Roz Wound Up

Gouache over Pen, Working in a Moleskine Watercolor Sketchbook, Pigeons, IFJM…

Above: detail from a page in my 2011 fake journal. Click on the image to view an enlargement. Read below for more details about this image and other stuff.

Today is the last day of International Fake Journal Month (for some the journey is going to continue into May, but more on that in another post).

So for this year's fake journal I've been working in a large (11.5 x 8.5 inch) Moleskine Watercolor Sketchbook. The book is landscape so that's a huge problem for me (I don't like landscape books because I stand up when I sketch—just go ahead and try to hold 23 inches of flapping book in a stiff breeze while you sketch and paint).

The good news is at this size Moleskine doesn't perforate the pages of their watercolor sketchbooks. FANTASTIC. So why don't they get a clue and stop perforating the pages of their other w.c. books as well?

And why can't they produce watercolor sketchbooks (with no perforations of course) in portrait orientation? (I think there is a campaign to encourage them to do this. Can someone write in with a link? Can we all write in and urge them to do so?)

I have some issues with this paper which I'll go into at another time, the main issue is that the sizing is not uniform across the page and sometimes the watercolor beads up! But I digress.

Overall, it has been a sturdy book and if they would make a 7 x 9 or 6 x 8 inch book in portrait orientation with no perforation I might even be able to get behind it, uneven sizing and all. Sigh.

But the point today was to just show you a detail from one of my pages, prepainted with acrylic paints, then sketched on with a Uniball Vision Elite (which evidently isn't waterproof, I picked it up instead of the Vision Needle which is labeled waterproof; but no biggie as you can hide the bleeding with gouache).

I thought this pigeon was quite charming. You can see the full page spread of pigeons on the Official International Fake Journal Blog.

Another Dog with Attitude from an Artist with Attitude!

Left: A spaniel with attitude. Pentel Pocket Brush Pen sketch in a journal I made with Nideggen (use the blog search engine to find out more about this paper). Click on the image to view an enlargement.

I've got an attitude today myself—rainy days have been keeping me on the inside bike instead of the outside bike. As I set this post up I can only hope that I'll be out on the road today. If not: this is a self portrait.

Update 1:30 p.m.: I was able to get out for an-18-mile bike ride this a.m. It was gorgeous, 46 degrees F. and sunny, and only a slight breeze. I've got a much improved attitude.

Insights into Who Roz Really Is

Sometimes I get the feeling that because I teach bookbinding and journaling with a "you can do it" gusto, and because I encourage people to draw and understand their creative process, that people get the idea I'm some sort of sweet (blech), huggy (don't come near me), earth mother (I'm dippy, but not in any way that could be classified as e.m.).

Today, my computer guy sent me a note about something Apple is doing to make my life expensive (it has to do with iPhones and publishing and it makes my head hurt, so I won't bother any of you with it). In the comment section of the article Bob sent me I found a link to another blog by accident. A happy accident. And here a young designer (seems to be a young woman in Norway) gives you 50 Reasons Not To Date a Graphic Designer. (On "a bourbon for silvia.")

If you haven't already started dating a graphic designer (or "horror" married one!) or if you just want to know a little bit more about ME, or graphic designers in general, then you should really read this list.

I don't do #6 (I admire too many of them—they entertain me) and #20 doesn't apply to me (yet), perhaps simply because I've always been print-focused even as it supposedly dies. But #3, #32, and #45 give you a very precise sense of me. Item #30 explains my political philosophy.

Item #48 has already happened for me, multiple times. So I guess I've had a long and fulfilling professional life!

We don't really need to say anything about #7, just plan accordingly if you attend with me.

And as for #27, even with the Pantone book this is challenging for me.

OK, pretty much everything else on this list is spot on, except #41, which was memorable, but I've also led a fulfilling personal life. Nuf said.

Go See "Rio"

If you love birds, and you enjoy 3D animation, go see "Rio." With 30 some people working just on feather technology, they have come up with something rather special.

