BS: So who here's a visual artist?

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: GUEST,The black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 08 Dec 06 - 09:35 AM

Apart from some landscape and natural world photography I design card model kits. I have started putting them up for sale on ebay. I was inspired by some models called Micromodels that were first brought out in the 1940s and 1950s, and which I discovered in the 1970s. A few yearrs ago I decided to design some of my own. Being a Railway enthusiast I've made some complete railway trains in 1/200 scale. Look for Millimodels on ebay to see examples. I may have a web site to show them off in the New Year.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Metchosin
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 11:22 AM

Well you didn't quite understand Elmer, but that's OK. LOL   Most of the houses on the site are done by others.

Sorry, if you want instant gratification, you'll have to go to a plan book with your request. I'm up to my armpits here on one project for the next year and a half........and about time too. Its all I have time for right now, given other circumstances.

All the best for the holiday season, regardless.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 09:44 PM

Very cool website, Dean. Talk about multitalented! I love the photo of the handprints on the old door.

And truly thou art blessed. The miracle of the tortillas is a sight to behold.

Elmer

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: frogprince
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 07:43 PM

Really glad you started this, Elmer; such a bunch of good stuff on those links. At the risk of drift, didja all take a listen to Alice Flynn's gorgeous voice?
                      Dean

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 02:52 PM

Amen to the alchemy that can take place when viewing original artwork versus prints and copies. Even images one has seen thousands of times has a fresh impact in the original. I was unprepared for my reaction to viewing Michelangelo's sculptures and Botticelli's Venus-on-the-half-shell. My knees went to jelly.

I suppose the feeling can be compared to the difference between listening to live music and recordings.

Elmer

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 01:14 PM

I dabble with photography, from medium format BW darkroom work, through to a DSLR. The arty type stuff is mainly landscape and nature stuff, with alot of low light stuff. Not much people stuff, except some work around the beltane fire festivals.

I'll post some, when I get my film scanner back.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: GUEST,KB
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 01:08 PM

I paint and draw (not for a living) and always listen to music while doing so. In regards to the comment that "many people listen to music while they write and do artwork, and are frequently very selective about the music that best assists their creative processes." I can listen to a wide variety of styles but there are some CD's that I only listen to while I am working. For example this past Saturday I was finishing up a pastel and listened to Chris Smither's "Drive You Home" followed by his "Train Home." I think both are great but never listen to them except when doing art. There are several other CD's in the same boat. I'm not sure why this is true and I haven't spent much time trying to figure it out.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Bee
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 12:33 PM

Seeing an original painting is much different from seeing a print of the same: an example; paintings of Van Gogh which I'd seen countless times as prints moved me to tears when I saw the real things. The man's sincerity and innocence is so evident, and heartbreaking when you know his life history.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 12:22 PM

Metchosin, NOW I understand. Fudd is a little thick, you see. You did the design work for the houses displayed on the website. Are you my Secret Santa, perchance? Could I please have that craftsman-style house for Christmas?

Elmer

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 12:18 PM

Great word, Donuel. I've had works of visual art affect me in a similar way, and often when I least expect it. It has nothing to do with style or whether I "like" that particular artist's work. Something about the spirit of a piece can grab me by the ankles and turn me upside-down and shake me until my brains rattle. It most recently happened when I discovered the work of a poster artist named Gary Houston. I saw his work displayed among hundreds of other posters, and was unprepared for the visceral reaction they evoked in me.

Even colors and color combinations can move me very deeply. There's a particular shade of blue that is like a gateway to eternity. I've seen it in Tiffany stained glass windows, some iridescent ceramic glazes and in a handful of paintings. It inevitably sends me into something like an altered state of consciousness.

Elmer

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Donuel
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 09:59 AM

Perhaps I am the first to coin the word 'Soulgasm', but once you've had one you want another. Music like Nessun Dorme can give me that tingle in the back of my neck that sometimes moves down the whole spine. A picture alone does not have the same effect.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Bee
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 09:23 AM

I love drafting pens - I do 'fun' drawings with them, mostly, with watercolour over.

