From the end of the table, the pumpkins overlapped well for an image that would represent depth.

This week in class students have been practicing methods for creating depth, including overlapping objects, linear perspective, aerial perspective and dimishing sizes in their drawings.   Drawing from the end of a table lined up with pumpkins the drawings (in both pencil and charcoal) turned out well. On another table we set up a line of squash.  The student drawing above was about midway through the work.  When the background and table were added later, the three dimensional quality of the work was clear.

Next week in class we begin to practice methods for creating the illusion of depth. Without color there are four of these (in simple terms): linear perspective, overlap, diminishing sizes, and aerial perspective. Actually the third is really a result of the first. So we’ll be drawing both outside, weather permitting, as well as inside. Students drew glass and metal objects last week, by pulling lights out of an evenly toned charcoal midtone, and then added darks with more charcoal. Some added lights with white pastel. Great results. I’ll try and post some of these soon.

The course “Drawing for the Terrified” has attracted enough attention up at North Hero that we now have a full class with a waiting list.   That likely means the course will continue to be offered this October, November and December (once or twice a month… more likely the former).  Once classes at UVM are over in December I’ll have more time to attend to classes in North Hero and other community efforts.    I’ll be out of the state for some time in late February and early March.  For more information on the North Hero class or to get on the list, call Dorice Clark at the Clark Gallery 802 372 8822 or send email to me: Michael.Strauss@uvm.edu or Dorice at CLARK-DORICE@yahoo.com.

We have been drawing portraits for a few weeks now, and some students are having a hard time getting away from “line” and need to start drawing dark and light patches to create more realistic three dimensional form.   The exercise shown above is designed to make students more aware of the possibilities of value in creating the illusion of volume.  It involves griding a subject and reproducing only observed values in the grid squares.  The effect is to remove the intellectual knowledge of parts (naming and drawing  “nose, eye, ear”) and attend only to the value (intensity of dark or light) in a particular region of the subject.

Our patient models Fred and Ethel sit for Drawing to Learn Science, in B 203 Angell this past week.  They were drawn in graphite and charcoal.  Soon they will be done in ink wash.   We are beginning to learn about value and creating form with darks and lights.    The charcoal was a bit messy but everyone was careful about cleaning up.   The birds were happy to escape their boring, dark home in 531 Cook for a journey downstairs to our art class, and are looking foward to returning sometime in the near future.

Done from the bike path along the  North Branch in late Fall.

    Drawing class went well last night.   I do two of these, one on Wednesday night and one on Thursday night.   Since the room in Cook Physical Science isn’t air conditioned, the cooler weather is most welcome.  Got caught in the “forever broken” elevator around 7 p.m. during a class break, and called to get it fixed.   So now I can’t get my art stuff back to the office on the fifth floor.

The class was devoted to the opposites of tight controlled drawing and more intuitive gesture drawing.  Students were happier with the former.  It was the first time many of them had done gesture drawing and they found it challenging.   But the four hours went by quickly and everyone stayed focused and worked hard.   Some very nice drawings resulted. Clean up was longer than usual because we used vine charcoal and it got messy.  Everyone was most helpful with that.  A great group of new UVM first year students.  It all happens again tonight with a larger group — i.e., more messy then, and crowded.
Dorice Clark in North Hero (the Clark Gallery) is arranging for a new class (I titled it “Drawing for the Terrified” – a borrowed title from Ron Swanwick in Herefordshire, U.K.)   We had our first one last Monday and it was filled.   Before the ad went in the Islander, there are already 13 ready for the second, so this seems popular.  I think it will  happen on October 1.   Originally we were going to hold it at the Gallery/Shop, but there really isn’t enough room and the light is better at the North Hero Library, so that is where it will likely be.  Dorice said she may have a coffee hour at the Gallery/Shop on Sept. 24th for all interested students and may invite all the artists that exhibit in her place.   I’ll try to find time to go when I find out when and if this happens.

Now I come to the brief but problematic issue of progress in painting.   I’m stalled.  I’ve set up at home and at UVM to paint, but all my energy seems focused on the classes.   So the many paintings in progress have come to a screeching halt for a week or two.  That makes me less happy than painting and getting email and critiques from Tad.  He’s taught me a ton of stuff and I really like some of the paintings that have resulted.  On the other hand my storage areas, walls and bins are filled with paintings.  I need to dwell more on the purpose of this track of my life.  Maybe next time.   Rebecca is downstairs ready to leave and I’m joining her now for tea.  I’ll post again tomorrow.

A painting half-way done.

After writing group I went back to Carl and Rosalind’s and painted this the next day.