Mairin-Taj Caya

Old Woman Winter Visits Us...

2011-12-15T18:42:00.000-08:00

A decent way back, on the 28th of Januray, I talked about the work I put into Cailleach, a prompt for a winter-themed greeting card.

Here is the entry, for those interested in a catch-up:
http://mairintajcaya.blogspot.com/2011/01/cailleach-from-winter-theme.html

It took some time, but I found my way back to the painting board with this one. I was always annoyed by the treatment of the border; there was a bland, incomplete element to it that made Cailleach come off flimsy, dull, or just bald.

I revisited the thoughts I had had before it was about splashing it on quickly. I revisited the inspirational sample illumination (also in the original message link above).

Here is the result:

Cailleach, Watercolor, 2011.

Detail One

Detail Two

For some Winter Holiday fun, I also decided to take this for a test run round to my friends, family, and creative community. The greeting cards turned out alright and should be arriving at their various destinations soon.

Wishing warmth, light, and cheer through this holiday season and into the new year.
Mairin-Taj

Updates from a Previous Project

2011-12-03T06:28:00.000-08:00

In "Greetings from the Studio", September 2nd, I took some time to share work on "Lemuria".

Here are some final scans of the piece, now safely off. It did not take me all this time to complete it, to be sure. I took quite a long break from it, for reasons best not waffled on about here and now.

And scanners really are worth mourning over...

Also, "Cailleach" - the Irish Winter personification piece - has undergone some tampering and will be posted as soon as the blasted thing is scanned! Greeting cards soon to follow, should all go well.

Here's to welcoming in the Winter months!

Pleasures of Autumn...

2011-11-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

I have been starting new work, and getting quite in the full throw of it, so my recent absence from the world of the blog has been due to that, as well as seasonal festivities.

Being in the delicious habit of running several times a week, I have encountered lovely pockets of natural reference.
I now have a functioning camera again as well, so you can be sure I've taken it up with frequent enthusiasm. Here are some samples of the sort of moments I collect.

Parrish-esque Trees & Sky

I also enjoyed some of the best autumnal craft-work one can have - carving pumpkins. Not having done it in several years mind, I had a bit of a time getting used to it again. But I did have a friend enjoying the process with me.
We made a stars and moons design on a white pumpkin, and two faces on an orange one; one side had a simple smiling face, and the other had a winking face.

My cat Lugh

My cat Samael

Farewell, October!

Greetings, November, and the smell of winter!
(More to come, shortly)

Latest Private Commission

2011-09-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

Alright - now that I have some time - here we go, the finish of what has been hinted at for the past few posts, along with some of the process. I have been celebrating someone's birthday today, so what I finished yesterday has had to wait until now.
There is another piece, possibly noticed by now to not yet be shown in its finished form? That would be the drawing from "Greetings from the Studio" (part one). I do have it on the desk, but I've been a bit busy with this finish and other projects (later to be shown).

I am quite happy with the process on this one here; I am also looking forward to where I can take this technical and conceptual development with the other projects.
Please feel welcome to leave comments.

Work space.


Private Commission, 8"x10", Watercolor, 2011.

Process detail one.

Process detail two.

Greetings from the Studio Part II

2011-09-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

An evening as any other at the desk, with the music, and Lugh.

And guess where my cat decides is the best spot to settle during this delicate process...

That is all for now! I'll post my finished work shortly...if my cat allows it the attention it needs.
Cheers.

Second Current Drawing To Painting Sample

2011-09-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

Here is the second of the two projects I am currently working on.
The first piece, shown last of the "Greetings from the Studio" post, is on its way and will shortly be up.

Private Commission, Tight Sketch, Graphite, 2011.

And this is just a doodle of mine of a fun looking, coral-like mushroom I saw while out camping recently.

WNY Fungus, Graphite, 2011.

Greetings from the Studio

2011-09-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Hello from western New York, East Aurora.

The weather here is far more to my liking, yet after four years in the south of Pennsylvania, the lack of humidity and city-scented air is quite welcome. I think I almost forgot how green and fresh the gardens and field smelled!
Well, my borrowed studio space is just right here, and I have even acquired new gear for use in the studio at home, so I am rather excited. My father found the time and the interest to make me a custom desk, with a wonderful, natural wood frame, able to be dismantled for transportation convenience! I wish I could lug back this sturdy, antique leather, wood, and metal epic of a chair, but I'm affraid the size won't do for the car, nor the bare space left in it, once the time comes. Still, these types are rare, and wonderful!