Lots of talent here, for sure!

To Elmer - thanks for the thread: I love seeing other people's work. And, since you mentioned it, the short version of how the glass painting is done: same techniques since the 12th century, metal oxide pigments, frit, flux; coat glass, remove what isn't wanted with dry brush, needles, etc., fire in kiln 1050F to 1250F depending on pigment as many times as you have paint layers. More to it, of course, but that's the essence.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Metchosin
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 04:20 AM

I don't know, Elmer, did you?

As noted in my post, I referred to Bert's link to his engineering drafting expertise. My own drafting experience is preparing working drawings primarily for residential construction. IMO manual drafting is a visual art, as are aspects of the conception of the whole design of a house.   

We have a residential design business. Over the years, I've worked on the concepts, drafted and built models, but as time has progressed, I now spend much more time running the company. Its works well, because my husband/partner is far more skilled with concepts, interpreting clients wishes and producing illustrations than I, but I still put my two bits worth in as required, do illustrations using Photoshop and draft when needed as well.

I had forgotten that the website also had the boat noted. Only the interiors of the boat were designed and drafted by us, unlike complete house linked on that site.

I also do biological illustrations for fun, but it is not how I earn a living and in the case of the fungus, I can't claim I designed any part of the object, nor provided visual directions on how to construct it. LOL. Using my old drafting pens, I just copied what I saw under the microscope .

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: mrdux
Date: 04 Dec 06 - 02:00 AM

i've been a photographer since i was a youngster -- my dad was a commercial photographer and i loved hanging out in the studio, and became fascinated with capturing light in a box. . . i did some freelance work in the '80s, shooting concerts for a local traditional arts (mostly) promoter and did a couple jobs for a local newspaper, and the odd wedding. i shoot mostly for my own amusement these days -- lanscapes, still lifes, some portraiture -- although i occasionally do sell a piece or two every now and then.

michael

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Genie
Date: 03 Dec 06 - 08:04 PM

I guess I used to be a visual artist, of sorts.   All I've done in recent years is the occasional pen and ink sketch for a Christmas card or a cartoon for a flyer, etc.   That, and some excursions into computer-drawing/painting -- using rudimentary programs like art.com, Microsoft Word, AppleWorks, or Graphic Converter PPC, and using my index finger to draw on my trackpad.   (Those are fun, and some even turn out pretty OK, but it's a heck of a lot less "wieldy" than using a pen, pencil, or paintbrush!)

My mom, though, recently retrieved from the recesses of her garage some hand puppets I made when I was in high school (back in the days when I used to paint portraits, landscapes, etc.).   They're papier maché, painted with tempera and then shellacked.   The faces are all very interesting and, if I do say so, well sculpted.    Makes me kind of wish I'd done more with "sculpture" than just crafting a couple of dragons out of molding clay a few years ago at a weekend camp.

Well, Grandma Moses took up painting at age 80, so I guess it's not too late for me to get out the old charcoal, pastels, and oil paints and try my hand at it again.   I even have a northern-facing skylight in my attic.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Dec 06 - 07:30 PM

freda underhill - wonderful artist, especially in her favourite medium, colour pencils.

CD cover by freda

Sandra (looking at a wonderful portrait of a teddy bear sitting beside the actual bear)

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Hawker
Date: 03 Dec 06 - 06:19 PM

I suppose I am a visual artist!
I make corn dollies, I create pieces of silver jewellery, I take photographs..........
Some might call me more of a piss artist though!
or at least a pissed artist!
you can see a selection of some of my piccies here: http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/galleries/lucyburrow
I am sure the clickie fairy can make that blue!
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Joybell
Date: 03 Dec 06 - 04:25 PM

I'm one of those people who can't create in any medium while having music going on around me. Songs are in my head all the time but those on the outside get in the way. If I listen to music - that's all I do for the duration. Probably brain damage.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: frogprince
Date: 03 Dec 06 - 03:31 PM

Mostly photography the last few years, but a little of this and that.
               Dean

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 03 Dec 06 - 02:46 PM

Since I started this thread and people have been generous in sharing glimpses of their visual talents, a few inadequate comments, in order of the posts:

1. Georgiansilver, that's a compelling photograph. No need to warn anyone that it has religious content, in my opinion. Much of 2000 years of Western art is Christian art.

