Tim's Vermeer Opens in Cincinnati March 14th

This is interesting. It is a documentary about how some theorize how Vermeer made his paintings. It opens at the Esquire on March 14th.

I find it interesting that so many agonize over how he made his paintings. Even if he used any camera obscura type of aid, it should not diminish the perception of the high quality of his work in any way.

Anyone who shoots photo reference for their illustrations knows that it is a long, difficult road between that and a successful painting.

This article about the movie is also interesting.:

http://variety.com/2013/film/reviews/telluride-film-review-tims-vermeer-1200596123/

I like that he compares the movie to a lone episode of Mythbusters.

Illustrator News: Jim Effler Unveiling New Moerlein Label Art

Come out and celebrate with us as we tap our Silver Medal Winning Emancipator! The Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. John the Baptist who serve at St. Francis Seraph and throughout the Mid-West will be on hand to help tap the beer they blessed back in Dec!! 

Also in house will be artist Jim Effler to unveil his new Emancipator art work and he'll be signing copies as well!! The festivities are from 9pm -11pm, but make sure to come early, have a pint, and take one of the Brewery Tours at 5pm or 7pm.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1439836999565250/

Some New Stuff

So, it's been awhile. I moved and don't live near enough to Pam to get to anywhere easily. I'll see about bringing my girlfriend to a lunch group soon. I'm also working on my license, which, when reestablished, will allow me more freedom to join you all. In the mean time, here's some new stuff. All of this is digital, save the obvious graphite piece.

Hope you're all doing well. I'll hopefully be adding more soon.

Life Painting Friday

This painting was done in acrylic on canvas by Christina Wald

I just started a going to an 8 week "Painting the Figure" class at the Art Academy.  I have been meaning to go to one of the programs at Manifest, but was finally motivated to go to this because it is taught by my professor from University of Cincinnati Gil Born. He taught there for 40 or so years and recently retired. He was known for his amazing gouache painting demos of product and interiors.

In his retirement, he has taken up oil painting both landscapes and the figure.It is always good to see him again and of course paint...

Anyway, the first class was a lot of fun. One of my fellow alums (and occasionally lunch attendee) is taking the class with me. It is not so much a drawing class, the model holds one pose the whole session (this was a little under 2 hours). I did start with a loose watercolor sketch in my book.

Anyone else doing some life drawing/painting these days?

Illustrator News: C.F. Payne Painting Workshop

Dates: June 23-24

Saturday 8am – 5 pm

Sunday 10 am – 6 pm

Cost $200

 

Info here: http://evendalearts.org/2012/06/cfpayne/ 

 

To make a reservation or for more information, call the Evendale Cultural Arts Center at (513) 563-1350 or the Evendale Recreation Center at (513)563-2247.

1st Cover - 'The Hobbit' Final Cover layout and Detailed Colour Study

Okay, so I just got back on here and checked my last post and saw that Chuck and Christina had gone to the trouble of commenting and I didn't respond! I hadn't visited the site in awhile due to business. However, it seems that your concerns were my own, for now I am come to you with the changes you specified, only I left in the shield.

So, here you go :P Sorry I didn't get back to you guys. I forgot about my post. I've been so worried about the front cover image I spent days changing things (removing mostly :P) but to now avail. Christina, you should have said something on Facebook. I would have checked here sooner :P

After a Slight Delay...

Well, I had finished a monster project and started my cover portfolio, only to be dragged back into the former commission. Now I am done and back on track. Here's the final back cover sketch prior to reference, as well as the final rough layout of the front and back covers.

Thanks,

J.D.R.

P.S. I'm pretty psyched. The back cover image employs the 'Windmill Principle' James Gurney spoke of in his investigation of tonal relationships in 'Imaginative Realism'.

Manifest Studio Wall

It's been awhile since I last gave a plug to Manifest.

One of the things I like about the drawing studio is the way artists are encouraged to pin up their art. While I'm drawing, there are always numerous examples of great work looming over me that inspire and otherwise bolster my efforts by setting the bar very very high.

These photos were taken at the old studio in the Essex building. The artwork on the walls was accessible to the public whenever the Essex hosted one of their Friday night Artwalks.

About nine months ago, Manifest moved the drawing studio to its current location in Madisonville. The art is still pinned up and frankly, it just gets better and better. The only problem is, without a regular open house event, there is no way to view the pieces unless you sign up for drawing sessions or take a workshop. To remedy this, Manifest has created a virtual studio wall on its website. You can view samples of the artwork done in the studio over the years.

This feature is in the early stages and hasn't been getting a whole lot of action. I thought I'd help by spreading the word. I have a couple of watercolors there, and plan to post more as time allows.

In the meantime, I'm still posting recent work (like the one at the top) on my blog.

update: 1/27/12

I've found a photo of Manifest's current studio in Madisonville. I think it's a beautiful environment to work in.

Announcement: Classes with David Mueller

From David: New classes now forming!

I am currently taking sign-ups for the new sessions of my weekly “Sophisticated Fundamentals” classes. I will be forming two groups of 8-10. Classes will begin mid-summer.

Please e-mail and I will send detailed information about the classes.

Classes are taught at a studio in Covington, KY and will be filled on a first come-first served basis.
859-835-3175
davidfineart@fuse.net
http://www.davidmuellerfineart.com/

Ketubah

Up until a few months ago, I had never heard of a Ketubah. I had to look it up when my wife's brother and his soon-to-be wife asked me to create one for them. A Ketubah (kuh-too-bah) is a traditional Jewish prenuptial marriage document outlining the responsibilities of the groom as it relates to his new bride. Turns out, the Ketubah is often ornately decorated or painted and displayed prominently and/or passed down to future generations. Sounded pretty cool to me. This is my first attempt at a ketubah. Congratulations once again to the happy couple.