And yes, Rembrandt is looking at you too...

Lugh takes command of the side table and materials...

Below are provided some sneak peeks at the action; I'm enjoying it so far!

This is how I work with my thumbnails/rough sketching stage; I enjoy writing and language, as I enjoy reading and research, so my visual notes tend to be fairly equal to the amount of written notes I make. I find this particular form of scrawling, diagram-like notes I have is a process which greatly helps my thinking through what I want to do, and how, and why. I also tend to re-doodle things - comparatively larger, smaller, differently. Also, at this stage, making things deliberately small seems to flow best for me.

These sample pages from my big idea book are containing seven paintings, three of which are a part of two different series projects in addition. Ah! So much stuff to do!

My Thick Idea Book, page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Here is one of the works in progress, including roughs:

Private Commemorative Commission, Graphite, 2011.

Be well and keep the creativity clear.
Until more next time,
Mairin-Taj

Books

2011-09-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

Acquiring new (and old) books is a wonderful thrill, and speaking specifically (for the purposes of this blog) as an illustrator, ART books are even better. What with the sad but understandable situation with Borders going out of business, I found the time to stop by a local store to browse what might yet be available amidst the feverishly thinning shelves.

To my great delight, I found this:

And for clarity, it is Donato Giancola's Middle Earth book.

I got other books as well (naturally), and am quite content with an even larger than normal stack of literature and art to sift through. Natural Health for Cats (I have two), The Gallic War, other ancient history, and the rest of the usual and the exciting!

I have been in the studio at my parents' house in WNY, going at all manner of fun preoccupations, so more to come!

Curious Art Controversy

2011-08-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

I find the new situation with Odd Nerdrum to be...curious. Looking into it lately, I encountered two quick sources of perspective concerning the matter, as a kind of introductory read. For those interested, please follow the links provided.

I should say more research and follow-through is best, should further depth of content be preferred.

From Fantastic Visions: Art of an Other Perspective:
http://fantasticvisions.net/news/2011/08/20/odd-nerdrum-not-permitted-to-paint-in-jail/

And from Richard Thomas Scott:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/richard-thomas-scott/controversy-follows-prison-sentence-of-artist-odd-nerdrum-for-alleged-tax-fraud/10150771713965105

M. Warren Lee Paintings and Drawings: New Paintings and Drawings

2011-08-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered M Warren Lee by paging through the blogs, and quite serendipitously opened up his work to view. It is always a pleasure to learn of other representational watercolorists.
Check out what he has to offer and his curious current geographical location!

With respect,
Mairin-Taj

M. Warren Lee Paintings and Drawings: New Paintings and Drawings: Welcome to the new Blog everyone. You can once again make comments on the work, which I..."

Winter Reflection

2011-07-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

In the various maintenance tasks with which I have been occupying my time of late, I happened to be browsing through recent works on my blog, sifting through scanned paintings that needed editing on Photoshop, etc, and then quickly discovered I was missing some heretofore assumed posts!

This past Spring semester - my final one at PCAD! - I posted a series of rough and tight sketches of greeting card-inspired Winter holiday imagery. I also posted the one finished painting and color comp, but not the other! In retrospect, I think it was the fast rush of Senior Thesis work which diverged my attention, because despite finishing the second winter theme piece, I never managed to put it up.

So, here it is, the second of the two ideas completed in watercolor. For some sense of recollection or review, here also is the title of the original post - way back when. Comments welcome!
http://mairintajcaya.blogspot.com/2011/01/winter-themed-ideas.html

Also, the first painting post:
http://mairintajcaya.blogspot.com/2011/01/cailleach-from-winter-theme.html

"Snow Queen", 10 x 14", Watercolor.

Detail 1

Detail 2

Cailleach:

Cailleach Detail 1

Cailleach Detail 2

An Introduction

2011-07-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

I recently found a great (online) location for delving into 19th Century art, where - among many countless others - the brilliant epics from the hand of Jean-Léon Gérôme can be studied. I am infatuated with his mastery of medium and imagery, to put it mildly. One of such moving power for me is his "Pygmalion and Galatea", a copy of which is shown below.

Explore at: An Introduction to Nineteenth Century Art

Portraiture at Mairintajcaya.com!