2. Alice, what a wealth and variety of imagery! Your statement mentions the influence of Cezanne. I was also reminded of Andrew Wyeth in the composition in some of your oil paintings. Yes? No? I loved the Blues Festival poster in the graphic work.

3. Bert, amazing what a Brownie Kodak box camera can do. Your rendering of the nuclear heat exchanger could be a psychedelic rock concert poster, and it's a fantastic piece of work. Hope you have it framed.

4. Bee, the paintings on glass are stunning. I'm not very familiar with the medium and how you do it, so it was a treat to look at the works.

5. Donuel, you certainly write in a visual manner. Wish I'd been around when your website was up and running.

6. Metchosin, did I miss something? Did you design those houses and the boat? Apologies.

7. Scoville, the photos of the art cars (called crazy cars where I live) are a hoot!

8. Cluin: Holy Toledo! I'm speechless. Your creative cup runneth over. Thanks for posting the link—hope everyone looks at it. I got lost clicking on all the possible words to click on and look at. Too many great images to mention here. Maybe I will "email the fool" and gush.

9. Bee-dubya-ell, thanks for posting. It's difficult to see the details of the pots; I wish I could get a closer look. The ceramic quilt block is lovely.

I think that vaguely and stoopidly covers the blue clickies. Thanks to everyone who has posted so far. It's a feast. It's also fun to see who y'all are.

Elmer

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 03 Dec 06 - 12:25 PM

I make pots. It keeps me out of trouble and pays the bills.

Maybe I'll do a website one day so you can see some current pictures. Meanwhile, here's some older pics on a friend's website. CLICK

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 10:18 PM

Preferably....VISUAL, (can not make a living with 36 months of drought) unfortunately, by default it becomes AUDIO.

A live performer sculptures in the sand...the next high-tide removes all traces of the bubble-castle.

However, the visual artist usually renders in a more permanent media, (oil, canvas, plaster, marble, wood) but with digital....it too will soon be a sand-dab's scribble on the beach.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 10:17 PM

I would add that there's a pushy little schlemiel who lives inside my brain who won't leave me alone until I express in one medium or another whatever idea or dream he wants to let fly. He's apt to start stomping around in the middle of the night, or at a time when I really should be doing some income-producing work, or whenever he gets a notion. He's a real slavedriver too--won't leave me alone until the project is done, even if it entails a handful of months or years.

I'm going to take a wild guess that some others here have his siblings bothering them.

Elmer

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 10:03 PM

Beautifully stated, biLL.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: number 6
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 09:48 PM

I agree Alice.

For me it's the constant search for that perfect picture, the constant search for that perfect note ... the ones that reach right down and move your soul.

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Alice
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 09:43 PM

Creative people are creative in many different ways. It is typical, in my experience, that there is no single pigeon hole for the creative mind. Music, art, invention, dance, acting, writing, film, it all flows from inspiration and creativity.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: number 6
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 09:37 PM

With me the the passion in regards to the creative process for the visual and musical is about equal. But as I mentioned, the senses that drive the musical side for me are visually driven, as I much prefer playing in a more improvised style. I'm sure many 'improv' musicians feel the same.

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 08:48 PM

Sorry, diesel--I was out bringing soup to a sick friend--really truly honest to Abe! I didn't mean to ignore the thread. I posted to your photography show thread, by the way. Love your work.

