Artists' Must Haves
The Sunnyslope Art Walk is just around the corner and I'm working on several new pieces for the show. I finished two last night and all the preparation is revving me up for the excitement.
Creating all this art simultaneously reminded me of the "tools" I can't live without (or rather, misplacing a few incited the reminder, lol). Anyway, here is my top ten list of artist tools every artist must have.
#10 Drafting Brush
A friend of mine in HS used regular paint brushes, but having a drafting brush handy to wipe away loose graphite or eraser debris is a must. Brushes can help prevent smudging that blowing or wiping off can cause; I always keep mine handy.
#9 Vinyl Eraser
A basic white eraser is great for those large mistakes or use during the sketching process, before shading and details start. They also keep smudging to a minimum, unlike regular erasers.
#8 Digital Camera with Tripod
For those of us who are familiar with paper, it's also important to learn another side if art; photography. Though we don't need to be experts, we do need to have a digital portfolio in this age of computers. More and more, juried art shows, galleries and patrons are requesting photos over the internet and through email. If you're like me, there is a reason you draw and not photograph. Your hand with a camera may not be as steady as it is with a pencil. A small investment in a tripod is worth it's weight in gold.
#7 Lighting
Too little or even too much light can be detrimental to an artist. Make sure your lighting isn't over-powering, coming from the right angle and doesn't glare off of your Bristol board while you create.
#6 The Right Paper
Even though it ends up covered, paper has a big impact on your art. Make sure there is proper tooth, smoothness and / or color before choosing your paper.
#5 Alvin Vyco Cover / Drawing Board
The right drawing surface is a must for any type of artwork. Surfaces may appear to be smooth to the naked eye, but try the hand test before starting. You may find wood grain, tiny debris or subtle warping effecting your shading.
#4 Appendages
There's nothing better than your own hands when it comes to blending. Throw out your smudge sticks, you don't need them! Beside the fact that most artists consider smudge sticks "cheating", they often pull up graphite and pastel rather than blending. Use your hands and you'll probably find that your blending all around will be smoother.
#3 Quality Pencils / Supplies
Poor art supplies can cost you your art. Uneven blending, inconsistent values and jumps across the paper can all be blamed on those cheaper artist pencils and chalks. When purchasing, look for the better known names and don't worry about budget. Plan your purchases ahead of time, waiting for local sales or store coupons. Though regular retail prices seem high, clearance and sales usually have drastic reductions.
#2 Kneaded Eraser
Nothing can save you like a good old kneaded rubber eraser. They can take out small portions or lighten a section unlike vinyl. I keep 2-3 around for fixes in between kneading. Don't forget the texture they can create. When used correctly, kneaded erasers are irreplaceable.
#1 Mechanical Pencil
I start every piece with a mechanical pencil. Whether .3 or .5 lead, mechanical pencils are perfect for fine details and initial sketching.
Creating all this art simultaneously reminded me of the "tools" I can't live without (or rather, misplacing a few incited the reminder, lol). Anyway, here is my top ten list of artist tools every artist must have.
#10 Drafting Brush
A friend of mine in HS used regular paint brushes, but having a drafting brush handy to wipe away loose graphite or eraser debris is a must. Brushes can help prevent smudging that blowing or wiping off can cause; I always keep mine handy.
#9 Vinyl Eraser
A basic white eraser is great for those large mistakes or use during the sketching process, before shading and details start. They also keep smudging to a minimum, unlike regular erasers.
#8 Digital Camera with Tripod
For those of us who are familiar with paper, it's also important to learn another side if art; photography. Though we don't need to be experts, we do need to have a digital portfolio in this age of computers. More and more, juried art shows, galleries and patrons are requesting photos over the internet and through email. If you're like me, there is a reason you draw and not photograph. Your hand with a camera may not be as steady as it is with a pencil. A small investment in a tripod is worth it's weight in gold.
#7 Lighting
Too little or even too much light can be detrimental to an artist. Make sure your lighting isn't over-powering, coming from the right angle and doesn't glare off of your Bristol board while you create.
#6 The Right Paper
Even though it ends up covered, paper has a big impact on your art. Make sure there is proper tooth, smoothness and / or color before choosing your paper.
#5 Alvin Vyco Cover / Drawing Board
The right drawing surface is a must for any type of artwork. Surfaces may appear to be smooth to the naked eye, but try the hand test before starting. You may find wood grain, tiny debris or subtle warping effecting your shading.
#4 Appendages
There's nothing better than your own hands when it comes to blending. Throw out your smudge sticks, you don't need them! Beside the fact that most artists consider smudge sticks "cheating", they often pull up graphite and pastel rather than blending. Use your hands and you'll probably find that your blending all around will be smoother.
#3 Quality Pencils / Supplies
Poor art supplies can cost you your art. Uneven blending, inconsistent values and jumps across the paper can all be blamed on those cheaper artist pencils and chalks. When purchasing, look for the better known names and don't worry about budget. Plan your purchases ahead of time, waiting for local sales or store coupons. Though regular retail prices seem high, clearance and sales usually have drastic reductions.
#2 Kneaded Eraser
Nothing can save you like a good old kneaded rubber eraser. They can take out small portions or lighten a section unlike vinyl. I keep 2-3 around for fixes in between kneading. Don't forget the texture they can create. When used correctly, kneaded erasers are irreplaceable.
#1 Mechanical Pencil
I start every piece with a mechanical pencil. Whether .3 or .5 lead, mechanical pencils are perfect for fine details and initial sketching.
posted by Unknown at 9:12 AM
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Now on to the more interesting stuff; I have a couple new pieces to post. I've been experimenting with chalk pastels again and I'm improving my background painting along with details in this medium.
The second piece was just an expansion on technique from the first. I've decided I really enjoy using the pastels. They are very forgiving and fun to work with. This particular still life was complied from several different photos I found. I played with the color a bit, but paid special attention to preserving the realism of the piece.