Splatters of Clay

One of the most common uses of line is to define shape. We can draw circles, squares, triangles, etc. it gets really interesting when we begin drawing contour lines. I have always thought of contour lines as the outline of something. Out of curiosity I looked up the definition and found it interesting. One definition said, "a line connecting points of equal elevation." This is of course referring to contour lines on a map, but if we take the idea and apply it to drawing it makes one think. Contour lines when grouped together are meant to show elevation changes or depth, but a single contour line is actually flat. When we look at contour line in drawing as the outline of something, it is flat. It's a silhouette. There is no space, no depth. Despite this lack of depth, a well drawn contour line will still define the shape and communicate ideas, and even emotion. And of course you play with perception in fun ways. This optical illusion is a classic for teaching perspective...

When I teach art I always want to start with line, but very quickly we can move into one of the other elements of art. It is always a challenge for me to decide what to teach second. It shows the immediate complexity of art and that the elements of art are not art. Rather they are a representation of what is going on when we create art work. We identify these elements of art so we can break it down and simplify it in order to explain and teach it. So today I will write about space. As an art element space is emptiness. It might be referred to as white space, distance, depth, negative space, etc. It is the part of the art work things are not. This may sound funny to some, but the artist is as conscious of space as they are of the places where things are. To save ourselves from falling too far down the rabbit hole, for now we will think of space as three dimensional or depth. In 2-D art this is largely an illusion, and it is super fun. Here is depth in three lines. Draw one l...

Of the seven basic elements of art, line is perhaps the most fundamental. Even when line is intentionally avoided, such as in some of the works of Leonardo Di Vinci, line is still heralded by the sort of brutal and exuberance avoidance of it. Its importance is even acknowledge in common speak. If you encourage artistic effort in someone who does not see themselves with any art skill, they might say, “I can’t even draw a straight line.” I actually kind of laugh at that statement. Who cares about strait lines, the crooked squiggly ones are usually more interesting anyway. The point is that even a non-artistic person accepts the importance of line as a basic element of art. Last Friday, we went to the Portland Museum of Art. They have many really nice pieces of art. We did not even make it to their American art section before my kids pooped out. But we did walk through their current animal display. I made my kids look at The Bull by Pablo Picasso. Eleven lines! What was even bett...

When I started this blog, I really wanted it to be mostly about art. Obviously I have deviated from this intent talking of such things as religion, politics, nature, and family. But all these things relate to art if in an indirect way. Art is expression. It is expression of life and humanity, of dreams and thoughts and emotion. These are the subjects of art. However I do want to address some of the technical aspects of art. So we start with the basics. All art uses at least one of seven basic elements: Line Shape Value Color Texture Space Form It does not really matter whether the art is 2D or 3D it will still employ one or more of these elements, though admittedly some of them may be more prone to certain media. For example, color might be difficult to portray if one is only using charcoal or graphite. In subsequent blogs, I will talk in greater detail about each of these elements and some of the techniques for using them.

I found these cool little jars to house some of my agates. They are so fun to hold up to the light. The variations in density, color, and form, make them glow in different ways even when exposed to the same light source. I found it challenging to really capture this beauty in picture. I studied photography as part of my fine arts degree. I learned just enough to realize that I am not good at taking pictures. But last night, I played around with different backgrounds and light sources, and found a way to capture the beauty I could see.   This is probably the best photo I have taken in my life. Victor Frankl (1985) suggests that you cannot achieve success by trying to achieve success. To achieve success, you must focus on another person or on something greater than yourself. Last night I forgot about trying to take a good picture and just tried to capture how that light brought out the glow in these rocks. I look at this picture today and it takes my breath away. I find myself...

I really want this to be a blog that is more about art. Why art? Art is probably the oldest and most consistent part of my life. More than family, religion or anything except for maybe pooping, eating, and sleeping. Though, I still remember college days when art would consume me. I would reach that transcendent state. Mazlow calls it self-actualization. Those in positive psychology would call it flow. Time seems to become nonexistent. All other needs just fall away and get ignored; sleeping, eating, even pooping just are not important. That place, that state is almost indescribable. Its feelings of joy, freedom, possibility, and a feeling of power. Like you can solve any problem, conquer any mountain, and create anything. Quite simply it is one of the greatest feelings in the world. It’s a feeling I miss often. I think I recall it so vividly from my days as a young artist in college because the feeling was so intense and present so often. Writing about it now, I am tempted to...

