a lot of physical texture like Debra G. Campbell did. Or use very little to not physical texture. Please try to have at least 3 different textures in your art piece (remember that smooth is considered a texture too.)

All assignments should be turned into by next Monday Sept 8th by 9pm.

If you would like a little help on subject and medium try doing flowers with acrylics and string on canvas or paper.

Results of Assignment 11: Mood

2008-09-01T05:39:00.001-07:00

Artist: SMAshby - Roy, UT
Title: 'Lonely Halls'
11" x 11" - Graphite

Rett Ashby - Provo, UT

Oil - 15x18

Title: Peaceful

Artist: Sandra Faye

Title: Green With Envy

Medium: watercolor

Size: 7" x9"

Artist: Sandra Faye

Title: Peace Like a River

Medium: watercolor

Size: 9x10

Artist: Haleigh Ashby- Provo, UT

"Alissa Content"
22x30 - charcoal
"Bubbles"
9x12 mixed media

Artist: Karleigh Heywood
Title: Happy Happy Sad
Mixed Media 13" x 5"

Assignment 11: Creating mood in our artwork

2008-08-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

For this week's assignment, we'll be working on creating mood in our art work. The paintings below were done by Marti Jones Dixon. Please review her website and take a stroll through her galleries. Notice the moods she creates in her portraits. The way she uses not only body language to show the mood of the person but the way lighting is done and which colors are used. I also like this idea of an interchangeable portrait. 5 paintings that create an interesting piece when displayed together.
For our assignment, please pick one of the moods below and try to incorporate it into your art piece for this week. There are also a list of questions below for you to ask yourself before you create your piece. This assignment will be due Next Monday, September 1st by 9pm. If you have the time, try doing more than one piece and choose different moods for each piece.

As always, you can use any medium and do the assignment in any dimensions or size but for those who would like a little more help getting started recommendations are also listed below.

Moods to choose from:

Love
Anger
Envy
Disappointed
Cheerful
Content
Peaceful

Questions to ask yourself before you start your piece:

What color/colors represent the mood best?
What type of lines would represent the mood best? (thick/thin, feminine/masculine, Horizontal/vertical)
What perspective or view should the subject be in to best display the mood?

Recommended Materials and Dimensions: Use oil paint or pastels. Pick your mood and write a list of ten things you automatically think of when you hear that mood. Pick a subject from your list of ten to portray in that mood. (for an extra challenge, try displaying that same subject in a different mood than you first picked.) Remember to ask your self the questions above to help guide you. Your finished piece should be at least 11" x 14"

Assignment #10: Critiquing

2008-08-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

Due to the schedule change, our week is shortened. I encourage you to continue with your artwork but these next few days I would like us to focus a little bit on critiquing. Please use the comments section of each past assignment to leave comments on specific pieces. Also, please use the comments section on this post to give your two cents about critiquing and the benefits of critiquing.

This might help those who have little experience with critiquing:

How to prepare for a critique by Leslie Koptcho

New Assignment Due Date

2008-08-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

I'm having a difficult time with my current schedule and trying to fit everything in. So I'm moving the due date for the assignments to Monday Night at 9pm. That's right, no more starting it at 10pm...two hours before it's due (mostly talking to me...and one other person which I won't name.)

Each week's assignment will be posted early on Monday Mornings. The assignment from the following week will be due that evening and those will be posted Monday Night before I go to bed.

Please try and shoot for a finished piece by Saturday and only use Monday's as sparingly needed to finish your artwork.

Since this week has been shortened and your assignment is due on Monday I've decided to do something different but very beneficial for this week's assignment. Please see the post above on critiquing.

