How can self-awareness help your craft?
Self awareness as a technique for learning What does self-awareness have to do with art school? Consider this, Studio Incamminati Instructor and painter JaFang Lu said the following to me and my classmates (more than once) this year (and last), “I can share my knowledge with you but I cannot tell you how to manage your […]
Magnificent Materials
When I started oil studies two years ago, I used the most inexpensive canvas paper I could find. Fast forward to today and teachers are telling us to try the finest, most magnificent canvasses and paint. What does this mean? Instead of Titanium white oil paint, use lead white paint. Instead of cotton duck canvas, […]
In search of form and color in north light
When we moved into an apartment with north light in 2015, I felt sooo incredibly lucky. Why? Painting in north light is an artist’s dream because it offers such consistent light during the day. In classes at school, I have been painting most of the past two years or so in artificial light. Now, I […]
Break is over
Welcome to the world of painting from live objects and models. The phrase “break’s over” has several meanings in this context. First, the traditional spring break for Studio Incamminati has just ended. So you could say, “Break’s over.” If you were taking a class here saying “Break’s over” has another meaning. What other meaning? When […]
Less rigor more heat
More Heat Greetings from art school (aka rigor central) where we have been working without any heat in our studio. In fact, we haven’t had heat for over 6 weeks. Who cares? You can always put on another layer, right? Sure, except for our fabulous and amazing nude models. Take the model (Pixie) for this […]
The Dark Side of Art School & Seasonal Art?
So, lots of people casually say how nice it is for me to be in art school. But, they never ask me how I handle the dark side of art school. First, let’s talk about the public perception (not the dark side) of art school. More than one person has said it must be ‘so […]
Keeping a sketchbook
Keeping a sketchbook handy is a great way to build drawing skills. I carry a Moleskin sketchbook and pencils in my purse. That means if I have to wait in line, anywhere, I can sketch to my heart’s content. Here are some tips and thoughts about sketching: you do not have to share your sketches […]
Vanderpoel Museum: visitor tips and treats
Days before a road trip to Chicago, I learned about the Vanderpoel museum. Who the heck is Vanderpoel? John H. Vanderpoel’s book entitled, “The Human Figure,” is the mainstay for most ateliers and art schools in the world today. His book, originally written over 100 years ago, offers text, simplified descriptions of drawing and conveying […]
Mentorship and Portrait Milestones
There is a lot of excitement in the air here at Studio Incamminati. Why? My classmates and I finished our mentorship paintings and a 2-day portrait painting, too. Here’s a brief description of each. Mentorship I described the start of the mentorship in an earlier post here. But here’s a quick summary of this experience: […]
Thinking about light on form
This week several teachers said we need to think about light on form when we are painting. Sounds easy enough – right? After all, seeing and showing light on form is the goal of almost any painting. Here is a list of steps I have learned to best show light in a painting: introduce one […]