Life's Journey Part 5: The MFA

Caught Grazing

2010-05-13T14:42:00.003-04:00

As I work on the images of sheep, I find it challenging to choose the color palette. I could go realistic and attempt to match the true color of the fleece. Ah, but it's so much more fun to imagine spinning some wool that was produced from technicolor sheep that makes beautiful fiber. No need for hand dyeing here!

Free Range

2010-04-08T17:10:00.002-04:00

Just how life should be. Chickens roaming in the yummy grass, naturally fertilizing and eating up parasites that may otherwise cause problems to the sheep. I wanted a sense of free range from this image. Fresh looking grass and a very handsome chicken. Another image for the thesis body of work.

Palette change for Brownie

2010-03-30T14:55:00.003-04:00

When I talked about this piece with my thesis adviser, Bill Thompson, he suggested a color shift. So, I'm trying out this cooler palette of greens and blue grays. I think it's an improvement! Thanks Bill!

Pro bono work

2010-03-30T12:21:00.003-04:00

I've been working on a poster and invitations for a fund raising event. I love the combination of the graphic design and illustration. Here is a first draft of the poster. My daughter was the photo reference for the fairy, the other reference was shot at the park.

The Pasadena Assignment

2010-03-30T11:39:00.003-04:00

While in Fort Worth, Texas for my MFA week we presented our assignment from our trip to Pasadena last November. We had a lecture at the beautiful Castle Green which is a historical venue for filming, weddings and events. Also, there are apartments in the building. I managed to just catch a shot of a Castle Green dweller as she whisked out the door to walk her dog. I thought the contrast of the old Victorian architectural details and the funky manner of dress was especially interesting. And, moving from that darkness to the California light is a breath of fresh air.

A sheep called Brownie

2010-02-08T21:25:00.004-05:00

Another image for the thesis project! This is Brownie and she is a Coopworth ewe producing a beautiful brown fleece. Here's a little about the breed from the Hatchtown Farm website:

The Coopworth is a medium size, dual purpose, longwool breed with an alert but quiet disposition. They were developed in the 1950s and 1960s by crossing Border Leicester rams and Romney ewes. Only the best of the resulting progeny were interbred over many years. The goal was to create a highly prolific and easily managed sheep that would excel in the production of both meat and wool for commercial use. It is hardy and adaptable to many farm models.

Winter Scene

2010-01-14T12:04:00.003-05:00

I've started to complete some of my thesis illustrations and will begin to post the progress more consistently (I hope). So here is "Winter Sheep" and I think this might make a nice holiday card! Is it too late to send out a happy new year card? Maybe I will get my act together next year... when I will have no more school assignments!

Almost final – stop tweaking

2009-11-05T18:24:00.003-05:00

Noodling and noodling. When to stop? When eyes and hands are too tired, and lines and strokes get sloppy. Progress has been made.

Magazine assignment progress

2009-11-01T10:56:00.004-05:00

Amelia is coming to life. Saw the movie last night. Good for color reference as all of the historical photos are black and white. I liked the movie, it was true to the period of time. And, who knew that Eleanor Roosevelt went flying with Amelia (as copilot) at night after an event while the others were in the back of the plane drinking champagne? Is it true or just Hollywood?

Still lots to do on this piece. Leaving for MFA classes in Pasadena on Saturday. Must have this complete for crit on Monday. Better get to work!

Maine and thesis photo reference

2009-10-15T10:44:00.005-04:00

In early September I spent a week in Maine at a 100 year-old cottage that I won in a silent auction at a local fundraiser. The area north of Freeport, between Brunswick and Rockland, has many peninsulas reaching south into the cold Atlantic Ocean. South of Damariscotta, straight down on Rt. 129 at a place called Christmas Cove, this cottage sits on a rock facing east to Johns Bay. In the distance, a view of Pemiquid Point and beyond that, the famous Monhegan Island. The sunrise with coffee (and a heavy sweater) on the screened-in porch was both serene and energizing all at once.

On this peninsula of Bristol, at Hatchtown Farm, live Pam and Jim Child. Check out their web site. They came from New Jersey in 1993 to make their hobbies into their livelihood. Sustainability and good husbandry practices are top priorities on their farm. They raise Coopworth sheep, pigs and a variety of heritage breed chickens that lay the most beautiful eggs in tones of light blue and peachy beige. It was here a few years back in their fiber studio that I bought my first sheep fleece to learn how to spin on my new Louet spinning wheel.

On this visit with friends, we toured the farm and learned more about the many hours of hard work and dedication it takes to run a small farm. I took many new pictures to use as reference for my thesis project.