Results for Assignment 9

2008-08-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

Artist: SMAshby, Roy, Utah
Title:The Mermaid's Flower
Medium & Size: Pastels - 12.5"x 14.25"

Artist: Haleigh Ashby, Provo, Utah
Title: Apple
Medium & Size: Crayon - 9"x 12"

Artist: Calixta Ashby, Provo, Utah
Title: Shaded Tree
Medium & Size: Colored Pencil - 8.5" x 11"

Artist: Sandra Faye, Roy, Utah
Title: Sunflowers
Medium & Size: Watercolor - 5" x 6.5"

Artist: Karleigh Jae Heywood, Rexburg, Idaho
Title: Hummingbird
Medium & Size: Sharpie Marker on white BFK - 8.75" x 13.5"

Assignment #9: Contrast in Color

2008-08-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

We've done contrast in values and worked with black and white and the whole scale. For this next assignment I would like us to do a piece that has contrast with color. By using complimentary colors we can create contrast as well as when we use cold colors vs warm colors. (although that might often lead to an non harmonious piece) Here are some examples of color contrast:

Pop art has shown some change from using contrast in values to mostly contrast in color to create that certain pop art look. Andy Warhol has several images that show this color contrast. He still uses a little bit of value contrast but see how the drastic color scheme is very noticeable.

Another artist that uses color to aid in contrast is Vangogh. This painting below actually has a lot of value contrast but notice how the colors help aid in the contrast as well.

Haleigh showed us a very good example of color contrast in this piece from a few assignments ago:

It still has value contrast but the colors help aid the contrast in value range.

This assignment will be due next Wednesday, August 20th by midnight. You can choose any subject/object for your art piece. As always, all assignments can be done using any medium and any dimensions but for those who would like more guidelines, recommendations are listed below.

Recommended Materials and Dimensions: Use acrylics. Pick a flower or some type of flora. When painting it, try using very little value contrast and focus more on color contrast. Your finished piece should be at least 8" x 10" (or 20 x 25 cm)

Results for Assignment 8

2008-08-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

Artist: Sandra Faye Roy, Utah

Title: Three cones in a row

Medium: Watercolor

Size: 5'' x 7"

Artist: Rett Ashby Provo, Utah
Title: "The Ground"
Medium: watercolor on watercolor paper
Size: 8" x 8"

Artist: Haleigh Ashby
Title: "Insensitive"
Medium: Pen on Mat board
Size: 16" x 20"

Assignment #8: A New Angle

2008-08-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

I've been looking up paintings and drawing and photography and I've come to realize that a lot of what is done, is done from the same angle. I looked up swimmers. You can imagine that I found a lot of views from above and to the side as well as straight on shots. It was almost impossible to find a swimmer as viewed from below. As if someone were in the water looking up at the swimmer pass by. In fact...I didn't find any. I know there must be one but I didn't want to spend hours searching.

Using different angles helps create different moods and feels in your paintings as well as making it more interesting to look at.

Here are a few examples of taking a different angle:

This illustration was done by Igor Oleynikov and you can see how the angle creates a certain feel to it. The size of the creature sitting on the shoe really sticks out because only the bottom portion of the human is really shown. It takes a different angle then most "Big vs Small" type illustrations.

This drawing was done by an Architect by the name of Kelvin Dickinson. Notice how his use of perspective allows us to see the side of the building as well as the top. By using this view he not only creates more interest but allows the viewer to really understand what the building will look like from various angles.

This drawing was done by Rosalie Petrovich. I found it on a random blog and haven't been able to find anything else by the artist. However, this does show how using a variety in angle can help with interest, mood and composition.
Assignment 8:

Choose a subject and think of how you would normally portray that subject. I'm going to use the example of the swimmer. I would normally see the swimmer from the side or front.

Then portray that subject in a different angle that you might not normally see. Such as the swimmer from below or behind.

You can choose any subject/object for your art piece. As always, all assignments can be done using any medium and any dimensions but for those who would like more guidelines, recommendations are listed below.

Recommended Materials and Dimensions: Use acrylics. Pick an object from your garage or backyard that seems boring. Paint it in a new angle to create an interesting piece. Your finished piece should be at least 8" x 10" (or 20 x 25 cm)

Results of Assignment #7

2008-08-06T22:11:00.000-07:00

Artist: Sandra Faye - Roy, UT

#1 Title: self portrait one

medium: pencil on matboard

size: 8x10

#2 Title : self portrait two

medium : pencil on matboard

size : 8X10

Artist : Laura Wegkamp- Rexburg, ID

#1 Title: Gardening

medium : ?

size : ?