The story is sweet and has a message, but not the punch of "UP." There are musical numbers that will have you tapping your toes. The flying scenes aren't as inspired or as magical as those in "How to Train Your Dragon."

Still it moves along nicely. Jesse Eisenberg as Blu, a blue macaw who has been a pet and can't fly, is endearing in a non-saccharine way. George Lopez brings a happy confidence to his role as a toucan who knows the value of family and heart. Will. i. am and Jamie Foxx voice side kick characters that sing and goof off in amusing ways. (You'll want way more with Jane Lynch and Wanda Sykes and Tracy Morgan.)

But in moments of raw emotional energy (especially in the pivotal climactic scene) it's the feather technology that sells it. And I'm not ashamed to say I gasped and cried from the sheer beauty of one outstretched wing.

See it in 3D because so much will be lost otherwise.

It's Coming! It's Almost Here! My Free Online Workshop Starts May 1, 2011!

If the above video doesn't work, please follow the link to my journaling workshop promo here.

Go sign up today!

How a Pantheist Packs an Easter Basket

Above: Basket I created for a 5-year-old friend. Click on the image to view an enlargement. A detail photo appears at the end of this post. Read below for more information.

It was a chilly and overcast day. I'd given up hope of riding my bike outside. I had put a call into my friend Diane because I couldn't stop yawning and get my work done. Chatting with her always gets me back on my toes.

She told me she was taking her mother out to Easter shop for Eric (one of Diane's grandsons). I adore this little boy. (Very intelligent, very verbal, very observant.) Next Diane told me they were going to Michael's. Well I can't go to Michael's unless I'm accompanied by an adult—so a plan started to form. Before I could say anything, Diane suggested, "Why don't you come out here and go with us?"

Not long after that I was at Diane's with a small Fabriano Venezia sketchbook and a squeeable ball that was filled with plastic flies (visible when you squeezed the ball—something I have been meaning to give to Eric for ages). Off we went to pick up the great grandmother and hit Michael's.

Since Diane had pretty much cornered the bubble blowing end of things with a sword wand, I focused on other items, much to the dismay of Diane's mom. At least once I heard her actually say, "ick." (Which was of course in reference to my choices.)

I graduated almost immediately to a larger basket. I decided to go for a storage basket that could be reused. It contains some matching paper "grass" which you can't see, that Fabriano Venezia journal, a pack of 4 Faber-Castell Pitt pens (Black, in various widths and a brush pen; the child already has a Niji brush and some watercolors), a set of plastic pin-backed buttons (which you can fill with your own artwork!), that squeezable ball, two realistic dinosaur finger puppets, a dinosaur egg which transforms into a dinosaur, and a large, 18-inch long scientifically accurate crocodile (or is that an alligator?) with babies on its back. (The mother had requested no candy and that just makes it more interesting for me.)

We returned to Diane's where I wrapped it all up in a large cellophane bag and ribbon, and made a quick card. He'll get it today when he's with his family. With luck he'll be out sketching art for his buttons before dinner.

That's what happens when you let a Pantheist pack an Easter Basket.

Below: Detail photo showing the heads of the two dinosaur finger puppets. One dinosaur is orange and yellow, the other, to the right is a T-Rex with a tooth-filled mouth. Click on the image for an enlargement.

It's Officially Available: The New Colors of Stonehenge

Above: Pet store finch sketch (Faber-Castell Pitt Artist's Calligraphy pen and Schmincke Horadam Gouache) on KRAFT PAPER BROWN STONEHENGE. Click on the image to view an enlargement.

I got the call that my Stonehenge new colors paper order had arrived on Wednesday, but couldn't go over to pick it up until Thursday, and couldn't use it until Friday. Sigh. But I have now, and that's all that matters.

