Studio Materials: The Kitchen Sink!

Inside the Studio of Debby Brisker Burk: Materials: The Kitchen Sink! For mixed media/acrylic painters.

I. The Kitchen Sink--utilizing a wide variety of materials need to serve the following purpose:

• What do you want to say?
• Materials are an extension of your artistic purpose.
• Materials are fun but it's essential to think, sketch, write on this topic. Take photos of inspiring scenes, ask yourself what are you drawn to? Materials and subject matter go hand in hand.
• Be an investigative reporter to your desires, thoughts and dreams on your artistic expression's journey!

II.  Examples of my materials:

• Acrylic heavy body paints by: by Nova Colors, Golden Acrylics, Liqutex Acrylics
• Caran'dache water soluble crayons
• artist pencils, 2 b-6B, charcoal pencils, vine and soft and hard charcoal sticks
• Canvas: heavy duty, unprimed and pre stretched, heavy duty-various sizes eg. Fredrix brand
• Drawing Papers, Strathmore sketch pads,Arches Watercolor paper
• Masterson Palette (for acrylic paint with cover)--covered with trash bags and ties (for storing when not in use) Will last approximately 7- 10 days.
• Mediums: Golden brand:  retarder, open acrylic thinner, liquid glazing gloss, molding paste (extends the acrylic paint)
• The simplest one to start with is Golden's liquid glazing gloss(the use of the many mediums on the market is a subject for another blog!)
• brushes: eg., Simply Simmons, 10,12, 14,16 rounds, Daniel Smith 1", 2" , 3"flats, sponge brushes,  1"-3", plaza brand etc.
•  two easels, 3 folding tables, comfortable chair when not standing
• music!

Considering Edges: Hard and Soft

69X48 Firmscapes I Surf's Up

48X48 Considering Squares Firmscape VII

Abstract Considerations II Sold

Welcome back to the Artrainmaker blog by Debby Brisker Burk
Edges: Hard and Soft 

 What is the difference between a hard and a soft edge in a painting?

A hard edge stops the eye at the end of a shape. Whereas,
a soft edge blends into another shape or area of the painting. 

Picture a square shape of color next to a rectangle, as in the 2nd image above  Considering Squares Firmscapes VII.
A hard edge determines the end of a shape.
  
Conversely, a soft edge bleeds from one shape to another--a soft edge leads the eye from one area or place to another area across the picture plane. Looking at Abstract Considerations II, most edges are soft and blend across the image.
  
Variety is one way that artists choose to employ both hard and soft edges in a painting. Simply put, using both hard and soft edges to lead the view from one part of the painting to another across the surface of the picture plane is often a useful way to express the artist's intent. See Firmscapes I, Surf's up: both hard and soft edges coexist on the picture plane to break up the space and to create interest around the painting.


I hope the above is helpful to art students and artists, too! I appreciate your taking the time to  read.
If you have any questions regarding this blog or are interested in pricing of the two available paintings above, please e-mail: debbybriskerburk@gmail.com


Thanks!
 Debby

The Shape of Design

Abstract Considerations 17 Spectrum framed work on paper 32X42.by Debby Brisker Burk
For Purchase contact: debbybriskerburk@gmail.com

The Artrainmaker blog by Debby Brisker Burk is an evolving space about all things art: ideas, inspirations, painting methods, materials,  studio views, tips on creating,  & travel experiences!

           
The painting above, Abstract Considerations 17 Spectrum began as a figurative painting and evolved to an abstract piece with the use of varying shapes, textures, directional lines and color! 
Here are some thoughts on Shape:
               "The Shape(s) of Design"

• Shape is one of the principles of design.

• Shapes!! What an array of choices for the artist and viewer to consider: squares, rectangles, circles, traiangles, amorphous, biomorphic, geometric, the possibilities are limitless.

• How artists combine shapes and open or close shapes create the composition on  the picture plane. The building block of design and composition : shapes start the story in a painting or a  drawing. Shapes influence style whether symmetrical or asymetrical, loose or tight. Shapes determine relationships in space.

   So, where to start? Begin simply and add variety to create interest, harmony or discord-- all depends on what the artist is seeking to say in his or her art.