#2 Title: Gardening

medium: Watercolor

size : 16 x 20

Artist: Haleigh Ashby- Provo, UT

#1 Title: Attack of the Blowfish

medium : Oil on Canvas

size : 16 x 20

#2 Title: Attack of the Blowfish (2)

medium: Oil on Canvas

size : 14 x 20

Artist : Rett Ashby- Provo, UT

#1 Title: Self Portrait

medium : Graphite

size : 4 x 8

#2 Title: Self Portrait 2

medium: graphite

size : 10 x 12

Assignment #7: Memory vs Reference

2008-07-30T22:28:00.001-07:00

This week we will be learning about the importance of using reference for our artwork. I'll give you an example. The following two images were done by Cartoonist Kevin Cannon. The first illustration is completely from memory. The second is drawn using a photograph reference.

If he were trying to draw a realistic elephant...he failed in the drawing from memory. Our minds like to turn things into symbols...we remember things easier this way. You can see that Cannon turns to symbols when drawing from memory. The two drawings also have different feels or moods to them.

Using reference is key. We often think we can draw things from memory...I can draw my hand...I see it everyday. But it would look drastically different if I were to draw it from memory and then from real life.

Here's another example:

These three people all drew their self portrait from memory. See how different reality and memory are? (click on the image to view it larger)

Assignment #7:

Draw (or paint, sculpt etc) something from memory. Then find a reference for the same subject and do a second piece using the reference.

This assignment is meant to show us the difference between reality and what we think we know. To make it more effective...please just think of your subject and do your first piece from memory and then look up a reference for your second piece.

As always, all assignments can be done using any medium and any dimensions but for those who would like more guidelines, recommendations are listed below.

Recommended Materials and Dimensions: Use pen and paper. Do a self portrait. Try drawing yourself from memory for your first piece and then for your second piece look in the mirror or use a photograph. Your finished piece should be at least 8" x 10" (or 20 x 25 cm)

Results for Assignment #6

2008-07-30T22:27:00.001-07:00

OK, Here's the results from Assignment 6...finally :)

Artist: Sandra Faye - Roy, UT
Title:"Three In A Row"
Medium and dimensions: Watercolor- 8" x 6"
(comment from artist: There are four, same same, different.)

Artist:SMAshby - Roy, UT
Title:"Cookie Jar, Glass, and Wine"
Medium and dimensions: Watercolor- 12"x 15 1/2"

Artist: Rett Ashby - Provo, UT
Title: Milk and Juice
Medium and dimensions: Graphite 2.5" x 5"

Artist: Haleigh Ashby -Provo, UT
Title: Sushi
Medium and dimensions: Acrylics - 16" x 20"

Vacation

2008-07-23T21:25:00.001-07:00

I am currently on vacation and I am using someone else's computer to post this. It has taken me about 15 minutes to sign into blogger. And it occasionally won't let me type. The screens colors are all funny and I can't download (let alone upload) any photos onto the blog right now. I thought the blog wouldn't have to take a vacation when I did but alas...it has to. The assignment for this next week will be postponed until next week. Only two people have turned their assignment in so far (thank you to artist's Sandra Faye and SMAshby.)

For this week, I'll extend last week's assignment to those who haven't turned theirs in. It will be due next Wednesday, August 6th. For those who have turned in this week's assignment, I'll do a special post for you and you can look back at the other assignments you missed out on. Pick any assignment and send it in by next wednesday. I'll post it so you can receive a critique.

Thanks,

~Karleigh Jae

Assignment #6: Repetition vs Variation

2008-07-17T00:51:00.000-07:00

This week we will be working on repetition and variation of repetition. Repetition can either be very boring...or very useful in your artwork. Repetition keeps the rhythm and creates a steady flow in your art piece. By adding variation to it...you create interest and a more complex piece. A lot of pop art has square images with a variation in color only. This turns a simple piece into a more complex and interesting piece. Such as these ducks done by Anthony Matos.