I guess another aspect of the discussion is that many people listen to music while they write and do artwork, and are frequently very selective about the music that best assists their creative processes. I remember author T. C. Boyle talking about how he likes to listen to really loud blues and rock while he writes.

Elmer

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 08:19 PM

Photography and creating in the darkroom are my first love! I've made a living with my photography in the past and now continue on as a hobby only. I started my BFA a few years back and maybe someday I'll complete that. I LOVE being in the darkroom! It's been awhile since I've been able to work in one but hopefully the wait won't be much longer. I know it's been too long since I've worked in a lab because a walk past the x-ray department at the local hospitals makes me giddy....the smell of the photo-chemicals tickles my entire being. So...in answer to your quesiton....yes, I am a visual artist and my medium is photography, black and white, old fashioned print style. Digital is fun but not my favorite, not by a long shot.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Bobert
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 07:46 PM

Well, okay, I've talked about havin' two degrees but my 2nd one was in "Painting and Printmaking" from Virginia Commonwelth University's art school...

While I do some painting (acylic and water colors, no more oil thank you...) pen and ink is my main medium... But visual artists are just that so medium is, ahhhhhhh, not the whole ball of wax...

I have just completed a rather large metal sculpture from some large industrial (an heavy) pieces of metal that came outta a tree processing machine that eats trees an turns 'um into firewood and mulch... These innards werer scavenged a couple years ago from the Hazel Mulch Co. in Chantilly, Va. and have just been waitin' for the right time and place... I made drawings and then a mock-up model before settin' the base piece in a 4 foor deep hole with a couple tons of concrete to hold it... But it turned out just the way I drew it up an', if I don't say so myself, it looks great!!!

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Joybell
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 07:36 PM

I write and direct Pantomimes and plays for the local community. A big part of it is the way I like to place people on the stage. Also the costume colours, textures and shapes - along with the scenery and props. I see each scene as a series of tableaux that move and change, flow together, and separate. In this way I think of my work as, at least in part, a visual creation.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Cluin
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 07:32 PM

Yo!

'though the page hasn't been updated in a couple years at least... gotta get to that one o' these days...

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: diesel
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 06:47 PM

Only reason for me asking, was I seen you hadn't revisited the question and just wondered !

Like yourself - I believe people in music to some degree or other have interests in other creative fields, I prioritise the other way round - I love the photography, and listen to music.

Diesel

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: GUEST,Scoville at Dad's
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 06:38 PM

Painting, photography, sewing/quilting in small quantities, as time allows. I don't have many pix up here, though. Strictly amateur and 95% untrained (the paintings are from an art class I took in college, in which I got an A but that I hated and consider to have been a waste of time overall). I'm currently designing tattoos for two of my friends.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Den
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 06:07 PM

I'm a graphic designer by profession but enjoy illustration, rendering mostly with coloured pencil and pastel. I recently started doing some illustration using CorelDraw which I find very pleasing. Its so very different, drawing using a computer as opposed to by hand.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Elmer Fudd
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 05:55 PM

Why the question? I am interested in creative people. They are often multitalented, and a community of musicians is likely to have many who have other creative outlets. A thread about what people write yielded a variety of fascinating posts and links to mudcatters' writings.

I've been clicking away at everyone's offerings so far on this thread. Amazing. Thank you.

I'm glad some folks have brought up drafting; it wouldn't have occurred to me. However, it is a bygone, unappreciated art form. Slight thread drift: Mud-draftspersons, are you familiar with the work of A.G. Rizzoli? He was an architectural draftsman who lived with his mother in San Francisco in the 19th century. After his death, a cache of architectural drawings was discovered in his house. In his spare time he had drafted buildings, monuments, and cities that expressed the personalities of the very few people in his reclusive life: his mother, neighbors, et al.

