The Icarus Art Summer 2014 Newsletter was recently 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.

I just returned from a fabulous vacation in Montana’s Glacier National Park. I usually schedule my vacation trips around areas where I can find inspiration for my art. This trip was no exception as you can see in the pictures below.

Lake McDonald was definitely worth the 4 day round trip drive. However, the best pebbles and glacial crystal clear water I found in the river feeding the lake, the McDonald Creek.

The natural beauty of Montana really filled my soul with awe and inspiration. I’m very eager to further develop my passion for rocks and water through a new series and perhaps even a different medium as well. However, I first need to finish my current commission. Below is a progress image of the 24" x 48" canvas that I hope to complete by the end of the month.

Title: "Cambria"
Size: 6.5" x 11.5"
Medium: Caran d'Ache Luminance Colored Pencils
Tools: Tortillions, Paper Stumps, Full Blender Bright
Surface: Extra Fine Texture Canvas primed with two coats of clear Art Spectrum Colourfix Primer
Technique: Icarus Drawing Board

Above is the outline of this project. It's a combo piece of two small artworks I did in the past. After I developed the drawing in graphite, I transferred it onto the canvas using local colors.

Here I've blocked-in the main colors using a low temperature setting, just enough heat to make the layering a little faster and more even. Now I have a clear map of the basic colors.

After turning up the temperature dial to a medium setting I began burnishing. This is the process of saturating the canvas with pigment. I'm developing the values while blending colors and adding details. The only tools I use, besides the Icarus board, are tortillions, paper stumps, and a colorless blender.

More burnishing and blending in progress.

More burnishing and blending in progress

And finally the finished artwork. The title is after the location on the California Central Coast where I collected these pebbles.   

The most important step in developing a small group of pebbles is to find a good composition. Nature appears very random at first glance. To discover a 'jewel' I need to practice patience and perseverance. After finding a good composition, I then begin adjusting values and colors. Rendering the drawing is really the icing on the cake.

Click here for the step-by-step of this artwork: River Pebbles, No. 12

A group of children from an elementary school in the UK, who were learning about rivers, decided to do a project inspired by my artwork. I'm so thrilled that my art connects with people of all ages, especially children! 

Title: "River Dance"
Size: 12" x 24"
Medium: Prismacolor Premier, Caran d'Ache Luminance, Derwent Coloursoft, Faber-Castell Polychromos, Caran d'Ache Neocolor I and II
Tools: Tortillions, Paper Stumps, and Colour Shapers
Surface: Extra Fine Texture Canvas primed with two coats of clear Art Spectrum Colourfix Primer
Technique: Icarus Drawing Board
Presentation: Mounted on a 3/4" Ampersand Claybord, varnished and framed without glass

This riverbed is more abstract than my previous ones. I felt I was looking at a dance of shapes and colors.

http://esterroi.com/artwork/view/rocks-water/river-dance

 

My next open studio will be Saturday, June 21st, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

This is an opportunity to meet and share your artwork in progress, ask questions, watch me demonstrate the Icarus technique and try the Icarus board.

I will have boards set-up for all attendees, plus supplies and refreshments.

To sign up please email me at: [email protected].

This event is on a first-come, first-served basis; if you don't make this one there will be more announced regularly on this blog and on Facebook.

Please bring:

your questions​
your curiosity
your artwork in progress (optional)
​
I'm looking forward to seeing you on June 21st!

Original artwork, 6" x 6", framed: 15.5" x 15.5"
Varnished, warm silver wood frame
One $400
Two $350 each
Three $300 each
Four $250 each 
FREE SHIPPING in the USA!
If you're interested, please email [email protected] 

I'm very honored to be featured on Amylee's blog, an amazing artist from Paris. You can read the post here. 

Please take the time to view Amylee's amazing artworks and to visit her Facebook page. 

Below is an example of the type of colorful women's portraits Amylee is known for.

Thank you, Amylee! I'm a big fan.

The Icarus Art March Newsletter was recently 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.