The image below was done by Judith T Greenberg and she uses a squares in this particular piece which create repetition and a good foundation. Each square is very different and this is where variation comes into play.

The image below was done by Roger Roberts and he's used repetition and variation well. I'll point these out: (1) Pear, Pear, Apple (2) Fruit is laying down, upright, upright (3) Green, Green, Red. You can visit Roberts' site by clicking on his name above. Take a moment to notice the paintings or logos he has done that contain repetition and variation. Repetition will draw you in and variation keeps you viewing the artwork.

Assignment #6:

Create an art piece that has at least three of the same object as the main focus. (Notice how the three fruit in Roberts' painting above all share the same attention initially when you look at the painting.) Use the three objects and create repetition with the objects and add in a variation of the object. In the next few weeks we will continue to work with repetition and variation in different aspects but for this assignment please focus on the objects themselves and creating a slight variation to repetitive object.

This assignment is Due Wednesday July 23rd at Midnight. Please follow the directions on the right column for submission.

As always, all assignments can be done using any medium and any dimensions but for those who would like more guidelines, recommendations are listed below.

Recommended Materials and Dimensions: Use watercolor or acrylics. Pick a few utensils or appliances from the kitchen and paint them. Remember to stick to the "same same different" subject. Your finished piece should be at least 8" x 10" (or 20 x 25 cm)

Assignment 5 Results

2008-07-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all those who participated. This was a difficult one for me because I really wanted to use color. Please critique everyone's artwork. Remember when you are leaving feedback that the purpose of this assignment was to work on contrast in the value range. The focal point of the piece should have the most contrast to help draw the viewer in.

Artist: Sandra Faye located in Roy, Utah
Title: "soft landing"
Medium: mixed medium, watercolor and colored pencil
Dimensions: 8" x 7"

Artist: Rett Ashby located in Provo, Utah
Title: "spider"
Medium: graphite pencil
Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"

Artist: Karleigh Heywood located in Rexburg, Idaho
Title: "Missing Wings"
Medium: Paper, lined thread, micron
Dimensions: 2.5" x 3.5"

Artist: Haleigh Ashby located in Provo, Utah
Title: "apple"
Medium: Crayon
Dimensions: 5.5" x 8.5"

Haleigh's original piece can be viewed below. I turned it into a black and white image so we could critique it better according to the assignment.

Assignment #5: Contrast

2008-07-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

We'll spend one more week here focusing on the value scale. Having done a high key and a low key, we'll now spend time on the affect that is created by joining the two: Contrast.

When you look at a piece of artwork, your eye should go to the focal point and most often the focal point has the most contrast in range of values. The following image was done by Daniel Heywood (my husband and yes that's me at the bottom of the stairs.) Notice how the most contrast is between the business suit and the wall. This leads your eye directly to me at the bottom of the stairs. Your eye should then after, go to the banana in front since that is the next area with the most contrast. Also, take note that the smooth peel of the banana and the rough texture of the concrete create another form of contrast. For this assignment, we'll be focusing on just the contrast of value range and we'll leave texture for another assignment.

Definition of contrast (as defined by arthistory.about.com):

(noun) - A principle of art, contrast refers to the arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes, etc.) in a piece so as to create visual interest, excitement and drama.

The colors white and black provide the greatest degree of contrast. Complementary colors also highly contrast with one another.

An artist can employ contrast as a tool, to direct the viewer's attention to a particular point of interest within the piece.

The oil painting below is from Mark Demuro's Monkey Series and it's titled "Black Tie - White Tie"

He's very good as using contrast in his paintings to capture the viewers attention. Try looking through his Monkey Series paintings and notice how he uses contrast to draw you to certain areas of the painting. Don't be mistaken when you think color is drawing you in. You may think the red lips on a monkey as being the full reason for being the focal point but think in terms of black and white. If the color paintings were turned into a black and white image, where would the greatest contrast be in terms of value?