2011-07-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

Recently I am taking steps to arrange my official website in a more productive, satisfactory manner, and this is my most complex update.
I am working on new paintings which should help flesh out this section, so all will be posted in good time.
Here is the statement piece for now! www.mairintajcaya.com

Mary Harju & Jasper Johal

2011-06-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

There is a bit of a yoga/dance theme here today. :-)
Out of sharing discoveries with others, I came across yet another one! I do enjoy exchanging inspirations with fellow artists and friends, and by passing along the name and work of NYC painter Mary Harju (Mary Harju Figurative Painting)...

...I was directed in return to Jasper Johal Photography (Jasper Johal Photography), which exhibits yoga, dance, fashion and nude figurative work. Having a history as a ballet dancer and coming from a yoga-conscious family, I was intrigued.
*Check both out at their respective links.

Scott Eaton

2011-06-10T23:40:00.000-07:00

I have been browsing someone recently recommended to me after being introduced to a work of theirs, and am thoroughly impressed with the aesthetic, the method, and the results. Check out Scott Eaton's beautiful, empowering sculpture here: Scott Eaton
Enjoy!
Here are some sample images from Scott Eaton's website for your insight:

By Scott Eaton, www.scott-eaton.com

Some Gestural Design...

2011-06-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

I have doodled up some gestures recently on assignment for a local illustrator.

I love playing around with the concept of mermaids, and have been drawing and playing with the aesthetic of them since I started at the age of three. These are some lounging gestures that I managed in my sketchbook, using myself for reference.

Mermaid Gestures, Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5

Senior Show & Thesis Work

2011-05-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

At last, I have my thesis work on Iron John - the original Grimm version - properly scanned for viewing.

Also, I have some photos taken of the Senior Show celebration day, which was quite a fun event, despite not having slept for a very long time. (Note red, hazy eyes).

Me in front of my work and postcards, 2011 Senior Show.

Iron John, Cover & Full Title Page, 12 3/4 x 16 1/2", Watercolor.

Detail, Iron John Cover, Watercolor.

Iron John, Double Page Spread, Interior, 16 1/2 x 25 1/2", Watercolor.

I was terribly rushed on this one, the battle scene which takes place about midway through the book, and I was terribly excited to do it, so, in order to fulfill my interests with it, I will be doing it again in the time I think is best. Updates on it will be posted.

Iron John, Double Page Spread, Interior, 16 1/2 x 25 1/2", Watercolor.

Detail, Princess, Final Interior, Watercolor.

Detail, Belt, Final Interior, Watercolor.

Detail, Landscape, Final Interior, Watercolor.

Me and Dad, 2011 Senior Show.

Me and Mom, 2011 Senior Show.

I look forward to sending off my book dummy and sample work to publishers. Any news on that front shall be posted as well. And as always, feedback is welcome!

More on my official website: www.mairintajcaya.com

Discovering Textures in Pennsylvania Country

2011-05-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

I must say I am still going at arranging time enough to get my thesis paintings fully scanned and viewable for posting both here as well as on my official website, so it shouldn't be long now, but in the meantime, I have some photos (not taken by me, but by an accompanying friend) of my recent trek out into Perry county woodland. It was quite refreshing and fun, and allowed for the much long awaited revival of the good old wilderness days.

Thanks to Nelson Potter for the invitation to and hosting of his home, as well as Emily Warren for the aid in transportation and for photos - and of course to Emily Atkins for those scrumptious cornbread squares.

This is me, snapped unexpectedly by Emily Warren, fellow illustrator specializing in three dimensional work. See www.emilyroseillustration.com for more. 2011.

Official Website

2011-04-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

I've got my website updated and ready to view! Feel welcome to post any comments, as always.

Mairin-Taj Caya Illustration

Capturing the West

2011-04-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

I have never been to the American West, but I have drawn outside, as well as hiked extensively, and this piece was composed for my second mentorship painting as part of a graduation requirement for PCA&D.
It is both a self-portrait (I put in some personal symbolism) and an exploration of landscape and atmosphere in the watercolor medium, which is still in its infancy concerning my use of it. It is also, in a minor way, an allusion to the earlier days of America, when exploring and mapping the wild, mysterious West was important.

I had a great time figuring this piece out, and I look forward to doing likewise with other works.
This piece will be used for my promotional postcard for Senior Show at PCA&D, as well as my main gallery piece on display.

"Capturing the West", 17 1/2 x 22", Watercolor, 2011.

Thanks to Gary Lippincott, for his helpful advice.
Printed material will be posted soon!