A.G. Rizzoli

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: diesel
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 04:25 PM

Photography, whatI think is purely amateur ie Not for a living, but images as I see them when travelling.
I like to capture a picture that tells a story or shows nature/people/scapes etc.


And you Elmer ? - Why the question ?

Diesel

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Bee
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 02:45 PM

I've done the opposite, Michael. Have been a visual artist forever, got guitar bug last year and now have treasured finger callouses - and now a deep gratitude for sites like Mudcat.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: michaelr
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 01:59 PM

I grew up drawing and painting since I was a little kid. As a teenager, I was hit by the guitar-playing bug, and the visual arts took a back seat. Lately I've been doing lots of digital photography, with an emphasis on landscape panoramas.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: number 6
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 01:47 PM

Photography ... photoshop.

Should also add my gardening and musical endeavors are based on my visual conceptions.

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Metchosin
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 01:45 PM

Like Bee, we don't have a website either, but others have put our stuff up on the web. We have to turn good jobs down as it is, for lack of time, so no need to advertise. Residential design and drafting and like Bert, quicker than most CAD operators, although I haven't done any ink on mylar for years, but I have saved my pens. All in pencil now.

http://www.griffinproperties.ca/featureprojects7.html

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Donuel
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 12:50 PM

I like to do visual and conceptual art.
But I'm kinda stuck in the 19th and 20th century.
To stay up to date I would have to go to school to learn how to use techniques we see in Hollywood special effects principly because
Pixar has brought much joy into the heart of our family.
The last joyous picture I did was called Kissing and inspired an annual event in Italy.

I tried to have a balance between horrific truths and wondrous beauty but my outrage over the Bush administration chewed up 5 years of my efforts and culminated in my website collection being erased by powers unknown.

The things that sold best were the violins and cellos I reworked with unique scrolls and ink decorations in the wood.
For the last couple years I have been waiting for the next big thing to pop into exisitence to no avail. My 6 year old asked me if I was retired since there have been no paintings lately.

I do plan to do 5 layered paintings on glass and have a 6 foot painting of sea life on the easel.








Peace on Earth and good will to the religious war of your choice.
Don H.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Bee
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 12:16 PM

http://www.caileansglassworks.ca/gallery.htm

This should be a direct link to the geranium piece.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Bee
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 12:11 PM

http://www.caileansglassworks.ca/

Hope that works. The site has problems sometimes.

Painting, and traditionally painted fired stained glass windows and panels. The link is to a friend's site, as I don't have one. Some examples of my work are included, as we often collaborate on large pieces. The floral door panel with geraniums is one where I did the flowers and he did the rabbit border.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Bert
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 11:59 AM

Most of my tools have got lost over various moves. What few I have left or have collected since I still treasure. 'Cos I can still draw quicker than most CAD operators.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Alice
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 11:53 AM

Hey, Bert, I used to do survey drafting of the legal certificate documents of property surveys. I still have my old Leroy lettering templates, Rapidograph pens, french curves, T squares... all that is done by computer now. Debating whether to throw it away or start a museum!

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Bert
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 11:45 AM

I'm just getting back into photoghraphy after a long break.

And seeing as you're not discriminating against crafts, I was an engineering draftsman for years.

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Rasener
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 11:34 AM

A resident performer at Market Rasen Folk Club is very much into art and here is his website. His name is Steve Newton

Steve Newton

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Alice
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 11:12 AM

.... should have added digital media for the graphic design.
Alice

Subject: RE: BS: So who here's a visual artist?
From: Alice
Date: 02 Dec 06 - 11:11 AM

Fine art painting, drawing, illustration, graphic design, printmaking (serigraphy, lithography, linocut, intaglio), photography.
My work is about what I know, what I've experienced, where I've lived or traveled, what I explore.
It is about the elements of composition, color, texture of each work as well as the subject matter.
Some people are aware of only the subject matter, some people can also appreciate the way each medium is used.
portfolio here
aliceflynn.com
or here if that one doesn't open