Assignment #5:

Since we're focusing on contrast in terms of the value scale, this assignment should be done in Black and White (and the greys inbetween.) You can use the full range of the value scale but remember to use the most contrasting values on the focus of your artwork. The focus or focal point is where you want the viewers attention to be directed to in your art piece.

This assignment is Due Wednesday July 16th at Midnight. Please follow the directions on the right column for submission.

As always, all assignments can be done using any medium and any dimensions but for those who would like more guidelines, recommendations are listed below.

Recommended Materials and Dimensions: Use white paper and a black marker or pen to make your art piece. Draw a bug or insect or choose your own subject. Your finished piece should be at least 8" x 10" (or 20 x 25 cm)

Assignment #4 Results

2008-07-09T22:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those who participated. (my family is the best for supporting me in this venture :)

Assignment 4 results:

Artist: Rett Ashby - Provo, Utah
Title: 'crescent moon'
Medium: charcoal - 5.5" x 8.5"

Artist: Haleigh Ashby - Provo, Utah
Title: 'iterate'
Medium: charcoal - 5.5" x 8.5"

Artist: Karleigh Heywood - Rexburg, Idaho
Title: 'locked out'
Medium: Mixed Media - 2.5" x 3.5" (ATC size)

Assignment #4: Low Key

2008-07-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

This week our focus is on the other end of the value scale. Low key pieces can create a totally different feel to a piece. As a nice exercise, you can do the same artwork in low key that you did in high key from last week's assignment. Then compare the change of mood the value range brings to your artwork.

The oil painting below was done by Seema Dhopra and it is titled "Got the Blues" for a very good reason. We'll work on color for another assignment but notice how it isn't just the use of blue that creates the mood of the painting. The darkness of it helps create that feel. If this same painting were done in high key, it would have a happy cheery feel and the title might actually need to be changed.

The photograph below was done by Arash Dejkam. Notice how dark the piece is and the mood that it helps create. His photographs range all over the value scale. Take the time to look through his photographs and decide whether they are high key, low key or if they mostly have midtones.

Assignment #4:

Create a low key piece of artwork. Remember to stick to the 0-3 range on the value scale.

This assignment is Due Wednesday July 9th at Midnight. Please follow the directions on the right column for submission.

As always, all assignments can be done using any medium and any dimension but for those who need more guidelines, recommendations are listed below.

Recommended Materials and Dimensions:

Use different papers to make your art piece. Find a variety of paper, printed and plain that are in the low key range of value. Use the theme "Lost" (or choose your own subject) and do a collage with the papers you've found. Your finished piece should be at least 8" x 10" (or 20 x 25 cm)

Assignment 3 Results

2008-07-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who participated in Assignment 3. Please critique each others artwork. Critiquing other artwork will help reinforce the principles of the assignment and help you have a better artistic eye.

Results:

Artist name: Jason
Location: Japan
Title of piece: 'Blue Bird'
Medium: Pencil and watercolor
Dimensions: 217mmx272 (sketchbook)

Artist: Haleigh Ashby from Provo, Utah

Titled: "lighthouse"

Medium and Dimensions: 8" x 10" - acrylic using only palette knife
(has shadow of arm from photograph)

Artist: Rett Ashby from Provo, Utah
Titled: “Midday Color "
Medium and Dimensions: 12" x 13.5" - Oil

Artist: Karleigh Jae Heywood, Rexburg, Idaho
Titled: high key study
Medium: Graphite on Beckett Expression Eucalyptus Paper- 12.5" x 19"

Assigment #3: High Key

2008-06-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

We'll be focusing on value for the next couple of assignments. Below is a reference chart for value. Notice that the values have been numbered with 0 being the darkest value and 10 being the lightest value. Sometimes artists choose to work within a certain range of the value scale. By doing this you can change the mood of the piece. It also helps to do this on occasion so that you become more aware of the values available to you and how it can affect your work. Sometimes artists slide into a comfort zone on the value scale. It helps to expand your limits and remind yourself of the full range in light and dark that is available to you.

