It's been a while since I posted on the blog. I've been busy chasing options for making my leg better. X-rays, doctors, MRIs, more doctors and finally a diagnosis. A piece of my knee joint has died and needs to be replaced. Bummer. What at first was going to be a simple meniscus tuneup has turned out to be a serious pain in the ass. A half knee replacement. Better than a full knee replacement but just a little. More tests more doctors more freggin' tests. Everybody making more money... but me. On St. Patricks Day I' get a new joint. or at least half a joint. Shit.
What this basics thing you ask.
This summer the high schools in Wayne County have a day of art workshops called Art Academy. I volunteered to run a session on the fundamentals of painting realism. Sounds simple doesn't it.
It is and it's not. I'm breaking it down to a few simple elements. Value, color, space, scale and composition. I only have four or five hours to present these basics. It's taking me a lifetime to even begin to understand them myself. There will be a reading list and reference list of realists that have influenced me over my lifetime.
My roots in this stuff are Loomis and The Brandywine School. Along with other great American Illustrators and painters of the early 20th century. Their influences were the masters. I'll be borrowing examples of their work and others with the kids this summer.
Once I have an outline and presentation elements with hands on examples I think I may have the makings for an online workshop.
I'll keep you informed.