Variety of Calligraphy

For our exhibition in November I have ensured that our guests will be amazed and delighted by the variety of calligraphic surfaces used for projects. Anything from ceramics to wooden logs.

The most important thing is that we have created some interesting pieces and with still a few surprises to enjoy before the exhibition.

 I think we will have an eclectic viewing experience for everyone.

Here are a few examples of most recent work:

 Chantal's log

 Jill's 'N'

 Jill's graphic log

 Ghita's 'S' on canvas

Ghita's flowers on pebbles

There are challenges that the artist has to deal with for the various surfaces. 

What paint to use? We used mostly acrylic inks mixed with gouache. 

Paint brushes need to be square and fine. 

Designs need to be worked so that they can be transferred from paper to surface. 

Other considerations are: will the surface hold the paint or will it run. 

How do you test the paint? 

Well hopefully you have a small little piece to test all the materials you've chosen to use.

Of course, the form of the letter needs to be as good as possible. 

I think that everyone has done her best and the standard of work is really most pleasing.

Once again, well done ladies!

Be prepared for the next classes where we will return to traditional inks, nibs and paper.

Poetry Pieces Update

It seems that giving instructions and notes about using larger sheets of paper allows students to have a heart-flutter or two. A3 paper is really only double A4 and gives marginally more space to work on. In fact, I often feel that working on A3 gives the artist space to breathe.

Today we stretched paper, created colour swatches and writing samples ready for the writing in the next few days. We used tracing paper to work out ideal placement, so hopefully all is ready to complete some great work.

We have three 'finished' pieces to enjoy. Two on canvas and one on water colour paper. Next time I will add  the the completed poems on good paper, hopefully completed and beautifully executed.

 Brenda's piece

 A-MM: Life is Beautiful on canvas - using acrylic, gouache and Chinese ink

A-MM: Live life Radiantly on canvas. Water colour, gouache, Chinese ink, walnut ink

Project Update

Although many 'girls' were absent today well done everyone for the great work you are doing. There is a marked improvement in writing skills and your 'layout' eyes are open and creating beautiful small word vignettes for the 'quote tins'.

I discovered the tins at Woolworths filled with soap. I thought they would make an ideal 'small quote container' and they smell good too.

 I had great fun completing my tin using coloured Canson paper and quotes found and stored for just such an occasion. I added ribbon and a small fountain pen for the recipients' own quotes and will have mine photocopied on board to fill tins with quotes for gifts.

Completed tin filled with quotations, extra paper and a small pen. I am thrilled with the results and wouldn't mind receiving one myself.

Homework:
I look forward to seeing students' completed work next week. That means concertina books as well.
Please practice writing and be prepared for another project next week.

On another tack altogether. I hardly ever (ever) have any open water or cups of tea or coffee around my work space be it computers or art work. I have been 'working hard' for the exhibition and had just cut completed pieces off the stretching board after discussing process with students.

I placed the pieces in front of me and was drinking a cup of coffee chatting to the group. I lifted the mug, only to have it slip and land neatly on my work. The result? Coffee everywhere. Of three pieces, two were salvaged. (Although one of my students gathered it out of the bin to use portion as a card - what next I wonder?).

Lesson learned? I do hope so. Luckily I'd stretched paper earlier so I took the opportunity to redo the one piece (which really does look better) and paint the other two with spilt coffee. Of course  there is not a cup or mug in sight and my painting water is in a container which is in a container. Talk about crying over spilt ink.

Was I furious and did I do a dance of absolute fury? No, what's the point? I simply removed the pieces, wiped the table and started my new projects. I truly think they look better than the originals and I will add images next week.