Artistic Explorations: Creative Sketchbook (3)

Recently I joined an online group where people who like to draw share their sketches and drawings following two-weekly prompts posted by the administrator of the group. One of the briefs was to draw rocks. Instantly I thought about the standing stones of Callanish on Isle of Lewis we visited last year.

I selected these black and white photographs for my sketches. It really helped that they were monochrome so that I could focus my attention on the shapes, lines and tones.

Callanish stones ©Fenfolio2015

Callanish stones ©Fenfolio2015

Callanish stones ©Fenfolio2015

 The first drawing is a blind contour drawing in black fineliner pen. By only looking at the subject and not on your paper and by keeping the pen on the paper, you feel a bit out of your comfort zone at first but very quickly I felt less restricted somehow. It really is liberating! I like the expressive style you get with this kind of exercise.

Blind contour sketch ©Fenfolio2015

For my second drawing I used the same fineliner pen and focussed on the various tones. But now I used my non-dominant hand (which is my left) to free up the mind! By scribbling light and heavier I was able to create interesting marks and depth.

Pen drawing with non-dominant hand ©Fenfolio2015

The third sketch was again focussed on tones, but this time I used watersolubale graphite pencils (Karismacolor).

Sketch in Karismacolor pencils ©Fenfolio2015

For my fourth sketch I used pastel pencils and a very fine fineliner for the cracks in the rocks on grey coloured paper. I really like the way pastel has given the drawing a more softer, even mysterious feel.

Sketch in pastel pencils ©Fenfolio2015

 Then I wanted to create a drawing with more sharpness and with a more graphic style. I used Derwent Graphik Liner Painter pens on dark grey coloured paper for my fifth drawing.

Drawing in Graphik Liner pens ©Fenfolio2015

 Finally, I wanted to use collage and colour to compare it with my monochrome drawings. For this one I used tissue paper, watercolour paint and inktense pencils on watercolour paper.

Callanish stones drawing in mixed media
©Fenfolio2015

After all these exercises I realised I prefer drawing on darker coloured paper and in monochrome. It's something I will keep in mind for the other prompts!

Artistic Explorations: Relief (1)

In my previous article about Layers & Lines I showed a portfolio of images inspired by the tide and dunes. During my holiday in Poolewe I selected four images to create a relief study in plaster as preparation for the commissioned painting for my friends.

Tide and Dune shapes ©Fenfolio2012

After receiving some useful feedback from the art teacher at Gray's School of Art, I was able to finish the relief study which will be exhibited at the school for a week as part of the short course exhibition. More details can be found under Exhibitions.

The Tide & Dune relief study was made on a 45 x 45 cm MDF board with B & Q powder filler, gesso, palette knife and shapers and then finally sandpapered. For the part on the bottom right real sand from the estuary has been used.

Tide & Dune relief study ©Fenfolio2012

The next and final step will be the real mixed media painting which I will start soon so watch this space!

Artistic Explorations: Layers & Lines (2)

Recently I was approached by a community project coordinator who asked me whether I would be interested in sharing my creative skills  for a new project called Youth Industries, specifically aimed at youngsters between 16 and 20. It didn't take me long to say yes to this new challenge! Although I don't have any experience in leading groups, I do think I can give them creative inspiration and that's what it is all about.
Soon I hope to hear who would be interested in abstract photography and (mixed media) art so I can start organising the sessions. I hope the group will be as excited as I am!

With all of this in mind, I made a beautiful walk along the partially frozen river Dee yesterday and brought along my little compact camera just in case I saw something that I could use for my own artwork and for this project. Well, it was hard to miss the beautiful ice shapes on the river bank. After some tweeks in Photoshop and Lightroom, this is the final result.

Ice shapes ©Fenfolio2012

Artistic Explorations: Light (1)

Last weekend I visited Stirling and Glasgow for some cultural attraction, learn about some major historic events that shaped Scotland as it is today and visually treat my eyes with beautiful scenery, architecture and art.

Stained glass window of William Wallace ©Fenfolio2012

The views from the National Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle were fantastic but I was quite surpised  that I was more inspired by the industrial smoke coming out of the factories in the distance than the surrounding hills! It was as if sunlight was creating a painting with smoke into the sky.

Industrial landscape ©Fenfolio2012

The "You, Me, Something Else" exhibition in The Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow was very worthwile. This exhibition about sculpture from Glasgow presents exciting examples of current practice in the city by focusing on ten artists who are all at different stages of international careers.. The light installation in the centre of the building was the best in my opinion (unfortunately I couldn't see the name of the artist who made it!).

Light sculpture by an artist in GoMa

Although some of the other installations were interesting, I was most drawn to the shapes and colours of the stained glass windows of the building and the effects it created.

Window I ©Fenfolio2012

Window II ©Fenfolio2012

Window III ©Fenfolio2012

Window IV ©Fenfolio2012

Window V ©Fenfolio2012

Window VI ©Fenfolio2012

Window VII ©Fenfolio2012

Window VIII ©Fenfolio2012

Artistic Explorations: Layers & Lines (1)

The festive season already seems like a long time ago and life has returned to normal (well, almost). Last week finally saw a great weather spell so I took the opportunity to have a walk, get my head around a new painting friends commissioned me to do and take photos. The fresh air would also help to banish the last remnants of the severe cold I had for several weeks.

My friends live across the Ythan Estuary in Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, a stunning part of the Forvie National Nature Reserve. As I'm fascinated by layers, lines and textures I wanted to create a portfolio of images that would show how tide and wind continuously influence the formation of the dune landscape. I'm very happy with the pictures below because they give me the right inspiration on how to tackle this project. Now it's just a matter of completing the very big painting for my husband I started last week! So many ideas and not enough time, sigh.....

Dune shapes ©Fenfolio2012

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Thank you to all the people who have supported and encouraged me in my artistic and sportive journey so far. I look forward to show you many more new paintings and share exciting outdoor adventures with you in the new year!