Since moving here to Oregon, I noticed a strange, yet intriguing phenomena. Painted rocks. I am an artist. I started sculpting in clay at five and drawing at six. Right from the start I intuitively knew things about space, form, color, value, etc. I did not know why certain things just seemed right, I just did them. At 14 I started a serious study of the human body and learned to sculpt muscles, bones, tendons, etc. I even went so far as to earn a BFA from Utah State. I have studied, made, sold, and taught art for more than 35 years. But, it never occurred to me to paint on a rock. Apparently it is quite popular in Oregon. On our most recent trip to the coast, I gathered a few would be canvases. Last night, I started messing about and reacquainting myself with paint.  We shall see what sort of happy accidents occur. In my experience art work, is mostly work. It requires the courage to experiment and fail, and the perseverance to keep trying until you get something you can live...

Let's face it we live in a world of fear and chaos and this often leads to despair and/or lethargy. I often feel overwhelmed by sadness and the inability to act. Especially when it comes to creating art. Just look at how long it has been since I posted on this blog. A friend recently reached out to me through e-mail. They found me through my artwork posted on ETSY . That simple e-mail sparked life in me. It roused a need to act, to cast off despair and laziness. I made a decision. I am not in the art business. Quite frankly I am not good at art as a business. I am still an artist and I will still create art, but there is so much more I want to do and be that just can not be defined by the creation of art alone. So I am expanding my efforts a bit.  I am going into the business of Inspiration. Where there is darkness, I want to bring light. Where there is despair, I want to bring hope. I will use whatever creativity and ability comes my way to accomplish this. What is more, it is a c...

I recently came accross a concept concerning commitment. It went something like this. When one commits himself then providence can step in. Commitment means a dedication of heart and mind. It means purposeful action towards an established goal. Today I am commiting my heart and mind to the creation and distribution of my art work. I am dedicating 10 to 12 hours a week to my art. Today I took action and it felt so good, excillerating, energizing. The difference today was a dedication of the heart. I am in the game to play, for the love of the game that is art. Because of my passion and love of the game, I will win the game. My victory will be measured by the money it generates for me.

I am a doodler. Many people are. The human mind is so amazing. It processes information so fast, far faster then we can often receive it, especially if it is someone talking at us. I personally get fidgety and bored very easily. I do not claim ADHD or anything, my mind just likes to wander. The only way I survived the humdrum of high school was through doodling either with pen/pencil and paper or my preferred method, through clay. I almost always carried clay with me where ever I went, even in college. Even today, if I have to attend a training or long meeting, I will doodle and in some rare cases I will even bring clay or wax and make little sculptures. It is fun, relaxing, and I actually learn better if I can keep my hands busy. Many presenters and teacher have marveled at my ability to retain information, provide valuable insite, activily engage even while my hands flutter around a piece of clay continually molding it into something of beauty. To all you doodlers out there, do not s...

I have recently begun a study of wealth and am starting on the path to change my own personal wealth. I have discovered that despite all logic, a fear of wealth and success overwelms me. As I study and see the real possibilities of becoming rich, I begin to feel nervous and fearful to the point of total shut down. I can not move or act. It is now my task to explore this newly discovered fear through writing and drawing in an attempt to overcome the fear and act dispite the nervousness. My life will not be controled by fear. I have lived that way before and nothing good ever comes from alife determined by fear, in fact in most cases it leads to self distruction.

This week I am working nights, which is normally when I post. You will not get much out of me tonight, but I am ok with that. I am going to bed.

I just looked at my blog and there was an add for removing blood stains. I find that very funny. If my blog is such that it has caused hemorrhaging for anyone, please accept my sincerest apologies, and click on the add if you wish to remove the resulting blood stain.

Not everything in life needs to be complicated, in fact nothing needs to be complicated. Today I am making my entry simple and commit to finding more simplicity in my life. Especialy in my artwork.

It is harder then I thought it would be to post on my Blog every day. It is especially hard to take the time to draw every day. In time it will get easier, not that the thing itself will get easier, but my capacity to do it will get easier. If you are frustrated or stuck with your art, just keep doing it anyway. Turn it into a game. If nothing else focus on parts of the body. I personally love feet and hands.