Sample Thesis Work In Progress

2011-03-17T18:57:00.000-07:00

I am in for the brief spell of time to work on thesis paintings amidst all the "busy work". Here is a sample sketch and painting for my work on Iron John.
I am really excited about working on the four thesis pieces with the fifth separate show piece. I really hope my results are satisfactory!

Iron John's face is going to be changing a bit in the process - as you can see - inevitably.

Iron John, Full Title/Cover, 16 1/2 x 25 1/2", Watercolor, 2011.

Iron John, Full Title/Cover, Pencil Sketch, 2011.

Concepts for Character Design

2011-03-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

Having to come up with character design for certain people called Newlies from the book The Prophecy Machine, by Neal Barret, Jr., I worked with the character known as the Mycer Seer, a mostly human female Seer, or oracle of sorts, who has mouse-like remnants in her physical and behavioral traits. I took from the sparse descriptions of mycers in the book to accentuate my idea.
I greatly enjoyed working through my thoughts on this, touching on different ethnic influences, ages, aesthetic, and size.

The final concept, shown first, features an acorn necklace and mice-print pattern on belt, to allude to her mouse-heritage, as well as inky mouse-like eyes and subtle, rounded ears. I limited her decoration to earrings, and gave her herb/spice pouches, as the text talks about her musty, spicy atmosphere.

Final Concept, graphite. 2011.


Final Concept, side, graphite. 2011.

Working Concept, Right Direction. 3/4, graphite. 2011


Less "Seer" version, graphite. 2011.

One of original directions, graphite. 2011.

Another of original directions, graphite. 2011.

Literary note: The Prophecy Machine is one of the worst attempts at effective story-telling I have ever read, lacking in integrity of world aesthetic, character development, setting, plot, theme, and narration. A farce of story-telling.

Mermaid Sketch

2011-02-07T16:08:00.000-08:00

I have always liked the sensual and exotic nature behind the concept of mermaids, and I have doodled various interpretations of them over my short number of years so far, as I imagine I will continue to do so.

This is a "to-the-point" sketch on the subject, which I put down quickly for a Fantasy Illustration class. I am most interested here in the orientation of the mermaid with her oceanic landscape and the various denizens throughout. I kept it simple, partly out of time, and partly out of an interest in what the minimalistic composition might yield.

I am heading for the color stage now, and we shall see what comes of that.

Mermaid Sketch, Mairin-Taj Caya 2011.

Totem-Self-Portrait Color Concept

2011-01-31T09:52:00.000-08:00

So, as a concept portrait, not as a finished illustration, I find that this was an interesting and partially gratifying exercise.
Considering the technical work and the execution, I do not think I was at my best, or working terribly clearly. In this I am dissatisfied. There are areas of heavy layering and areas of unfocused, unclear, unfinished handling. It is something to note however, considering the "stepping-stones of learning", if you will.

Color Concept, Watercolor. Mairin-Taj Caya 2011

Totem-Self-Portrait Sketches

2011-01-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

At PCA&D, for seniors (and juniors), there is a new element to the Illustration curriculum which features a Concept Art course in the second semester. While I have been largely in disagreement with various directional aspects of the course organization, I did have some quick fun with the concept of merging an animal, or a particularly important totem, with some portrait - either of oneself or a celebrity. I chose myself.

I have always been drawn to the birds, and very much so the birds of prey, and narrower still the red- tailed and red-shouldered hawks. The other animals that I feel particular appreciation for and great awe of are the cats - big, small, wild, tame, it doesn't matter to me. (I have two at home). I took a while to choose one of the two directions to go in, and chose the bird's side this round.

Here I have a merging with the red-tailed hawk and another with the barn owl. I will be taking the hawk to completion first, and - as with the snow queen and cailleach sketches bellow - I want to revisit the owl concept later.


Hawk Self-Portrait, Mairin-Taj Caya 2011.

Owl Self-Portrait, Mairin-Taj Caya 2011.

Cailleach From Winter Theme

2011-01-28T08:23:00.000-08:00

Well, I went with the Cailleach personification of winter, the old Irish archetype. Considering the time frame I had and other projects within that time frame, I changed my mind about my interest in playing around with oils, and used watercolor instead.
I still wish to pursue other completed versions of both of the sketches (shown in previous entry), and at such a time I think oils will be fun.

