My rendition of the musicians. You don’t have to include every detail, just make hints of many items.Musicians at the music festival.
Being an artist means that you continue to view the world through an artist’s eyes. You’re always looking around you with an intention of expressing your views through whatever means with which you are most comfortable. For me, it’s capturing my views through quick sketches. These are not finished drawings or paintings, but quick translations of what catches my attention.
Many of these sketches end up as finished paintings. Most do not. They are just recordings of my thoughts and viewpoints. There is something about sketching which makes me look more closely. As opposed to photographs., which do not always. The sketches dig into my consciousness, impressing certain details that I would normally overlook with a quick photo.
The full quick sketch kit – plastic bag, sketchbook, collapsible water container, paper towel, plastic eraser, pen, mechanical pen and paint box.
I keep a quick sketch bag at the ready. Since my favorite tool is watercolor, paper, and pen, this is what I keep in my bag.
A one gallon ziplock bag
A small sketch book, probably for watercolor or at least pen and ink, sometimes precut watercolor postcard sizes
A mechanical pencil
A pen, usually a commercial fade-proof and waterproof ink, nothing fancy
A plastic eraser
A folding water container
An old-fashioned metal PRANG watercolor box, filled with my good paints, only eight colors
Two or three good brushes, small enough to fit in the color box
A paper towel or cloth rag
A bottle of water
This is it.
A few samples of small sketchbooks I keep on hand.A homemade postcard from watercolor paper, and another sketchbook with tear-out pages.
This is light weight. Always packed. Ready to grab at an instance and get out of Dodge.
My old metal Prang watercolor box, filled with the good watercolor paint and a few brushes. I let it stay open overnight until the paints have dried out so it travels without making a mess.
This past weekend I participated at a small local arts and music festival. I haven’t done art fairs for thirty years so it was a good opportunity to renew my experience. And to discover why I don’t really want to do it any more.
Capturing the tents of the vendors.Vendor tent at the festival.
But it also afforded me a few hours to sketch the people and entertainers at the festival. Fun to experience that. But also fun to know that I don’t have to do this any more. And I had a good opportunity to people watch. With my quick sketch tools.
Are you ready to get out in the world with some quick art tools? The better prepared you are to go, the more likely you will be to do so. Be prepared.
Farmhouse through the Trees, oil on canvas, 18 x 24, Kit Miracle
I recently sold an older painting which had been on my Etsy shop for awhile. The subject is of a white two-story farmhouse with a smaller white building behind it. All painted with spring trees just leafing out so plenty of nice greens. This was a plein air painting, meaning that I actually painted it outside during the spring season.
It was a delight to finally sell this painting, actually to a repeat customer. He was delighted to get it. And I was happy to be able to find it easily in my studio (which is not always the case.) What has puzzled me about this painting is that it was one of the most popular on my site, a favorite of many people. I’ve just always been surprised that it hasn’t sold before.
As an artist for many years, I have some paintings which have lingered in the studio for a good while. And then suddenly, someone sees what I actually saw when I painted the subject. That is always rewarding.
Anyway, I’m rambling here. My point is this, if you see some artwork of any kind, and you really like it, then you should buy it for yourself or someone special. A painting is not like a donut that will go stale after a while. Beauty is always in style.
After so many early summer activities – gardening, hosting company, chores around the house – I’ve finally be able to get back to doing something fun for me. Mostly painting for upcoming exhibits.
Nick’s Pond, 20 x 16, acrylic on canvas, Kit Miracle
I don’t usually lack for ideas. Quite the opposite – too many ideas. But when I hit a dry spell, I sit with my notepad and just start brainstorming. Sometimes I think of a theme, or a location, or something that’s just a challenge. Not all of the ideas I consider reach fruition. Some turn out quite awful, to be frank, but you don’t see those. Maybe it’s a quick glimpse of a cloud or weather formation. Or maybe I want to try some new materials. I really like to do landscapes and to capture human forms. Not much into capturing ugly (to me) – rusty old implements or derelict buildings. But any of this could change in the future, maybe next week.
The Conversation, 12 x 16 acrylic on canvas, Kit Miracle
The past few months I’ve been capturing my travels to California this past spring. Totally different landscape for me. I mostly just did simple sketches, watercolor with pen and ink. But this inspired me to try some bigger, more finished paintings in acrylic on canvas. Many of these were challenging, even to the point where I asked myself why I decided to even try them. But I usually finish what I start as I’ve encountered that messy part of working on a painting about 60% of the way through where it all looks like garbage. Funny how that often works itself out.
