I've started a series of self portraits using the blind contour method of drawing. Blind contour drawing is a technique that some suggest improves hand-eye coordination and hones observation skills. But I use it for the results I get. It's my favorite drawing method. In blind contour drawing, the artist looks only at the subject … Continue reading blind contour self-portraits 2.24.2022
Delusion Protects Illusion. Mixed media diptych on paper, each part 14x17.
In my most recent series of paintings, I'm still using oil pastel and wax markers and graphite and charcoal. And I've added another element - paper. I've had an old dictionary for years and almost gave it away to charity last year. Instead, I kept it, and decided that I should finally just DO something … Continue reading new painting 6.3.2021
In my continuing study of Notan, these are the remaining exercises I completed from the book Notan: The Dark-Light Principle of Design, by Dorr Bothwell and Marlys Mayfield. You can read Part One of my Notan study here. The third exercise in the book was about the control of tension, balance and movement in a … Continue reading notan, part two 2.11.2021
Earlier this year I bought a book titled Notan: The Dark-Light Principle of Design. Notan, a Japanese term, involves the concept of dark and light; black and white; positive and negative. It's a small book of 80 pages, but it's jam packed with great information. As a life-long student, I was pretty excited to discover … Continue reading notan, part one 9.10.2020
I just returned from my annual vacation in Denver, Colorado. The main reason I go is to visit both of my daughters. But there are plenty of great art museums to visit while I'm there, too. This time I toured the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art, which has been closed on my two previous … Continue reading Colorado art redux, 2018 6.28.2018
In my most recent post about painting, I promised an update when all the paintings were completed. I finished them a few weeks ago, but it's taken me this long to sign each one and take photos and decide on titles. They're small, I know, but they're still good enough to hang on a wall. … Continue reading finished paintings 4.19.2018
My vow to paint more this year is holding true. Earlier this year, I wrote about wanting to paint more in this post. I seem to be able to sit down with my paints once a week, and I don't think that's quite enough. But once a week is a start! Here's where I'm at … Continue reading painting update 3.1.2018
Last year, I hardly picked up a paintbrush. I'm not sure why. Perhaps I had ceramics taking over my brain;) This year I vow to put the paintbrush into action again! Ceramics will have to make a little room for painting, because I want to practice both. It's often a bit daunting for me to … Continue reading painting again 1.18.2018
In my post from last week, I wrote that I'm attracted to off-kilter ceramics, and abstract or non-representational art in general. Some might call it wabi-sabi (imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete) or other descriptors might be unrefined, confusing or childlike. Maybe I'm using all these labels to better describe how some might view abstract art. Or … Continue reading abstraction 2.9.2017
Rachel Imsland, Artist 