Serendipitously, an epic snowstorm - unusual for this region - pummeled through my town for roughly the two days I wished to work on this piece! I spent happy hours building with the brush when otherwise I would have had class. Class was canceled! Lovely week.

"Cailleach", 10x14", Watercolor. Mairin-Taj Caya 2011.

This is a Celtic illumination sample which I found in one of my books, this one called "The Celtic Book Of Days" by Caitlin Matthews, which I used as an inspiration for the weave and knot work color theme.

From "The Celtic Book of Days", by Caitlin Matthew, 1995.

And this is my color comp thumb. Things obviously changed a tad.

Color Comp, Cailleach. Mairin-Taj Caya 2011.

Winter-Themed Ideas

2011-01-22T12:09:00.000-08:00

Prompted by my Greeting Card elective, I came up with these two slightly similar concepts for the personification of Winter. The idea for the course is to make an image for the winter holiday season for a gift card, but in my sketching, I decided, whatever the outcome for the class, I would very much like to paint both of these, perhaps even one other, out of sincere enthusiasm for the practice. I am hoping to get in some more exploration in oils with these, as my other work this (final!) semester is watercolor.

I played with a slightly Scandinavian theme with the Snow Queen for one, and the Old Hag of Ireland (and Scotland) named Cailleach (who strikes the earth with her hammer and turns it iron hard for the winter months) for another. I enjoyed the bit with the Celtic weaving and knot work. I may have to fiddle with Cailleach's head a bit more.

So, here they are, and we shall see which one I complete for the class deadline first. I image I'll get to the other one(s) at a later time, when I can.

Snow Queen, 5x7". Mairin-Taj Caya 2011.

Cailleach, 5x7". Mairin-Taj Caya 2011.

In Memory...

2011-01-20T13:18:00.000-08:00


"Old Salt" 8 3/4x12 1/2" Mairin-Taj Caya 2011

Artist Portraits Part IV

2010-12-20T11:40:00.000-08:00

Alright, after much fussing with final prompt work, I managed to get around to Leyendecker. Here he is.
As I said, I greatly enjoyed working with oils again, as it has been months since my last dabbling. I hope to learn more in the future.

J.C. Leyendecker, Oils. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

Plein Air Painting With James Perry Wilson

2010-12-03T11:36:00.000-08:00

I was recently introduced to the work of James Perry Wilson by my colleague Daryl Funck, and was rather intrigued by his articulate wealth of natural understanding; his work actually helped a rather immediate concern in one of my own projects. Being a life-time enthusiast of the outdoors with some training, I was happy to know of Wilson's painting.
James Perry Wilson

Stage III, Capturing the West

2010-12-02T15:42:00.000-08:00

After tackling many other prompts, I've managed to get to finished this. I think "finish" might still mean a tiny bit of fiddling, but that is as it should be with this sort of thing.

I am looking forward to the large scale watercolor, though! I plan to get to that stage over the break.

Capturing the West, revised drawing. Mairin-Taj Caya 2011.

Artist Portraits Part III

2010-11-19T13:33:00.000-08:00

I have finished both the Lee and Leyendecker editorialized portraits, going back into both of them for corrections and such. Lee, I think, is fairly set. I have him here. Leyendecker requires a bit more fine-tuning, so he will be posted up shortly after Lee, once I feel good about it.

I had a blast working in watercolor on Lee. I was a bit apprehensive about getting it the way I wanted, as I have had annoyances lately with where my watercolor was going. But, through a several week period of philosophical and technical re-examination, and a brief re-freshment in my bout with oils on Leyendecker, I found my "zing" again and my watercolor direction is better.
Color reference for the face was key, for, while I can draw without too much reference, my color application is not yet strong enough to go it alone.
I have miles to go, but I think my application is more satisfactory and certainly in harmony with my drawing approach.

Artist Editorial Portrait, Alan Lee, Watercolor, 2010.

Leyendecker soon to follow.

Stage II, Capturing the West

2010-11-19T13:20:00.000-08:00

I've sketched in a sort of "ghost" of foliage and landscape line for the Montana or Colorado inspired setting on this piece. Now I am working towards getting the wind-battered pines the way I want and firming up the horizon layers. Reference of geography and flora is key, as I have never been to the west. Some day.

Development, graphite, Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

Self-Portrait, Mentorship Idea, & Allusion

2010-11-15T18:42:00.000-08:00

This is an idea I have had, which is in part a self-portrait, in part a means to explore some considerations I have for my mentorship, and in part a playful allusion to those adventure artists who visually documented the west of America. I like the idea of combining my wilderness experience and my illustrative interest on the page.
Consequently, I have an image in my mind entitled "Capturing the West", and this sketch, using myself and my clothes as reference, is the first stage of getting it out.