Here are a few pieces that I’ve done the second half of the summer. And loads more ideas to come. There just aren’t enough hours in a day.
Palace of Fine Arts – Front View, 16 x 20, acrylic on Canvas, Kit MiraclePalace of Fine Arts, Back View, 16 x 20, acrylic on canvas, Kit MiracleThe Visitor, 24 x 24, acrylic on canvas, Kit MiracleRed Lanterns, 16 x 12, acrylic on canvas, Kit Miracle
After I returned from vacation last spring, I immediately jumped into the many spring tasks requiring attention. The usual trimming and weeding. Building and adding a third raised bed. I really enjoyed gardening with those last year. Planting and spring cleaning.
Pea pods waiting for my basket.Mikey the dog keeping me company on the patio at the end of the day.
I dealt with a very stubborn cardinal who kept fighting his reflection in the window. All day long for weeks, beginning at dawn and going until dusk. I drew scary faces of owls which helped for a minute. Finally, I hung some netting which covered the window reflections. Until I caught mama cardinal trying to steal the netting for her nest, I presume.
Stubborn cardinal.The netting over the windows that finally kept Mr. Red Bird from banging at the window all day.
My son announced a visit in late June. Oh, and he’d be bringing a bunch of his California friends so they could see where he grew up. Whaaaa???? He and his girlfriend planned their trip to begin in Louisville where they showed them the sights with visits to distilleries and the famous Churchill Downs. Then they planned a day out here in the country. This led to weeks of preparation on our part, catching up on all those jobs which have been put off the past couple of years. Plus planning dinner for 12 or 14 people. Yikes!
The friends and family group dinner. Italian, of course!Homemade bread for the group meal.
We all had a wonderful day. My son arranged for his friends to do things that they can’t or don’t normally do in California. Go fishing. A hike in the woods. Shooting off fireworks. And trying out some firearms. They were a wonderful group of people. So glad I got to meet them.
Afterwards, my son and his girlfriend spent the rest of the week. One day boating on the lake. Anchoring in a quiet cove for lunch and swimming, then cruising to another cove. Uncle teaching my grandson how to swim and skip rocks. Just what uncles are supposed to do. (Not the “pull my finger stunt, either.”)
Cruising on Lake Patoka. What a lovely day.
Now it’s time to pick tomatoes and peppers, make some salsa. Revisit the weeding. Welcome more visitors. Take the grandkids to library programs and classes. And actually do some painting for upcoming shows and exhibits.
Summer seems to speed up and fall is getting closer.
And, finally, on a sad note. My precious cat Leo who had been experiencing some serious health issues had to be put down last spring. I am heartbroken and can admit that I cried buckets. I’ll get another cat eventually but I’m not ready yet. Someday.
My precious Leo.
Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy the remainder of your summer and can get outside to enjoy nature.
Posted onJune 9, 2024|Comments Off on Creativity in Art: Three Books You Need to Read
It is no great secret to anyone who knows me that I am a true book addict. I love books. Just everything about them except their weight when you have to move them. There is hardly a room in the house which doesn’t have a shelf or at least a pile of to-be-read books.
Last year I put myself on a book diet, i.e., vowing not to order any books for the entire year. Ha ha. Well, I stuck with that intention for most of the year, with some exceptions. Gift cards could be used. And of course, the libraries, and free digital resources. This forced me into rereading some of the many books I already own rather than buy new ones.
However, it’s a new year and my wish list is long. But I have been a bit more cautious about the size and number of books that I buy, still concentrating on rereading old favorites.
The Art Spirit– by Robert Henri
First published in 1923, Henri did not actually write this book. It is a compilation of his class notes and lectures by one of his students, Margery Ryerson. Henri taught at the Arts Student League of New York and the National Academy of Design. He emphasized using some of the new styles of the day (impressionism and cubism) to capture some of the grittier sides of life, particularly urban scenes. He is credited as being the founder of the Ashcan School and instructed many soon-to-be famous artists.
My copy of The Art Spirit is pretty old, underlined, starred, and has notes in the margins. This is the only book that I took with me on vacation recently. I often find that in rereading an old favorite, I will pick up new ideas and I did here.
Be a warhorse for work, and enjoy even the struggle against defeat.