When we speak of high key or low key, we are referring to the value chart. High key is generally in the range of 7 -10. Mid key is around 4-6 and Low Key is 0-3.

When working within a small range of the value scale, details and depth might be lost. Below is a high key painting done by Frank Gardener titled Woman and Doves. Note his use of color to assist the values in adding dimension. His shadows aren't lost because he not only uses value but different colors in the shadowed areas. With such a small range of value, color has supported the architecture and give dimension to his painting.

As a challenge, take a look at Chris Mclelland's images here. He uses a lot of white background which gives his artwork a high key feel. Not all of his artwork done on the white background is high key though. Look through his drawings and ask yourself if they are high key, low key or mid key. (Note that some of them are mixed and have the whole value scale included in the drawing. Try and point these out too.)

Assignment #3:

The theme for this week is "Flight" (anything that flies...birds, kites, airplanes...etc. or choose your own meaning of "Flight" to exhibit in your artwork.)

Using the theme create a high key piece of artwork. Remember to stick to the 7-10 range on the value scale.

This assignment is Due Wednesday July 2nd at Midnight. Please follow the directions on the right column for submission.

As always, all assignments can be done using any medium and any dimension but for those who need more guidelines, recommendations are listed below.

Recommended Materials and Dimensions:

Use watercolors on watercolor paper. Your finished piece should be 8" x 10" (or 20 x 25 cm)

Assignment 2 Results

2008-06-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

Results for Assignment 2

Our numbers dwindled for this assignment. Even I didn't send one in. (horrible of me, I know) but thank you to the two who sent one in. Please leave feedback for them. Even if it doesn't pertain directly to the object of the assignment which was monochromatic.

I hope to see more participation for next week's assignment...I've already started mine.

Artist: Rett Ashby from Provo, UT
Title: Cityscape Study
Medium and Dimensions: Oil on board, 10" x 20"

Artist: Haleigh Ashby from Provo, Utah
Title: Homeless
Medium and Dimensions: One blue crayon, 11" x 14"

Assignment #2: Monochrome

2008-06-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Assignment two is designed to give the artist a better understanding of value and color.

Monochrome means taking one color and adding black or white to the color to change the color's range of value. This chart here is a great resource for those looking for a visual. In the chart value is tone and color is referred to as hue.

I suggest that before starting the assignment, take a moment to do a color palette for the color you are using that will range from your lightest value to the darkest. This will help you understand the range of tones you can use in your assignment.

The image of Ice Cube was done by Don Pinsent. His caricatures are very well done and his use of red in monochrome makes the piece stand out brilliantly.

The Assignment

The theme for this assignment is city life. Your artwork must be done in monochrome and include some form of city life (buildings, cars, people, streets...)

As always, all assignments can be done using any medium and any dimension but for those who need more guidelines, recommendations are listed below.

Follow the rules listed on the right column of the blog. This assignment is due Wednesday June 25th by midnight.

Brian Simons did a series of city scapes which you can view here. Note that not all his paintings are monochromatic but some are. They might be helpful for some inspiration.

Recommended Materials and Dimensions:

Try painting buildings or a skyline of the most populated city in your region of the country you are from. Oil Paint on canvas or board with dimensions at least 11" x 16" (or 28cm x 40 cm)

Results of Assignment #1

2008-06-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you, to all who participated in the first assignment. Please feel free to leave comments and critiques for the artists.

Assinment #1 Results

Title: Napping Cleo

Artist:Poppycat Safron from the mountains of Southern California

Materials/Dimensions: micron, watercolor, watercolor pencils - 10.5 x 7.5 sketchbook

Untitled Contour

Artist: Katy Monnot

Materials: Pen, Ink and Markers

Title: 'a little buddha, a soy jug and a mug'
Artist: Jason from Japan

Medium/dimensions: Pencil and Watercolor on Paper - 22 cm x 26 cm

Title: Robinhood

Artist: Haleigh Ashby from Provo, Utah

Medium and dimensions: (currently unknown)

Title: The Creative Core

Artist: Karleigh Jae Heywood, Rexburg, Idaho

Medium: Pen and DS water soluble ink on Cambric Felt Paper- 11" x 14"

Assignment #1: Polished Blind Contour

2008-06-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

The first assignment is a "Polished Blind Contour"

If you have never done a blind contour drawing you can learn how to by clicking Here.You are assigned to do a blind contour drawing and turn it into a finished piece. Most blind contours are only done by the beginning art student for the purpose of learning to see objects as they are and not how they think they see the object.