Sketch one, graphite, Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

Also, I have been painting, so there will be posts for the finished versions of Leyendecker and Lee (shown below) soon.

Linked In to networking...

2010-11-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Through a few contacts, Quinn Caya and Charlie Beyl, I have set up at LinkedIn for networking purposes, and am quite happy with the straightforward, crisp organization so far.
I am also working on my official website, as I think I need to streamline the aesthetic and connect it with my overall promotional work.
There should be some new concept work here soon.
Enjoy a beautiful Autumn.

2nd Picture Book Dummy Thumbnails

2010-10-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned on my facebook business page [Mairin-Taj Caya Illustration], I shall keep the story to myself for now, but this here is an example of my process for sorting through and getting a feel for the type of imagery in a book dummy layout. This one will be 32 pages content, vertical, watercolor media, etc.
I use general line or box structure for placement of the text in relation to the areas of illustration, be it spot/vignette, single page, or double page spread.
It is a highly fun and expressive process involving layered ideas. It also can be quite tricky to get the flow right.

2nd book dummy spread, Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

Artist Portraits Part II

2010-10-31T13:24:00.000-07:00

Alan Lee is an inspiration who's work I greatly respect and, by sharing an affection for trees, I am using that sketchy, imagined arboreal world as his creative environment.

Leyendecker's use of line and his narrative of the beauty of the human figure I respect. I have no wish to make a comment on his personal life, but instead on the icon he began, the arrow collar man. I am using that created icon as a ghostly imprint, combined with the rather notorious framework he used with his Saturday Evening Post covers.

These are the larger, more tight sketches heading toward the color stage.

I work in a way which allows for alterations in the final stages, so you will see how the accuracy of Leyendecker improves and where I alter a bit of Lee's angle and trees.

Lee, graphite. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

Leyendecker, graphite. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

We'll see how they develop into the color stage!

Artist Portraits for PCA&D

2010-10-31T13:14:00.000-07:00

As a senior illustrator attending Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, most if not all of our studio class work is prompted by external clients. In this case the prompt is two editorialized portraits of a contemporary and an historical artist or illustrator.
Using straightforward photo reference of Alan Lee and J. C. Leyendecker, I doodled small sketches and then larger, tighter sketches for my ideas.
These are the small, rough sketches.

Alan Lee, graphite. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

Leyendecker, trial one, graphite. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

Leyendecker, trial two, graphite. More editorial in nature. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

Mairin-Taj Caya Illustration - Getting Out There

2010-10-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

In the process of addressing self-promotion, I have set-up a business profile on facebook which is separate, but still associated with, my personal page.
I am at Mairin-Taj Caya Illustration, for those interested in connecting or saying hello.

Renaissance Fair Fun

2010-10-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

Lead singer of the Empty Hats Carl Asch, performing Giacomo's Love Ballads, PA Renaissance Festival, October 23rd, 2010. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

Just this past Saturday, the 23rd, I had the pleasure of perusing around the Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival with a couple of friends.
I went with the particular interest of catching a few performances of a favorite band called the Empty Hats, and towards the end of the evening I managed a few minutes of quick gesture sketching to capture a bit of their lead singer, Carl Asch, also known as Giacomo the Jester. I hope I didn't put him off as he was performing his Love ballads, and I would like to convey here that I found them most effectively strummed and pleasant to listen to.
Anyways, here is my slightly more cleaned up version of the doodle, though not as well informed as I would like.

Taking Visual Notes

2010-10-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

Plate armor study, graphite. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

The good humour of a friend indulged my interest in drawing from their admirable armor and arms collection. Long story short, I managed a few hours in front of a mid to northern European, probably 13th century, plate armor suit and helm.
Although I had to cut my fun time short, I still got a good first experience out of the time I did have, as I have never explored plate armor before, let alone from life.
Here is one example in graphite.
I dabbled in my excitement around the endless blobs and curves of reflection. I even have myself wedges in the waste somewhere. The play of light with contour was fascinating. I also found myself editing content out as I went, where surrounding fabric and shadow cut in.
I have left the sketch exploratory and "incomplete", one might say, for now. If it works out, I will do more from life soon.
I have another not yet scanned.