You are working for your character, and your pay is to last you all your life.
I believe that keeping one’s faculties in full exercise is the secret of good health and longevity. It made Titian a young man at nearly a hundred.
Perhaps mental inactivity is the most fatiguing thing in the world.
This is not necessarily a how-to paint book but a book about creating and living as an artist. An old book, still in print, which reads like new ideas.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being – Rick Rubin
Best known as an icon in the music industry, Rick Rubin has created a long shadow as an innovator and producer. Upon reading this book, you can immediately see why his influence is so great and he’s so respected among those in his field. He’s a deep thinker.
The nearly 400 page book is filled with short chapters which give you inspiration and things to contemplate. Especially surprising is that despite Rubin’s music background, he uses the term art in the broad sense of the word -physical art, music, writing, dance, nearly any kind of creative pursuit. I was pleasantly surprised.
This is not the type of book that you want to rush through, but to take in small bites, read and reread sections, then begin again.
I suggest that you check out a copy of the book’s chapter headings at 78 Areas of Thought, either online or in the bookstore. You will want to consume the ideas, yet take time to savor them. A book for your shelves for years to come.
Life in the Studio – Frances Palmer
You may be surprised by my choice of this book since Frances Palmer is a potter. She’s also a gardener, cook, businesswoman, and creative soul. I think I mostly bought the book because of the beautiful photographs. They are just exquisite.
I admit, my first pass through the book was just to consume and enjoy the photography. Truly wonderful, not only the lighting, but the entire settings.
My second pass through this book was to read how Frances Palmer became the creator that she is today. Yes, she does talk about some technical aspects of learning her craft, but I enjoyed the wabi-sabi nature of her work. The pottery is filmed displaying colorful flowers from her own garden. (She turned the tennis courts of her house into raised beds.) Palmer also hosts intimate meals for friends and family featuring her family recipes served, of course, on her tableware.
But some of the parts of the book that I appreciated most were her journey from beginning crafter to the renown artist that she is now. Her insecurities, her difficulties, the support of her friends and family. And I especially like that she is still learning and adapting to new ideas and techniques. It is a big step for any creator to get out of their comfort zone and try the untried, not knowing how it will turn out or be accepted.
If you like unusual clayware, beautiful flowers and photographs, earthy recipes, and some nice biographical scenes of a successful artist, I certainly recommend this book.
These are not the only books on creativity that I like, but I think this is a good mix to fire up your artistic juices. Give yourself a treat this summer.
Creating prints from natural materials can be a whole lot of fun for you or your kids. I had an opportunity to conduct another free class at the little library a couple of weeks ago. This was the last of a series of free kids art classes this spring.
The idea was to collect some interesting natural materials, cover them in paint, and use them to make prints. The materials I used were just collected from my yard. Ferns, leaves, flowers, weeds. I also added some feathers and even a snake skin for texture. Maybe you can take a nature walk with your kids to collect the materials.
One of my demonstration sample print pieces on top of a painted sunrise.Repetition leaves in a pattern
Some of the kids used artist canvas boards, but we found that paper or cardboard works best as supports for the prints. The paper can be plain white or colored, or even textured. Some of the kids did a pre-print drawing or rainbow on their papers. There are just so many ideas.
This was a pretty messy project so as before, I recommend a disposable table cloth, lots of newspapers, disposable plates for palettes, and disposable cups for water. Actually, after our class was done, nearly everything got wrapped up in the tablecloth and tossed. Easy cleanup.
I also recommend that you AND the kids wear some protective clothing or aprons. An old shirt turned backwards works great, too. Things may (WILL) get messy.
Some of the kids wore gloves but others opted not to.Once they got into it, the prints were flying like mad.
The paint we used was acrylic but tempera or poster paints work pretty good, too. And we used cheap makeup sponges instead of brushes.
Before we started, I showed the kids some of the sheets where I had practiced with some of the materials. Then I demonstrated the process. Afterwards, they painted their leaves or whatever, pressed it into their papers, and used some newspapers to really rub in in. Then they needed to gently lift the leaf or natural materials off. The most difficult part was to judge how much paint was enough and not too much or too little. They caught on very quickly.
The kids selected from a big pile of natural materials. They had about six colors to select from.
This would be a great project to do outdoors on a summer day. The kids didn’t sit down as they kept moving around, trying new materials. I was so happy to see them having so much fun.
