Merry Christmas

"You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch."  Thank you again, Dr. Seuss.

Amazing New(ish) Blog

     I "discovered" one of the most amazing blogs a few months back.  It can be found at Muddy Colors.  It features comments and insights from some amazing illustrators and artists.  The blog has been up and since August 2009 and since then has gained quite a following.  Ever since I stumbled across it's wonderful entries I have been thankful; gaining an insight into the thought and work processes of successful artists is a exciting thing to be a part of.  To date, there have been entries on thumbnails, using reference, painting techniques, and portfolio tips.  Just a little bit for everyone.  So, if you're interested in art or artists, I highly recommend adding some Muddy Colors to your daily palette of inspiration and information.  Click the link in the ArtFuel section, follow along, and enjoy. TTYL.

New Book!

     I recently received a copy of Color and Light, by James Gurney (thanks to Jennifer Borreson).  I am constantly impressed with James' work, his newest book is no exception.  This volume is an in depth study on the effects of both color and light, how it works and most importantly how it can be applied to the arts (drawing, painting, photography, etc).  I have read through most of his Dinotopia books (which if you haven't read - please go out right now and read them!) and throughly enjoyed each adventure.  The stories are well written and the illustrations will have you feeling like you're right there on this strange isolated continent.  One day I will own my own copy of the series. 

     So far, I'm about 60 or so pages into Color and Light and already feel like I am getting a much needed refresher course in color, light, composition, design, and painting technique.  If you are unfamiliar with James Gurney please follow the jump to his website or click the link on the sidebar to visit his incredibly informative daily blog at Gurney Journey.  I will post a more thorough review once I finish going through it, but so far so good great!

Thanks for reading and let me know what you think.  TTYL

Words of Wisdom

Florence from the Boboli Gardens

     "The first two things to study are form and values.  For me, these are the bases of what is serious in art.  Color and finish put charm into one's work."  Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot [ca. 1828]

     I couldn't agree with this more.  Values are how we interpret light on objects as well as their material (texture) and relationship to each other; atmospheric perspective, for example.  Second, form follows function.  This is essential to understanding the shape of whatever is being drawn or painted.  This is the foundation to which most beginning painters often struggle to grasp.  Starting simply, with monochromatic colors and simple geometric shapes, will help to ensure a successful time learning how to manipulate paint.  This is why artists will usually draw a small black and white "thumbnail" version of the image to test whether or not the values and forms (shapes of value) will work with each other.  A gold key to unlocking a great composition. 
     One of my past instructors, George Pratt, summed it up very well by saying, "Color is candy," and like Corot, he's right on.

Life and Death

Life and Death, c 2010

     This is a painting from our Open Studio Sessions @ Woodland.  This was completed in the final two sessions and is done in oil on a piece of wood I had laying around.  This brought about the end of the current semester of studios, the next session will begin January 9th for anyone interested.  We will be working with live models and drawing from life.  The forthcoming session will also feature several demos by myself as well as Ron & Jennifer Borreson.

Thanks and I hope to see you there!

True Love @ Woodland

     This was a great thing to be a part of.  I've received a lot of feedback that people were really moved by the experience, so the Visual Arts team at Woodland is working on several other ideas to keep the momentum going.
The paintings were a live onstage worship experience during the October 16th & 17th services.  The song is "True Love" written by Phil Wickham and performed by Andy Botts.  A very cool version of the song and some amazing artwork to go with it!  The original paintings will be on display at Woodland very soon, I'll post pics as soon as I can.

Enjoy the video (courtesy of Woodland, the Community Church)

New Open Studio Sessions

     Just wanted to let everyone know that beginning Sunday, August 15, from 2pm-4pm the Visual Arts Ministry will be starting open studio sessions hosted at Woodland the Community Church here in Bradenton, Fl.  These sessions will be hosted by myself and 2 other Ringling grads namely, Ron & Jen Borreson.  You can check out their work by clicking on their names in the "links" section.  The format is going to be fairly open, starting with some still lifes and possibly moving on to some figurative and/or en plein aire opportunites.  There will be individual instruction available if needed; so come on down and bring whatever media you're comfortable with or want to experiment with.  The point is just to get some artists together and have fun creating art.  I hope to see you there!

Sailboat teaser

Haven't made to time to post anything on here recently.  Got promoted at work and have been working longer and harder than I have in the last few years or so.  Anyway, here I am trying to get back into the swing of things.

This is a sketch I started a little while ago, that I should be wrapping up soon. 

Bashaw Elementary T-shirt design

     Here's a late post from the archives.  I was asked to design a new school logo t-shirt for my son's school, Bashaw Elementary.  After several different versions, we landed on one that was simple enough to be worn by everyone, could be put on any color, and still be an interesting design.  I wasn't interested in drawing a Bobcat this time around, but I definitly wanted to incorporate "Bob the Bobcat" into the design somewhere.  Pawprints seemed the most natural way to accomplish both.

Bashaw Elementary School T-shirt Logo c 2010

New book . . .

     I received a pair of amazing books for Christmas this (past) year.  The first is The Frank Reilly School of Art by Doug Higgins.  Frank Reilly was an incredible teacher who taught at the Art Student's League in New York for about 29 years among other very prestigious art schools during the 1960's.  Doug was a student of Frank Reilly's during the sixties and the book is an account of notes taken by himself as well as other students of Frank's throughout the years.  The content of the book is a wonderful journey about the fundementals of art, drawing, and painting.  It's simplicity and approachibility is wonderful and very easy to understand and apply. 
     The second book is The Practice and Science of Drawing by Harold Speed.  I'm currently about half-way through it so far, but I must say that this is one of the most informative books on drawing I've ever read.  It really breaks down how we see and interpret images and particularly how to translate that knowledge into drawing.  It was written by Harold Speed in 1917, which is interesting because this is right after the main Impressionist movement so painters like Corot and Monet were very fresh on the artistic scene.
     I highly recommend both of these books, if you are at all interested in learning about drawing and general art techniques.  I wish I had read these before (or at least the beginning) of art school.  Of course, saying that I wouldn't have really appreciated what was being shared at the time.  So, I am thankful for the opportunity to have read them now.
-Tom

Awards!

Hooray!  Here it is the first post of 2010.  I entered into my first show of the year: the Manatee County Fair Art Show.  Well, turns out I won awards on both of the paintings I submitted.  Here are the 2 pieces with their respective awards attached.  They are both First Premium awards.  "Sunday Morning" won a Blue Rosette and "Golden Creek" won a Blue Ribbon. 

You can visit my temporary website here to see larger versions of both pieces.  Thanks for checking them out.