The Icarus Art September 2013 Newsletter was just sent out. If you'd like to register for our newsletter, you can go to the homepage of Icarus Art and click the sign-up button on the top right corner.
Sep
24
2013
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Blog archives: 2013
Sep
21
2013
"Go Big or Go home" is an expression that resonates in my mind while working on my largest piece so far. After a very busy summer it's really nice to be back in my studio doing what I love to do.
I had decided to redo "In Between" four times as big on canvas. Below is a picture of the two artworks, at about the same stage of completion. You can use my pencil trays as a visual reference to get an idea of the actual size of my latest piece (24" x 48").
I will follow up soon with more progress photos and, at the end, I will review my technique of working with canvas and the Icarus board. Stay tuned!
On a very positive note, sales of my artworks were very strong this summer. I shipped giclees and originals to many US States and to Australia, South Africa, Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom. Thank you to all my collectors!
Sep
03
2013
Title: "Ephemeral Journey"
Size: 13.5" x 14"
Medium: Caran d'Ache Neocolors I and II, Caran d'Ache Luminance Colored Pencils, Prismacolor Colored Pencils
Tools: Tortillions, Paper Stumps and Colour Shapers
Surface: Extra Fine Texture Canvas primed with several coats of clear Art Spectrum Colourfix Supertooth Primer
Technique: Icarus Drawing Board
Presentation: Mounted on a 3/4" Ampersand Claybord, varnished and framed
To see how I mount and varnish my artwork please refer to my post on Glassless Framing.
Jul
26
2013
After months of hard work, and thanks to my own son’s expertise in web development, I'm happy to announce the launch of my new website and blog. It comes complete with all the information on the pricing and availability of my artwork. In addition, originals and giclees can be purchased directly from the website store.
Please let me know by email ([email protected]) if you find any problems with the new website.
Thank you for your continued support and friendship!
Jul
13
2013
"Metamorphosis" is one of 38 artworks donated to the 2013 CPSA Silent Auction in Brea, California. Final bids will be due the evening of August 1st during the Membership Meeting. The bidder or representative must be present. Purchase is by cash, check or credit card and must be paid that evening.
Click to preview the beautiful artworks:
http://www.cpsa.org/coloredpencilartists/SILENTAUC2013/
Embassy Suites - 900 East Birch Street, Brea, CA 92821
Jun
24
2013
Title: Metamorphosis
- Size: 8.5" x 14"
- Medium: colored pencil
- Surface: Art Spectrum Colourfix Supertooth Board
- Technique: Icarus Drawing Board
- Mounted on Gator-board and varnished
- To see how I mount and varnish my artwork, please refer to my blog posts on Glassless Framing and How to Mount Paper on Board.
Jun
21
2013
The CPSA District Chapter 214, Los Angeles, has produced a wonderful book that will be for sale at the 2013 CPSA Convention in Brea. Designed by Jeff George, Dreamstarter is a multi-purpose book that provides both inspirational colored pencil imagery (including my artwork Social Network) and work-spaces to help you kick start your creative ideas.
There is only a very limited quantity of books available and the chapter is accepting pre-orders. You may send a check (a receipt will be mailed to you) and you can then pick up your copy at the convention. Please contact Barbara Rogers at [email protected] or 562-925-5775.
Jun
04
2013
The Icarus Art June 2013 Newsletter was just sent out. If you'd like to register for our newsletter, you can go to the homepage of Icarus Art and click the sign-up button on the top right corner.
May
24
2013
Last summer at the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts I had the opportunity to talk to hundreds of visitors and many of them inquired if I had large-scale work available. This rekindled my longstanding desire to create bigger art.
After much experimenting I realized that the best way to accomplish this goal was to find a flexible surface that I could place on top of my Icarus board without damaging it (the surface). I knew that paper was not my best choice because large sheets tend to crease or bend when used on a desk.
I tested various substrates and found that canvas had the flexibility needed for my purpose. I purchased a roll of Caravaggio Extra Fine Double-Primed Cotton Canvas, the finest texture canvas available. Artists who would like to experiment with canvas and the Icarus board for the first time are advised to purchase a portrait-grade stretched canvas, unstaple it from the bars, and then, after the painting is finished, re-stretch it on the same bars.
My first attempt to work large was a 28" x 48" piece, temporarily named The Quarry. I primed the canvas with three coats of Art Spectrum Colourfix Supertooth Primer, clear. This primer helps colored pencil and wax & oil pastel adhere well to the canvas. When I prefer a smoother texture I use the regular Art Spectrum Colourfix Primer, clear instead.
Below you can see the first two passages I accomplished:
As I was getting ready to tackle the third and final passage to develop color, values, and details, I changed my mind about finishing The Quarry and put it temporarily aside.
One of my favorite artwork, In Between (see image below), sold as soon as I posted it on my blog. I had something special planned for that piece!
For that reason, after asking permission to my collector and changing its size, I decided to re-do it four times as big as the original. If you're interested in this topic of making repeats, I suggest you read Robert Genn's newsletter Identical Twins.
Soon I began working on the 24" x 48" twin of In Between. I'm only about half-way done because other more urgent, smaller pieces are taking precedence.
The strategy I'm following with the 'twin' is different than that of The Quarry. Since it's a re-do, I don't feel the need to block-in the whole composition and colors. As you can see from the image below, I'm completing one stone at a time.
Eventually, as I garner more experience with large sized artwork using the Icarus board, I will share with you all the tips and tricks learned along the way.
When I was a little girl my father used to ask me: "Ester, why do you always push the limits?". He was naturally worried! I understand now, because I have a son who's exactly like me.
Apr
05
2013
I have the honor to be one of ten artists whose art is displayed on the new Colored Pencil Society of America corporate banner. This banner is used at NAMTA (National Art Materials Trade Association) and most likely at the CPSA convention location each summer.
My artwork selected is Social Network and you can find it on the bottom, to the left of the caption: "Yes. It's colored pencil".
Congratulations to the other nine artists who have been chosen as CPSA ambassadors on the new banner.