Few artists actually use contour drawings as their finished pieces, I really enjoy viewing them though. I especially like Laurelines blind contours that have a finished look by adding watercolor to them.

You can also see Antonio Jorge Goncalves's work Here for great examples of contour drawings which are really incredible as an entire project.

The image above was done by Julie Durocher. It is a contour drawing that she scanned and added color to in Photoshop.

The purpose of this assignment is to learn better eye hand coordination, learn to see objects differently and explore the process of creating a finished piece of artwork out of a simple drawing exercise. It will also show us that imperfect realistic drawings can be appreciated just as much as perfect realistic drawings. Not everyone has to draw perfectly to be a great artist.

The Assignment:

Choose 3 objects and do a blind contour drawing of each of them. Combine them all into one finished piece by adding color, texture or dimension to them.

If you are having a hard time picking three objects then choose a fairy tale or folk tale (Little Red Riding Hood) and pick three characters/objects from the story such as Little Red, The woods and the Wolf.

As always, all assignments can be done using any medium and any dimension but for those who need more guidelines recommendations are listed below.

Follow the rules listed on the right column of the blog. This assignment is due Wednesday, June 18th by Midnight.

Recommended Materials and Dimensions: Use pen or ink to do the blind contour onto watercolor paper. Use Watercolors to add dimension and life to your drawing. The finished piece should be at least 11" x 16" (or 28 cm x 40 cm)

The Purpose of this Blog

2008-06-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

This blog is the result of teaching my little sister art for a week. Haleigh came up to Idaho with the intent of going home with a few good pieces for her portfolio and we had talked about me giving her weekly assignments so that she could continue to build a great collection of work. She mentioned that my dad would also like to do the assignments with her. You can visit Rett Ashby's gallery (my dad's paintings) here. While my little sister is just starting her portfolio, my dad has been painting for...a long time (maybe 30+ years?) What I'm getting at is, you can be a beginner in art or an advanced artist of many years to join in The Creative Core experience. With two people dedicated to the assignments, I decided I would also dedicate myself so that we can share our adventures in art together. I look forward to the critiques and opportunity at viewing everyone's artwork.

I've also started this blog with the intent of expanding past family members. Too often I hear these dreary phrases from others:

"Don't stop painting, it's hard to start again."

"I wish I had time to do art but I'm so busy."

"I don't know where to start because I've slacked so much in doing art."

"I lack inspiration for art so I never get around to doing it."

"I have too much inspiration and have too many things I want to do that I can't decide where to start."

And the one I'm guilty of using too often:

"I don't have any deadlines so it always gets put off."

The purpose of this blog is to eliminate these often heard phrases. The assignments are given to get your creative juices flowing and allow for guidelines and deadlines. It will help those advanced artists get back to basics and push the newer artists into more unique and unchartered creative areas.

Although the assignments come with a due date, the amount of time you really put into it is your own choice. Whether you put in ten minutes a day or an entire week's worth of work is your decision. It's always nice to see people go above and beyond but if you only have an hour of time to spare then spend that hour wisely on the week's assignment.

This blog is titled "The Creative Core" for the purpose of delivering assignments with core basics in mind: line, shape, space, value, and color. It will also allow for originality, creativity and use of various other elements of art.

I hope all artists will participate. Most assignments can apply to any medium. Most will be able to be transfered to pottery, fabric, jewelry, photography or canvas. Please work the assignment into your medium because I'm sure we'll all be interested in seeing the extra creativity.

Feel free to join in the creative core process at any time and if you miss a week, please don't give it up or you may descend to living the dreary phrases.