I purchased 4 sheets of the icy blue and 6 sheets of the kraft paper brown so that I could make journals. While tearing down the Kraft paper brown I experienced a bit of cracking when folding with the grain, so I have put the remainder of the paper aside to let it rest in my environment. I'm hoping it will "hydrate" up after its trip into town. However, even if there is always a bit of cracking with this paper I have to say that I will use it. I mean, really, look at that color, could there be any doubt?

That leaves only one question: "Got Gouache?"

And if the anwser to that is no, then here's some more good news—Wet Paint is going to start selling Schmincke Horadam Gouache again! In fact it may have already arrived. When I was in on Thursday Darin told me they were expecting it any day.

I would love to think it was the once-a-week gentle reminder missives I've sent Darin (OK, it wasn't once a week, but it was close to that) telling him how wonderful Schmincke gouache is and how it would be great if he brought it back, especially since they've reorganized the store and there is so much more space now! I would also love to think it was the once-a-week, not-so gentle, in-store pleas ("Darin, when are you going to bring Schmincke gouache back?") I've been making (those actually have been weekly). It's more complicated than that, isn't everything. But it sure would be great if you all started painting with gouache now and showed Darin that, "If you stock it they will come." (Apologies to "Field of Dreams.")

Really, if you aren't working in gouache right now, and aren't working with Schmincke gouache right now, why?

Especially when paper of this color and texture exists in the world and is waiting for you. And when there are birds in the world. That's the trifecta of happiness: great paint, great paper, and birds to sketch.

Get busy, time's a wasting.

p.s. You know the drill, if you want to read more about my thoughts on Stonehenge paper, use the blog search engine. Even though I prefer it for sewn on the spine structures I'm going to make this crop of books casebound for reasons I'll write about another day, but like I said, you can find all that elsewhere on the blog…

When working with the Kraft Paper Brown you'll want to be sure to collate your sheets so that the same side of the paper faces its twin across the spread (there is a slight but noticeable color difference between the front and back sides of this sheet, which is typical with a darkly toned sheet like this). See my post on tearing, folding, and collating to match surfaces across spreads.

Also, the link to my first post about the new colors of Stonehenge lists some paper vendors that may be in your area if you aren't near Wet Paint, so I'm giving it to you here again.

And finally, I'm not financially associated with Wet Paint, Legion Paper (the makers of Stonehenge), or Schmincke Horadam Gouache. I'm just a happy girl who loves to paint birds on toned papers with gouache. Which is exactly what I'm going to go back to doing right now!

Frogtown Artists' Cooperative Spring Group Show

The artists of Frogtown Cooperative Lofts are having a "Spring Group Show."

Location: The Frogtown Artists' Cooperative Lofts, 653 Galtier Street, St. Paul, MN 55103

Opening and Performance (one of the artists is a dancer): Saturday, April 30, 2011; 6 to 10 p.m.

Part of the Home Tour: Sunday, May 1; 1 to 5 p.m.

Artists' Talk: Sunday, May 15; noon to 3 p.m.

Artists listed on the promotional card: Anna Aslani, Divine Baker, Andy Dunn, Kate Jahnke, Hennifer Kohnhorst, Kristina Issac, Max McDougall Jennifer Mack, Lori Jarkie, Melissa Stang, Bethany Tweeten, and Justin Terlecki.

Justin Terlecki is a painter and printmaker, whom you might know from his helpful presence at Wet Paint. I was there yesterday and saw his framed prints for the show. They are lovely! Go and check out the show.

 

Report on the April 2011 MCBA Visual Journal Collective Meeting: Drawing Treasured Objects

Above: Hector (my rubber Toucan Puppet, cousin to Gert, who is out on loan this month) was quite popular at the Collective. He was centrally located and large, so I think everyone could see him from where they were sitting—but don't tell him that. Back row, left to right, Ruth Smith, Jean Shannon, Suzanne Hughes. Front row, left to right, Briana Groetzen, and Miss T. Not shown: Ken Avidor, but his page is below. Click on the image to view an enlargement. (Oh, and the fuzzy bits in the corners are artwork up in the bindery that I didn't have permission to photograph. But you can go and check them out, there's some cool stuff up right now.)