As an artist, collector or as a viewer, the shapes on the canvas or paper will speak to you, if you listen and open your eyes to what you are seeing!
  words to consider in shape making: relationship, spacing, proportion, combination, content, configuration

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Two New Venues Exhibit Work

Not only is my work being currently on exhibit at the Har Shalom Gallery in Potomac, Maryland but is now being featured in the Philip Morton Gallery in Rehoboth, Delaware. If you get a chance to stop by, please do so.





Har Shalom Gallery
11510 Falls Road
Potomac, Maryland, 20854

solo show now through June 29










Philip Morton Gallery
47 Baltimore Ave
Rehoboth, Delaware, 19971

featured now-until July 1 and through 2011 season



Please, stay tuned for my next art tip...coming next week...!

Mind Tamer Meditation April 20, 2011

"Mindscape/Cool III" mixed media on paper 13"X10", unframed; 18"X 21" framed

Prepare your drawing or painting supply list: quality paper, water color crayons, colored inks, acrylic or water color paints, brushes, water containers etc.

Select and play calming music. Set timer for 10-15 minutes. Sit a in a comfortable chair with loose clothing. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Notice the mind “chatter”. Let it be. After a few moments, focus on breathing for a few minutes: in and out. Inhale and exhale slowly. After a couple of cycles of slow breathing, return to normal breathing.

Next, imagine your very favorite spot in the world…beach or mountains or wooded landscape? Wherever it is, make it serene and put yourself in the middle of it. For example, if you are in the woods, imagine the lush forest with a babbling brook and rustling leaves. Notice the color the leaves, the rocks and the trees. Feel the gentle breeze on your skin. Taste the air. All is quiet; all is calm. Be in your special landscape. Relax and enjoy it.
When the timer goes off, slowly move your hands and feet to awaken your body. Gently open your eyes. Take another deep breath. Notice how you feel now. Get up slowly.

Go to your artist’s page with renewed serenity. Take a few moments to re imagine “your” landscape. Begin by using your drawing instruments to draw some shapes that remind you of your mind voyage. Allow the calm mood to continue to guide you.

Linear Expressions

Lines, dots, dashes...there are a variety of ways to articulate the surface of your artwork. Notice great art and how different artists utilize line. Think of "The Mark as a Force." The "Mark" of an artist is unique. How can you develop your own personal mark? Select your desired surface, such as quality drawing paper or canvas, and experiment with mark-making. In addition to traditional brushes, pens, pencils, and crayons, experiement with found objects: twigs, leaves, string, marbles, tennis balls, gauze, kitchen tools, pipe cleaners, etc. Try dipping the selected objects into pre-mixed paint or colored inks to see what happens. Focus on different types of marks-- strong, delicate, heavy, dashed, and dotted. Let your imagination take off to start your creative juices flowing.

Encounter. Mixed Media on Canvas, 32 x 43

Warms and Cools to kick start your creativity!

Select two-three hot pigments-such as : yellow, orange or red. Creat a painting with all hot colors. Use a little bit of cool (such as blue, green or purple) for relief.

Try this again with cool colors such as: blues, greys, purples and greens. Selcect two-three. Add a bit of warm/hot colors to make impact. Compare the two different art works. Is there harmony or contrast? This is another way to get inspired to foster your creativity.

Personal and Universal Symbols-your Mark(s)

an example of using symbols in artwork "Siren's Call" 30X40 acrylic on canvas

Invent your symbols-what represents you? Make a stamp of it through a lino cut. For example: a house, a bird, a tree, a new shape-think of it as a "chop" as in the Chinese Culture for calligraphers and artists, or personal mark. Be as specific as you can. The univeral symbols are:

square, circle, cross, triangle and spiral. How can you work these into a painting or start a painting using a combination of of your personal symbol or symbols and the universal ones?

example of chinese chop from the following blog: http://clarewilkinson.blogspot.com/2009/01/asian-screen-painting.html

Name the Painting-Painting by Intention

Discovery. work on paper, 23 x 35

Before you start, give your painting a working title. Remind yourself to refer back to your original inspiration--what do you want to communicate in your painting? For example you could use a literal title such as "The Green Door," which could describe a place: real or imaginary. An alternative would be a metaphor for feeling, such as "Adventurous and Free." Celebrate what your title means. Think of colors that relate to the title, shapes that evoke your intention. Staying focused on your main idea is like following a road map and helps keep you on track.

Painting Inspired by the Five Senses (Follow up)

Record impressions of a landscape for 10 minutes, non-stop. Consider the following questions as you draw/paint:

1. How does the air feel on your skin?
2. What color attracts your eyes?
3. What fragrances and odors do you smell?
4. What sounds do you hear?
5. What does your sense of taste detect?
6. Do lights and shadows attract your attention?