Assignment: Magazine Cover

2009-08-24T22:42:00.002-04:00

Choose a decade. Tough to pick just one. I finished reading "Red Rose Girls" by Alice (Bunny) Carter, then jumped into the biography of N.C. Wyeth by David Michaelis, so I presently feel totally immersed in the 1920's and 30's. I did some sketches of a Jessie Wilcox Smith style "child in a garden" and realized the assignment calls for a famous person of the chosen decade. Hmmm, children were not famous back then. Well, except for the "Little Rascals" silent films, but the ragamuffins wouldn't deserve a magazine cover in that period of time. Jessie Wilcox Smith was all about idyllic scenes of everyday life, lots of mother and child subject matter for her Good Housekeeping covers.

So, I'm trying out Amelia Earhart, July 24, 1897 – missing July 2, 1937, declared dead January 5, 1939. She was learning to fly in the 20's. "Working at a variety of jobs, as a photographer, truck driver and stenographer at the local telephone company, she managed to save $1,000 for flying lessons. Earhart had her first lessons, beginning on January 3, 1921, at Kinner Field near Long Beach but to reach the airfield Amelia took a bus to the end of the line, then walked four miles." (Wikipedia)

My other thoughts were of Dorothy Parker. A very interesting woman, but, not finding much reference photography for sketches. Still thinking about her though.

Sheep make wool

2009-07-08T20:22:00.004-04:00

I am acquainted with sheep and wool in the world of knitting and spinning. I am starting to show ideas for thesis images. Early ideas that I know will grow and change in the next year. Let's see what becomes of this journey.

Quieter

2009-06-21T12:26:00.004-04:00

I had a conversation with Murray Tinkelman, director of the MFA program, and received some valuable feedback. So, some changes have been made to soften the barbed wire and not interrupt the beauty of the elements of nature. I may be trying to do too much in one illustration. To tell this whole story would require more than one image. So maybe back to square one. Just a beautiful image of the wet walking garden in The Japanese Tea Garden of Golden Gate Park!

A thing of beauty, an uncomfortable story

2009-06-19T13:37:00.004-04:00

Baron Makoto Hagiwara actually constructed the garden, its pavilions and tea house. Designed in a rustic style to address the rugged site and its surroundings, the original Japanese Tea Garden included a large public area and small private area for the Makoto Hagiwara family.

The Hagiwara family lived in, maintained and enhanced the Japanese Tea Garden from 1895 until 1942 and the beginning of World War II, when they were forced to evict and relocate to concentration camps with other Americans of Japanese descent. The garden was renamed The Oriental Tea Garden, many structures were demolished or moved from their original locations, sculptures disappeared and plants died or were relocated.

Latest Progress

2009-06-14T15:30:00.002-04:00

I need to adjust colors, but so far this is where I am with the San Francisco project. More to come.

Makoto's Garden

2009-04-13T21:52:00.003-04:00

Here is progress on my San Fran assignment. I was stunned by the peaceful beauty of the Japanese Tea garden. Upon returning home and reviewing my images I was drawn to this garden and its history. I hope I can do it justice.

A piece of San Francisco

2009-04-13T21:33:00.003-04:00

The following information is from the Internet Tours Website:

The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park is the type of Japanese garden known as a wet walking garden, although it has a Zen garden, or dry garden area as well. The Japanese Tea Garden was first developed as the Japanese Village at the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, or World's Fair, which was held in the area that is now the Music Concourse. Golden Gate Park's Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States.

John McLaren, who is credited with much of the overall design and development of Golden Gate Park, was approached by Makoto Hagiwara, a wealthy Japanese landscape designer, with the idea of converting the temporary exhibit into a permanent section of the park. Baron Makoto Hagiwara actually constructed the garden, its pavilions and tea house. Designed in a rustic style to address the rugged site and its surroundings, the original Japanese Tea Garden included a large public area and small private area for the Makoto Hagiwara family.

This increased the size of the garden to about five acres, considerably larger than the original one acre exhibit. In addition to the landscaping and construction of several structures, Mr. Hagiwara imported many plants, bronzes, goldfish, rare Japanese birds, statues— including perched and spread winged eagles, a Shinto Shrine, a porcelain lantern, a wooden Buddha and much more.

The Hagiwara family lived in, maintained and enhanced the Japanese Tea Garden from 1895 until 1942 and the beginning of World War II, when they were forced to evict and relocate to concentration camps with other Americans of Japanese descent. The garden was renamed The Oriental Tea Garden, many structures were demolished or moved from their original locations, sculptures disappeared and plants died or were relocated.