Printing light colors on a darker color paper worked well, too.Just a sample of some of the results of our class.
If you try this out, please let me know how your project turns out.
Summer is nearly upon us and people everywhere are getting ready to do a little traveling. Maybe for vacation or maybe just to visit some friends and family in distant places. Most of us capture our visits with dozens if not hundreds of photos in our phones, or as I like to call them, our personal entertainment devices. But how many of you actually go back and look at all the photos you’ve taken? Probably not too many.
I want to encourage you to develop the habit of recording your trips and making small sketches in a travel journal. This doesn’t have to be complicated or involve carting around tons of equipment. And you surely do not need to record details of every minute of your trip. But a travel journal is often helpful to prompt your recall of that marvelous chocolate shop in the Marais District of Paris, or the intriguing rock shop at Zion National Park. A note now will save much time trying to recall those lost memories.
I recently had the very great pleasure to visit relatives in California, both northern and southern. Although I have traveled to California before, this visit was pure pleasure and exposed me to many beautiful sights. Plus, I dined on all kinds of delicious food. Yum.
Since I was traveling very light, I only took the barest of art equipment and a journal in which I’ve recorded many other trips over the years. I make brief notes of daily activities, plus some essential facts about the details of my travels. My greatest pleasure is to capture some scenes through sketches and small watercolors. The best part of my recordings is that they help me to concentrate on the scenes and set them firmly in my memory. Obviously I can’t capture every scene, but am happy with the ones that I do. They mean so much to me when I review my travel journals at a later time.
Small sketch kit. Prang watercolor kit with my added professional paints, book, mechanical pencil, permanent ink pen, collapsible water container.
These are some of the sketches from my recent journal. My metal Prang watercolor set has been refilled with professional watercolors. It is so old that it’s a collector’s item now. I only carry three or four small brushes, a mechanical pencil (no sharpener required), a pen with permanent ink, a folding water container, all in a resealable bag. The notebook is only 5 x 7 inches. I have smaller sketchbooks and larger ones but this size fit in my backpack and was easy to carry.
Municipal Rose Garden, San Jose
The first day we visited the beautiful Municipal Rose Garden in San Jose. I could smell the scent before I even entered the gardens. People of all ages were strolling or lounging in the shade of some magnificent redwoods. We sat in the shade and caught up with life while I made this sketch. You do not have to include every detail when you are sketching but may take liberties to change things to suit your needs. You’re trying to catch the spirit of the scene, not necessarily the exact replica.
Pillar Point Harbor at Half Moon BayDriving down California Highway #1
Another day we drove out to Half Moon Bay and walked out to Pillar Point to see the surf. Later, we drove down the iconic California Highway #1 to Santa Cruz for dinner on the pier. I even spotted a plein air painter on a bluff above the ocean.
The Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
One day we took the train up to San Francisco for a day of sight-seeing. Starting at the Palace of Fine Arts, we walked to Crissy Field, down the shore to Copper’s Corner. I sketched the Golden Gate Bridge from this vantage point. Fortunately my son took pity for my knees and respect for the hills of SF to hire cars to take us to various spots. We ended our outing having lunch at the famous Sam Wo’s restaurant. I was exhausted by the time we took the train back to San Jose.
Later, I flew down to LA where I reunited with my sister and nephew and niece whom I haven’t seen in many years. They were the best hosts and tour guides. We visited the outstanding Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Another day we went to the Getty Museum atop the hills. The collection was beautiful as was the museum and the views. One day was spent at the wonderful Hilbert Museum viewing its impressive collection of California art. Special kudos for my nephew’s husband and his navigation of the LA traffic, all without a hint of impatience.
Did I sketch everything that I saw or visited? Of course not! But I captured some significant to me places and events. Plenty of food for thought and future paintings. Meanwhile, I can refresh my memories with my sketchbook and notes.
So while you’re planning your next trip or vacation, don’t forget to pack your sketchbook and some drawing materials. Happy traveling!
Here are a couple of links to previous postings about travel sketching.
These two rascals appear every March around here. They always make me smile.
Today we celebrate St. Patrick’s day. Or, perhaps, some readers are regretting that they celebrated a little too much last night. Whatever your situation, you or probably someone you know is proudly wearing the green. We’re all a bit Irish today, aren’t we?
