watch me work

'Red Trees', 4" x 4", coloured pencil, copyright Teresa Mallen

 

On Wednesday January 9th, 2013, I shall be the guest artist at the Kanata Art Club evening meeting. My presentation shall be an inspiring look into the world of coloured pencil. First up will be an overview on how to create fine art with cps. After reviewing traditional coloured pencil techniques, I will reveal how to go beyond these basics, sharing how to create work on coloured paper that looks like pastel, how to create richly pigmented effects, how to work in mixed media with coloured pencil as well as how to move beyond realism.

 

As part of my presentation, I shall demonstrate how I created the above piece. I have a fresh piece of paper with a new line drawing on it and my pencils are sharpened. Come watch me work! 

 

This event takes place in West Ottawa, 1030 Riddell Drive at the Kanata Montessori School. Start time is 7:00 p.m. and non-members are welcome to attend. Hope to see you there!



more recent little gems

I read a blog post a few years ago written by an artist whose name or work I don't remember. But I do remember that the blog author was putting together a show at her studio. As part of the marketing strategy, the artist was offering up small studies done for larger works as well as some small pieces that the artist had left unframed. She called these pieces her "little gems". I liked that and thought that if I ever did something similar then I too would label such works little gems. I had some of these studies available for viewing at my recent open studio exhibition. They were not for sale but these and others like them will be my 'little gems' offerings on the next tour. I also plan to set up a shop on my website for these small pieces...once I have enough done that is.

The above abstract is 5 inches wide by 2 3/4 inches high. It is coloured pencil applied to coloured Colourfix pastel paper.

3" w x 4.5 " h, coloured pencil on Colourfix paper

People who have looked at this piece have commented that it makes them think of waves or the ocean. When I had finished it, it reminded me of the yarn in a chunky sweater! But yes, I can see the waves too. :-)  This pieces is 6" by 3", coloured pencil on coloured Colourfix paper.

The above photo simply doesn't do this tiny piece justice. Getting good lighting in the dead of winter isn't easy. I wasn't about to photography this outside as it was overcast and storming and being by a window didn't help much. Blech...Anyway, this one is a very small square, 2 1/4" x 2 1/4".

My recent landscapes have all included striped soil! I have no idea why striped hillsides are coming forth but I am liking the look.

Coloured Pencil on coloured Colourfix paper, 4.5" x 2 3/4", copyright Teresa Mallen

As today is January 1st, I would like to wish you a Happy New Year. May we all enjoy a blessed, prosperous and creative year in 2013!