02 September 2011

Greetings from the Studio

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

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!



20 August 2011

Curious Art Controversy

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

12 August 2011

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

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..."


23 July 2011

Winter Reflection

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