Monday, February 20, 2012

Indecision Fuels Expression

For one of my drawing classes we were assigned a project requiring us to morph two objects of choice.

We could either morph the objects into one or show a progression of one morphing into the other.

I went with the second option and this is my spin on it:

From Peace to Piece


The thing I liked most about this project is that it allowed you to feel two emotions at once and express that through art.
                
Most the time my work is fueled by one emotion whether that be anger, sadness, bliss or anything for that matter.

But for those days when you're just not sure how you feel....

Here's a way to tell the world

Medium of the Week: Push Pins

No canvas or tools but craving a little self expression? I have the perfect solution for you... PUSH PINS!

I know it sounds a little crazy but with push pins the world is your canvas! (ok well you may just want to stick to your own home)
               
But still it's a great idea and can produce awesome results!

Here's the proof:







 Nervous about leaving holes in the wall?
      Don't be!
If you decide its time to take down your creation, the holes can be
filled using spackle. Its a simple process:
1. Apply spackle to the area you wish to fill
2. Wipe excess spackle using a soft cloth
3. (once spackle has dried) sand the area so that it is flush with the wall
4. Paint over the sanded area

It's like nothing was ever there!




Monday, February 6, 2012

thINK on Paper

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Ink?

Not thinking of the awesome visual techniques that it can be used for?

Well guess what, YOU SHOULD BE!

Although I have only recently started dabbling with this medium, I find it to be an awesome tool that can really add contrast and emphasis to any composition.

And the best part??

It can be completely reflective of yourself, your interests, and your style! 

So make it your own like these guys have...








As you can see, there are endless forms of ink art. Whether it be expressive, abstract, refined, gestural, or anything for that matter, these artists were able to convey their own emotions via pen and ink well.

And give it a try- I did!


Some Helpful Hints:
  1. When using a pen that is either flat-balled or round-nibbed, be sure to have scrap paper close by. Ink tends to build up on the tip of the pen which can cause unwanted drips and splatter marks. A quick shake onto the scrap paper can help to avoid this problem!
  2. Be careful with the canvas or surface that you choose for your composition. If it is super absorbent the pen will bleed which is never fun to deal with.






http://fonetik.wordpress.com/2007/11/23/gift-guide-2007-art/ http://www.optimumwound.com/artist-michael-cho-on-putting-in-his-time-at-the-board.htm http://www.darkstormcreative.com/2011/03/new-ink-art-the-pale-man/ http://blog.artandstory.com/category/abstract/ http://keck-contemporary-art.blogspot.com/2008/04/sink-or-swim-new-original-abstract.html http://vi.sualize.us/transmitter/ink/ 


Medium of The Week: Newspaper

Just because people are relying less on Newspapers for the news and more on new media for the latest updates on what's going on in the World doesn't mean that print media is totally on the out.

I mean who says a newspaper is for reading anyways?

In the eyes of Nick Georgiou, a Queens, N.Y. native, newspapers are just as useful for inspiring as they are for informing.

As you check out these amazing sculptures remember: 

Everyone is an artist, You just have to find your inspiration

...So get out there and find it

           Take a Look!


















Never worked with newspaper before? Its ok!
There are plenty of smaller projects to start out with if you want to begin incorporating newspaper into your everyday medium.
Heres an easy one thats fun for everyone:

Newspaper Beads
Heres what you'll need:
  • Newspapers
  • Clear drying glue
  • Varnish
  • Craft paint
  • A large old pot
  • A large pot
  • Sandpaper
  • Toothpicks


And heres how ya do it:
  1. Fill the large pot with water and bring it to a boil
  2. While waiting for the water to a boil, rip the sheets of newspaper into small pieces (the smaller the pieces, the easier it will be to create beads in your desired size)
  3. Places the newspaper pieces in the other (older) pot (this pot will be difficult to clean after completing the project so the pot should be one that is no longer used for cooking)
  4. Pour the boiling water into the pot with the pieces of shredded paper (make sure the paper is completely submerged in the water)
  5. Let it sit for an hour
  6. (after the hour has passed) Stir the scraps so that they break apart then drain as much water out of them as possible
  7. Add glue to the mixture (make sure it is clear-drying and enough to hold the paper together)
  8. Decide how big you would like your beads and roll the paper/glue mixture into a ball that size (squeezing out any additional water while doing so)
  9. Pierce the center of each ball with a toothpick (creating a hole for stringing)
  10. Give the balls a couple days to dry (rolling them 2-3 times a day to keep the desired shape)
  11. (once dry) Sand down rough edges
  12. Paint the beads and once they are dry add a light coat of varnish to protect your hard work!



http://izismile.com/2010/06/23/interesting_and_amazing_sculptures_from_newpaper_29_pics.html
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/recycled-newspaper-crafts2.htm