My mother was an English war bride. But what many people in the US don’t realize, that many English natives have Irish ancestry, too. While nearly five million Irish immigrated to the US during the Great Potato Famine and the years that followed, nearly one fourth of all Americans have some Irish background. That is a huge amount. No wonder we’re all celebrating.
My mother always kept some Irish traditions going. As kids, we always wore the green to avoid getting an Irish pinch on the special day. There was sure to be cabbage with our corned beef for supper. Maybe an old-fashioned pudding for dessert.
She kept the legends of leprechauns and brownies alive, and they would be blamed if the milk got spilled or a button fell off. I still like to carry on these family stories a bit myself. Years ago, I purchased this little pair of leprechauns and told my boys that they symbolize the mischievous characters around here. I always drag them out this time of year. Probably much to my sons’ annoyance but, well, it’s my choice.
This past weekend, my granddaughter built a little fairy hut for the leprechauns. Some twigs and sticks, leathery magnolia leaves and a seed pod, plus a snail shell and some green Irish moss. Funny how the little guys found their way outside to enjoy a pipe and ray of sunshine.
The two resident leprechauns enjoying a pipe and a bit o’ sun.
Let us all be proud of our heritage today and always. We all come from somewhere and bring our unique traditions, food, song and culture to this amazing melting pot. Enjoy your day. Watch out for pinches.
As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, this little library plays an important role in the community. As small as it is, it hosts a number of activities for patrons of all ages. All of these activities are FREE to attend although attendance may be limited due to space.
I brought in a few of my own sunflower paintings for some inspiration.
Recently I volunteered to teach a few children’s painting classes. The first of these classes was to learn about Vincent Van Gogh and to paint a picture in his style.
Although the class was limited, we had a nice turnout this week. I explained to the children a little about Vincent Van Gogh, who he was and why he was important. Also, they learned about his painting methods. Each table had several vases of sunflowers (faux) which the children were encouraged to choose what and how they wanted to paint. The library supplied all the art materials and even had little aprons just their size. They learned about mixing colors and how Van Gogh was known for his bold brush strokes.
Each child composed his or her own painting.Disposable palettes and tablecloths made clean up a snap.
All in all, it was a great group. I hope the kids had as much fun as I did.
Next month, we’re going to learn about Georgia O’Keeffe and her skull paintings. I’m bringing in a collection of real skulls (cow and deer) for them to use as subject matter.
Many thanks to AmyJo, the library branch manager, and other patrons who make programs like this possible. Public libraries are the best bargain around. What’s happening at your library?
The Singing Tree, acrylic on canvas with sterling silver gilding, 30 x 24, Kit Miracle
I have a singing tree in my front yard. Actually, right next to the house.
Oh, it’s not belting out O Sole Mio or anything like the latest rap. It’s more of a gentle, low key humming, singing really. The first time I heard it was when I was walking around the yard on a windy day. I kept looking around to see if anyone was there. It took me a while to realize that the sound was coming from a tree. The twisted branches were rubbing against each other, creating a sound.
Our house, like so many older homes in this part of the midwest, is surrounded by yard trees. These were planted decades ago to provide shade to houses in the heat of the summer, long before air conditioning. The trees nearest the house are all maples, mostly black or sugar maples. (Lovely colors in autumn.) Although we’ve lost some of the trees over the years, there are still enough to provide some shade.
The Singing Tree, original photoThe Singing Tree, black and white photo manipulation
Last spring I took a photography course. I was mostly interested in learning how to use the features of my cameras. Didn’t need much help with composition. One of our weekly assignments was to get out and film nature. The Singing Tree was one of my entries. After some computer manipulation, I did a very striking black and white, almost abstract. I was going to paint is as such, but then reverted to a muted impressionistic painting with added sterling silver gilding. I even added a maple leaf motif to the edges of the painting, in sterling silver, of course.
The Singing Tree, detail 1The singing Tree, detail 2The Singing Tree, edge with leaf motif in sterling silver
The whole painting has been sprayed with clear acrylic which prevents the sterling silver from tarnishing. Adding the gilding adds several more steps to the actual painting which slows the whole process.
I'm a professional artist, retired director of a performing arts center, bona fide book addict, and enjoy the quiet life...most of the time. I'd love to hear from you or get your ideas for future posts. Come back soon!
I'm a professional artist, retired director of a performing arts center, bona fide book addict, and enjoy the quiet life...most of the time. I'd love to hear from you or get your ideas for future posts. Come back soon!
my90acres 