While much of the original Japanese Tea Garden is gone, there is plenty to see and enjoy today. The name Japanese Tea Garden was officially reinstated in 1952. A 9000 pound Lantern of Peace, purchased with contributions from the children of Japan, and presented on their behalf as a symbol of friendship toward future generations, was installed in 1953.

San Fran, MFA Day 1 — a dream day

2009-03-16T20:24:00.012-04:00

Found a great Italian cafe around the corner, a fresh breakfast sandwich and Lavazza coffee. Boarded the bus in the rain at 8:30 for the ride to Jane Eisenstat's house to view her private collection. The 89 year old (mother of our faculty member Bunny Carter) and her late husband, illustrator Ben Eisenstat, have collected for years. The work is hanging all over the house, stored in boxes under the bed and stacked in the many flat files. Check out the pictures posted here! An amazing experience because unlike a museum, we could touch them, take them off the wall and take them outside to photograph in natural light! A dreamlike experience!

After lunch, we headed out to the offices of Communication Arts for a tour. Now, understand I have been a subscriber and a fan for my whole career as a graphic designer and this was very exciting for me. The editor, Patrick Coyne, hosted our group giving us a tour and a history lesson in the company his father (a graphic designer) started 50 years ago.

Certainly a dream day for me. My heart and mind are filled with much joy.

New York Dogs Walking

2009-03-13T18:17:00.002-04:00

So, it's done and ready for San Francisco. And so am I, leaving tomorrow for a week of lectures and museums. Stay tuned!

Must love dogs!

2009-03-01T11:42:00.002-05:00

Tedious, but methodical and gratifying. I do enjoy this type of work. I must try sheep and get moving on thesis ideas.

NY Assignment Slow Progress

2009-02-25T17:11:00.002-05:00

Lots of fur here, very tedious.

NYC dogwalker

2009-02-04T22:42:00.003-05:00

Progress. This is what I do at night, after a day in the corporate environment, after a short ride home, after cooking a meal and then settling into the seat in front of the beautiful new 30" monitor. And progress is being made. Next, details of the dogs will be added. Colors will be adjusted... not sure on the blues.

Down on the farm

2008-12-01T16:13:00.003-05:00

Still searching. These are big barns that will look great in the snow. This feels like a gentleman's farm, not a working the land farm. Still searching...

Your Inner Sheep

2008-11-29T22:32:00.005-05:00

I am researching sheep farms in the area for reference. I need to find the right look, barn, sheep, landscape and people to build a relationship with. I will need photos of the farm throughout the seasons. Today I found two in Coventry, not that appealing and one in East Windsor. I think I need a new camera with a zoom lense to take closer images of the sheep.

Meanwhile, at my art table, something is happening with sheep and watercolor. I see it needs more landscape in the distance and maybe some humor like the sheep in my Dennis and Bunny project from July.

TMI -- too much information (to process)

2008-11-13T20:44:00.005-05:00

That's why it's important to take really good notes. Speakers Wednesday : Arnold Roth (57 years of freelance illustration) and Daniel Abraham (copyright law). Great history and registration of images information.

Speakers Thursday: Zina Saunders (fabulous portraits and stories about her subjects), Joe Ciardiello (ink and watercolor washes) and Cheryl Phelps (licensing images). Then, off to the Illustration House Gallery downtown for a look at some original work of fabulous illustrators.

New York, New York

2008-11-11T18:35:00.007-05:00

Arrived in NYC on Sunday by train. Had a nice ride with roomie Jackie, unpacked and went out for a walk to enjoy the nice weather in the city. Roomies Lori Anne and Q got in and we all went to dinner with some of the 2nd year boys that were also in town. Ended up eating at Brooklyn Diner near Times Square. A little too touristy for me, but had a good salad and enjoyed the company.

Monday was all business and I was relieved to have my genre piece reviewed and accepted. Now, move on to the next assignment which will be a New York experience piece. Also another paper from one of our lectures this week. Steve Brodner and Leo & Diane Dillon were our Monday speakers. Fabulous stuff, lots to think about and write about already. Had a great dinner of Indian food at Nirvana. The Grand Union Hotel is great and we are laughing ourselves to sleep.

Today we were off to Brooklyn to the Lewin's beautiful brownstone near Pratt to see their studios and learn how to light a reference photo with dramatic shadows. An adventure just getting there on the trains. Ted is working on pencil sketches for his new book about the horse stable in Brooklyn that has been there a very long time. It's as if he writes a documentary for kids about this wonderful place and its characters which includes the horses.

