July 18th, 2009 by jules
Not all painting we get to do in our lives is exactly Fine Art. For instance, this weekend I am painting the garage door at my Mom’s house.
After all my years of painting and education, wouldn’t you know it, we picked the wrong shade of the colour. The house is grey (or so we thought) but it has a tiny bit of siding near the roof. The plan was to match the siding with the garage doors, then paint the front door in an accent colour.
We went to home depot, got a bunch of samples, poured over them, took them outside, contemplated and finally and carefully picked the colour.
As I finish the first coat, my shoulders slump. Now the house looks beige…what is going on? Doesn’t this kind of thing happen to people who only paint every 10 years or so? This shouldn’t happen to me. Not me, someone who paints at least weekly and has painted two full houses with a Purdy brush even, ne’er a roller to be used! Well, it happened and it got me thinking, if I can make this mistake, what chance do others have of picking the right colours? And the paint shops [...] Continue Reading…
Tags: Paint Colours
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July 7th, 2009 by jules
The term Abstract Art gets thrown around a lot. It seems that any time a piece of Art is not Realism, the term Abstract is used…
In the colloquial sense, what is Abstract Art? I see it being used as a blanket term which encompasses many movements: Dada, Cubism, De Stijl, Expressionist, Modern Art…
What these styles of Art have in common that become referred to as Abstract Art, is Art that is more concerned with getting across beauty, a feeling or a thought, than worrying about representing things in a realistic manner. I am a huge fan of “Abstract Art,” because due to the invention of the camera, Realism seems lost to me.
I enjoy the act of painting but the drawing part is just a way to control my painting. If almost any artist takes enough time in a drawing they can capture a realist quality but what more does that add to the work, I wonder? As you may know I am a huge fan of the Dada movement, mostly for the unexpectedness. My taste in Art is quite clear if you follow my links on twitter, but if not, here are some examples of Dada influenced Abstract Art [...] Continue Reading…
Tags: Abstract Art, Dada
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June 22nd, 2009 by jules
When Nate is done painting for a particular session he leaves the work or pushes it away. I know when he’s done because he exclaims it…”Done!”
Me, how do I know when my piece is done?
Usually I start with an idea and inspiration, like a song or nature. Then I like to take a turn in the piece and use chance in a Dada way to push the work in a new direction. If I get a happy feeling, its done. If not, I keep going or set it aside until further inspiration hits. I know its vague, but for me its a feeling-when I feel happy, the piece is done.
How do you know when your work is done?
Do you ever go back years later and work on a “completed piece?”
Tree study updated in Jules gallery, take a look if you like!
Tags: Completed Artwork, Painting Process
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June 8th, 2009 by jules
This is one of my first self-portraits. It was done back in Art School, in a cubist theme. When I began the project I thought I would have no luck with it, but after trying it, this is now my favourite self portrait and I have not done one since.
This piece was the start of my music-inspired painting. I have progressed to painting songs now but I have these guys to thank.
Although I love photography and have taken a few courses in it, I haven’t really given it a go as yet, but I plan to and soon!
One of my first pen & ink works. I have used this technique a few times since, but it is inspiring my to use it more often.
Tags: Charcoal, Cubist, India Ink, Photography, Watercolour
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June 2nd, 2009 by jules
Link Directory
Admin stuff…please disregard. Many Thanks! Jules
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May 31st, 2009 by jules
Just added this piece by DGBDGB.
Tags: Art, Art Work, DGBDGB
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May 29th, 2009 by jules
Added 4 pieces of Art Work to Jules Abstract Gallery-click here
This photo you may recognise…it is the one I use for the background on the website…
Tags: Absrtact, Art Work, jules
Posted in Abstract | Comments Off
May 25th, 2009 by jules
We added 4 new works to Nate’s Gallery this week, let us know what you think!
(This one is my favourite, Jules)
Tags: Expressionist, nate
Posted in Expressionist | 2 Comments »
May 21st, 2009 by jules
Stretching a canvas is not necessarily fun nor easy, but investing in your work from the canvas up, is immensely rewarding. I do use ready-made canvas’ myself, but it is never as gratifying as making my own. In this example the finished piece we are making is 2.5′ x 5′ and the canvas material has been recycled from a different painting I never completed. Here we go, on our hands and knees!
You will need:
Un-primed Canvas Material
Wood
Drill, drill bit, clamps, wood glue, screw driver, rust-proof screws
Staple gun, staples, hammer
Step One: Cut the Canvas
Canvas Material can generally be purchased at a fabric store or art supply store. Get more than you need and allow it to be at least a foot wider and longer than the finished size. Bigger is better as you can always trim it. Cut or rip your piece of Canvas to size. Leave a good amount of extra material, 6-8 inches or so around all sides.
Step Two: Make the Frame
The size of the wood can vary, depending on the size of the canvas you are making. I typically use 2″x2″ pieces for frames ranging from 2′ – 7′. When cutting the wood to size, be [...] Continue Reading…
Tags: Stretching Canvas
Posted in How To | 2 Comments »
May 10th, 2009 by jules
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What is Good Art? What is Good? What is Art?
These are big questions which I plan to tackle bit by bit for as long as I have this blog…I think, talk, then mull…here are a few of my first thoughts…
Picasso said it begins where nature leaves off
Michelangelo said the true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection
Francis Bacon said that painting gave meaning to his life that without which he would not have had
Damien Hirst said there’s no possible way you can get what you want
Willem de Kooning said that the attitude that nature is chaotic and that the artist puts order into it is a very absurd point of view. All that we can hope for is to put some order into ourselves
…I like de Koonings view, I see it as a science of us humans trying to figure out who we are, why we’re here and what life is really all about…
Please help figure this out in the comments!
Tags: Art, Damien Hirst, Good Art
Posted in What is Good Art Anyway? | 2 Comments »