Part IV, The Final Stage

2010-10-19T06:31:00.000-07:00

Watercolor finish, the Court Boy. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

This is the finish in watercolor which I managed, at least in part, to be satisfied with.
When it comes to painting, I find my desired aesthetic not yet achieved. This work has an all-around youthful, child-like cheer which rather startled me upon completion. Still, I think I made some technical improvements.
Unfortunately, the scanner was just slightly too small for the whole, and so I ended up with an inch or so cut off on either side. I will look to improve this error where I can.

Part III

2010-10-19T06:23:00.000-07:00

Color Comp, thumbnail with watercolor. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

This is the color comp stage of the project, which I completed in my usual uncertainty about the application of the paint in the following stage.
While it is a joy and a thrill to draw in any manor, I am as yet highly apprehensive about adding color to my work.

Part II

2010-10-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

Edited sketch, graphite. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

This second version has shoes.
While I added them, I was thinking of how I wanted the image framed and how I would pose to check the accuracy of what my mind came up with.

I like drawing the historic clothing.

Part I Of First Mentorship Project

2010-10-16T10:06:00.000-07:00

I have been working, albeit long distance, with my mentor Gary Lippincott for my senior year requirements.
Here is the sketch I did which turned into the first piece we addressed. You'll notice I had the thought for adding shoes, but hadn't yet. I tend to make little notes on my work.

Initial sketch, graphite. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

The Header Sketch

2010-10-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

August Maple, graphite. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

As an initial image to use for my blog, I cropped this sketch of a tree I like. It is a nice maple gracing the streets of the F&M campus housing in Lancaster, and I rather enjoyed walking out in the fine autumnal weather to sit and draw it.
I would like to address the placement of the image with another, perhaps better suited, horizontal illustration however. So, at some point when I discover I have drawn something I fancy replacing this one with, there will be a new heading image for the blog. We'll see!

Playful Sketches

2010-10-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

First sketch, new sketchbook: Imagined female yeoman of sorts, modeled conceptually after myself, graphite. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

Some play with a Celtic warrior, a mermaid, and my twitchy cat, graphite. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

Imagined characters with the theme of exploration: Male figure entitled "Curiosity and a Button", Female figure entitled "Discovery", graphite. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.


Incomplete sketch, graphite. Mairin-Taj Caya 2010.

Getting new sketch books is always a thrill. Running my fingers over the textured binding and the smooth surface of the paper, smelling its newness, I can go off nearly without end, thinking of what I can spread throughout the pages. It can be daunting! It is always exciting.

Here I uploaded a few examples of some recent doodling to have a go at starting off this monologue.
I generally draw from my head on these occasions; the examples above are such cases. If curious about a gesture or an angle, I will use myself, or someone at hand, to demonstrate. If I am going to draw from the figure completely, I like to set up my drawing with the figure at the start, instead of starting out of my head and then having a model pose mid-way through. It allows for continuity of thought, and therefore application of the pencil.

The last image is not yet finished as a sketch...or perhaps I just want to do a second one which will be a complete drawing? I haven't decided yet.
It started as a combination of thoughts about my childhood exploring forests and gardens, and the concept of a young girl, perhaps medieval, taking a casual walk home through the gardens after a bath in the river, and finding a never-before-noticed crack in a wall of trees. Maybe they will be junipers, or cedar?

A Starting Place

2010-10-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was young, through my fascination with mythology, largely Celtic, and the broad domain of story-telling, I have been developing the skill to illuminate texts and ideas. The great expanse of history, both in time and ethnicity, is a prime source of inspiration.

I am also encouraged by heroes such as the watercolorists Heyer, Howe, Lee, Lippincott, Lynch, Rackham, Rayyan, and Santore, and the oil/acrylic painters Abbey, the Dillons, Giancola, Leyendecker, again Lynch, Manchess, N.C. Wyeth, Palencar, Parkes, Parrish, Pyle, and Rockwell, to name a few.

I am aiming high, and I have a long way to go to get the technical imprint that I am after, but keeping that creative fire going is the point.

From a favored poet I know, "Impressions inform your wildcraft".

I am working on mine, to be sure.

"The Reluctant Dragon" by Maxfield Parrish

Note: I love the philosophical implications here, the idea of the Dragon Value being friends with and faced up to by Man, the Creator. I love that Dragon can be seen as the archetype for Quality composite, that which represents the highest and the most noble in ourselves, and therefore what we can accomplish through life.