Final Genre Piece

2008-11-06T17:09:00.002-05:00

Here we go. I have to stop touching it and let it dry for NYC. I feel it is a bit overworked, but the more I paint, the fresher the technique will be. Leaving on Sunday. I will be posting while there so stay tuned!

New York Readiness

2008-10-28T06:52:00.003-04:00

Am I ready? Just as I experienced the weeks before our July meeting time, the anxiety and insecurity are back. It's the personal battle of "am I good enough." Then the lecture to myself runs its course and I am fine. After all, anxiety and excitement produce the same physical response from the human body. So, let's just say I am very, very excited (hmmm, and a bit nervous)!

My papers were fine. Had fun completing them. When the visuals are added, all the thoughts come together. Always that way. The pictures and the words together make the strongest communication. That might be my art directorness training coming through. We bring all our life experience to the work we do.

So, am I ready? Of course I am. I have my trusty, inexpensive Kodak camera that has taken me through my travels to Greece (islands and architecture) and Mexico (radish festival, butterflies and whales). I have my genre piece (almost complete, hope it dries) and I took the reference phot0 for it with the Kodak. It's all about the light and if you can create dramatic light that helps tell the story (pictures and words again) you've got great reference.

After talking to Bill Thompson about my "inspiration breakdown" I have once again been drawn to the world of fiber. Wise man Bill said, "think of things that you know well, love or are fascinated with." So off I went to the NY Sheep and Wool Festival in the lovely Rhinebeck, NY area. It is so beautiful there and what an inspiration of all things fiber. I took many photos (reference with the good ol' Kodak) and hope to get some sketches and thoughts on paper. Life is good.

Genre Assignment: rough comp

2008-09-15T13:02:00.002-04:00

Here is the rough comp. I still feel I have a ways to go. Loosen up for a less forced look. That will take a few more roughs!

50 sketches...

2008-08-25T21:14:00.002-04:00

They make it look so easy.

I feel out of practice. Must draw and draw and draw again. Who took this photo? Oh, that would be me. What was I thinking? The foreshortening of the arm, the angle of the face, the exposed hands. Oh, but those hands tell a story all on their own. This is really fun -- I mean the part where the drawing can look so much more dramatic than the photo. And the 50 sketches, well it's fun when I am fresh in the daytime, hard to do in the evening after a day of the white noise and a cubicle in the corporate world.
Keep drawing, this could be quite glamorous but dark. Almost a film noir look. Hmmm, Robert Mitchum where are you. Maybe black and white is the way to go. Not glamor. Surely more disillusionment, pessimism, and despair is more on target. Sure, once the guy in the hat is in the picture.

Nothing like a dame!

2008-08-11T22:08:00.011-04:00

Images by Joe De Mers and Robert Fawcett

I need reference for my genre assignment. My newly wedded friends Jim & Susie have the right wardrobe (oh, those hats & pearls) and talent to go along with it. Thanks guys, I'm forever grateful.
I think it's a possible mystery story for the woman's magazines of the 50's. Now the scary part, let's see what I can do with it...

Genre Assignment

2008-07-29T22:00:00.004-04:00

I am looking for reference for my genre assignment for Vin DeFate’s class. I want to do a slick, which is a 2-page spread for a magazine story. You know, the romance short stories in the 7 sisters magazines of the 60’s: Better Homes & Gardens, Family Circle, Good Housekeeping, Ladies’ Home Journal, McCall’s, Redbook and Women’s Day. I remember as a teenager gazing at these images in my mothers mags. Certainly had something to do with my unrealistic impression of romance. Then the feminist messages appeared and boy was I confused. I probably still am!

Anyway, much research to be done and many, many sketches. Hmmmmmm, maybe 50?

See some samples below. Could I ever be that good?

First two images by Lorriane Fox who was a close friend of Murray’s. In fact, I believe it’s the back of Murray’s head in the second image (See the back of Murray’s head in class photos earlier in blog!). Carol and Murray own that original.
Next two images by Don DeMauro and Frederick Varady.

Re-entry after 2 weeks of art boot-camp heaven

2008-07-26T22:44:00.000-04:00

It was an amazing 2 weeks of new people, new class rooms (they've added on since my BFA) and tons of new ideas. My head is spinning with visions of illustration history and all the genres that accompanied those years when illustrators were the go-to folks for advertising, book covers, magazine stories and anything that needed visual communication. Murray Tinkleman has gathered an amazing collection of seasoned professionals from his years of working in the industry. This is clearly going to be a lot of work and a life changing experience.