Last year when I was trying to find ways to get everyone sketching, Jean Shannon came up with the fun idea of "Drawing a Treasured Object." We did that at the Collective on Monday night. The objects ranged from silly (Hector) to serendipitous (Briana's rock with a heart relief, found when hiking with her husband).

Besides getting to see everyone's sketches we got to learn a little bit more about them and the things they collect and the things that matter to them. It's a great activity and if you have a group that gets together for drawing I recommend that you give this a try. It might be a little bit less intimidating than a portrait party. Begin with everyone introducing him or herself, and telling a story about the object that participant brought. Then let people circulate and sketch. You'll quickly loose track of time! And you'll hear more stories.

Below are some photos of additional glimpses into the visual journals of the 20 some people who joined in. I hope it was good practice for everyone and that people are planning on the May 7 sketch out. (See details on the MCBA Visual Journal Collective Info Page.)

All artwork shown below is copyright of the artist and is shown with permission.

Above: Briana Groetzen with a sketch of her rock with a heart on it and a reversible doll from Barbados that Jean Shannon brought. Click on the image to view an enlargement.

Above: Mary with a sketch of her objects—a pendant which mixed natural materials with metal, a carved bead and a small brass dog. Click on the image to view an enlargement.

Above: Thomas Winterstein sketched Avido'rs watch, as well as me while I was talking, and Alli Gator, Ruth Smith's plush toy. Thomas was working with Noodler's Burma Road ink, which has a lovely green-brown look. Click on the image to view an enlargement.

Above: Ken Avidor's journal page inlcudes a view of Hector, me, his watch, Gwen's Astro Boy and Girl salt and pepper shakers and Jean's reversible doll from Barbados! Click on the image to view an enlargement.

Above: Roz Stendahl's (me) sketch of the objects, with nothing to scale! Beginning with the very long-bodied horse toy (my sketch, not the actual toy) Suzanne brought. I worked my way around the room. Since I was on the opposite side of the table from most of the members most objects are drawn from the back. I ran out of time and space before I captured all the objects. Pentel Pockect brush pen in my current journal, which I made with Nideggen, approx. 6 x 8 inches.  Click on the image to view an enlargement.

"Stars in My Eyes" by Don Bachardy

I'm still trying to whittle down that pile of books I want to tell you about. Here's another one that I think you'll enjoy:

Stars in My Eyes, by Don Bachardy, 2010, University of WI Press; ISBN-13: 978-029916743-9

Quite awhile ago (so long ago I couldn't find the email relating to it) a reader alerted me to the fact that Don Bachardy—the life partner of Christopher Isherwood—had published a number of books of drawings of people from life. I had actually forgotten all about this note, and my subsequent attempts to get one of his books, until a month or so ago when  a box came from Amazon (they had kept trying all these months!).

I have not read the entire book yet, but the pile of books is so tall, and it is getting buried again. Before it disappears from sight again I wanted to give you a heads up about it. If you are interested in drawing portraits from life you need to get this book. The fact that these are celebrity life-portraits is really secondary (though if you enjoy behind-the-scenes peeks at celebrities then this book will give you a bit of that as well).

The reason I say the book is about drawing portraits from life, rather than celebrity, is that Bachardy's focus is really from the artist's point of view. There just happened to be a lot of celebrities in his life.

To read Bachardy writing about how the sittings went, how the time pressure built, how some celebrities were difficult to please, is an interesting view into the artistic process. He worked directly with no preliminary drawings.

Bachardy also writes about his evolution of style through changing media. Over the course of the book you see this reflected in his work.

And he talks candidly about his eye-to-eye confrontation with the icons of his movie-watching childhood. (He's not avoiding the celebrity issue.)

In many ways this book is an early "portrait party" with Bachardy as the working artist, going from guest to guest and working furiously. These are interesting, engaging portraits which tell us about the artist, as well as the sitter.