Andersonville Arts Weekend - Oct. 9, 2015

LasManosGallery.blogspot.com

Las Manos will be participating in the 13th annual Andersonville Arts Weekend, October 9,10 and 11. Please join us for an opening reception/party on Friday, October 9 to celebrate the kick-off. All of Andersonville will be hosting artists throughout the weekend and Friday night is 'The Night of a Thousand Parties', where most business showcase an artist and put on a little party. At Las Manos Michelle promises a new series of recycled wood pieces, and maybe an installation. Brian Schutz continues his exploration of abstracted architectural models, now encompassing darker tones into his paper and frames. I am working on a series of 12 x 18 inch panels in black and white, and will make some crazy installation out of those. The gallery looks amazing and the back courtyard is still very green, perfect place for a cocktail. Scout, around the corner, is planning to have two very talented artists, and they always put on a good party, so there are two fun events to get your evening started.  Did I mention how many new restaurants have opened in the neighborhood this summer? Hope you can make it to Andersonville and Las Manos on Friday, October 9. See you at 7pm.

Three Days in Michigan

I was able to get out of Chicago for a few days earlier this week. My friends Kathy, Jeff, his dog Toby, and I all drove over to southeastern shore of Lake Michigan for a little R and R, and a little work. In fact we worked diligently - both at the cottage in Hagar Shores and at the beach each afternoon. I brought along some penciled in grids and spent some time coloring in the triangles as a color study.

There was some charcoal on the sand left over from beach fires. I found it interesting from both a sculptural perspective, and eventually we used it as a material for drawing. Kathy and I had fun making this grid while exploring the various charcoal marks.

Charcoal Study

Watercolor based upon my visit to Michigan.

 A sketchbook page from the ride up to Michigan. Toby and I in the back seat.

Jeff's painting from the beach on Monday.

Jeffrey Janson - Untitled - Oil on Panel - approx 10"h x 8"w

Kathy's color study from the beach on Wednesday.

Kathryn Trumbull Fimreite - Untitled Color Study - Paint Marker, on Board

Girder and Panel #16

A new drawing, a reworking of an older idea, but as I am making this drawing I am reminded of a toy I had as a young boy. It was called 'Kenner, Girder and Panel Building Set'. It is clear from the illustrations how this building set worked. The manipulations were not particularly difficult but the permutations were endless. It is easy to imaging the geometry inherent to this toy influenced my interest in architectural drawing and the drawings I make to this day.

New Collage

I cut apart and older drawing (2011) that had a bit of water damage to one edge. I made each of the pieces 3.25 inches square knowing I would most likely use a grid format to reposition them. This is the result. I did break the grid in three areas, but not by very much. The materials are India Ink on Bristol paper on Arches watercolor paper and PVA glue. Dimensions are 40h x 26w in inches.

Untitled-India Ink, Bristol Paper, Arches Watercolor Paper, PVA Glue-40x26 inches

While We Are Dicussing Watercolors....

...I'd like to post one more photo. This is a large scale watercolor I made earlier in the month. It is derived from the mark I use in the skies of some of 'Lake' watercolors. It is a useful exercise for me, working on color relationships and mixing greys.

Untitled (Color Study) -Watercolor on Arches Paper - 40"h x 26"w

Four New Watercolors

I had the urge to remake watercolors of this type. I'm using better paper, and the watercolor is Windsor Newton Indigo straight out of the tube. I make a quick pencil sketch before I begin adding the color, and the hand and wrist are still evident in the finished drawing. I don't know where they are all going, but migrations and mass exoduses are on my mind.

Untitled - Watercolor on Arches Paper - 20"h x 13"w each