Afterwards, use the short impression to push yourself to recreate the experience in bigger or more detailed iterations.

Five Senses Painting Inspirations

Create five paintings, one according to each of the senses. Use a limited color palette of reds, yellows, and blues.

1.Taste- favorite foods, fruits or vegetables.

2. Touch- fabric or other material. Consider how it feels, hard soft, etc.

3. Hear- use music or remembered sounds to inspire your composition.

4. Smell- experience aromas, real or imagined, and consider what mood is evoked.

5. See- re-exmine photos of visited places, or consider lights and darks. Compare how you see outside vs. inside.

Compare the five paintings. Detirmine how focusing on the five senses individually helped form different outcomes.

More Winter Tips for Creativity!

Texture Tip:

Gesso on various surfaces affords experimentation. Apply gesso to quality paper surface such as watercolor or heavy drawing paper (may also be used on canvas). Drag a comb, palette knife or spackle knife through wet surface to make various marks and textures. Allow to dry. Using pencils, paints, pastels-create lines and shapes. Suggested subject matters for gesso include--flowers, trees, rocks, abstract, people and doodles. Design is still a

very important element. Notice the interplay of textures, shapes and lines.

Winter Painting Tips, Cont'd.

Pouring Paint

Pre-Mix 4-5 colors of acrylic or watercolor into small cups. Pour 2-3 colors onto a prepared paper * or canvas surface. Allow to mingle together in interesting ways by tilting the surface of paper or canvas. Allow to dry. See what shapes you can pull out to create a start for a compostion. Layer more shapes by repeating the pouring procedure until you get a desired product.

* prepare surface with gesso on canvas or medium (matt or gloss or a mixture) on paper..allow to dry

Musical Mania

Put on your favorite Sound

Warm up your body, stretch a few minutes. Then, pack up a few colored pencils (or media of choice)-- scribble and doodle for a while and see what occurs. Set a time limit of 10 minutes. Notice how your choices respond to the music. Are your colors bold if the music is bold? Tune into your responses. After the ten minutes are up, stop and assess what is happening on the sheet of paper. Find interesting shapes, change the music and the mood, and repeat. Be sure to stop throughout the process and be aware of the changes happening on the page.

More Winter Tips to Paint and Create!

I'm glad that some of you found my last post helpful! Here are some more to get your creative juices flowing this season:

1. Journal Refresher-Using a moleskine journal (e.g. 5" x 8" or smaller), unlined or similar, draw ideas with notes whenever and wherever you venture to. Carry a black fine line permanent marker and a few colored pencils in a ziplock bag in your jacket pocket or purse. Observe the things around you, such as people that are traveling, baren trees, the winter landscape, and objects in waiting rooms are all perfect subject matter to voice your creative spirit while you're on the move.

2. Get inspired from a "Master Artist"-Select someone you admire and connect with. For example, I chose Matisse for his line and color. Start with a piece of quality paper. Use ink, twigs, brushes, paint, and charcoal. Draw with calligraphic lines (thin, medium, and thick marks), add color pools and then respond with new layers. The key is not to copy another artist, but to get into his/her spirit through imitation. This can lead to a full investigation of the artist which is fine for gaining insight and motovation to produce your own work.

Winter Tips for staying motivated to Paint and Create!

1. Try doing six to nine mini-paintings (6" x 6"). Divide paper into 6-9 chunks or squares with 2" spaces around each chunk. Let yourself go-- paint, draw, scribble, work fast, set a timer for no more than five minutes per square. See what ideas emerge and where you can go with this. You may surprise yourself.

Here is an example of mini-paintings that started as five-minute studies and evolved later to more finished pieces:

2. Found Object Mark-Making--You can use pine cones, sticks, tennis balls, twigs, leaves, anything you find around the house. Dip an object into ink or pre-mixed paint, and start laying the objects down on paper or canvas. See what images and textures appear and where you can go with them. Try different colors, look for varied textures, and different shapes. A great starting place to inspire future paintings!Coming soon on my website, more tips!

Check out my new website at http://www.deborahbriskerburk.com/

Happy Holidays!

Paintings in Christmas Show at Philip Morton Gallery, Rehoboth, De.

If you happen to be in Rehoboth, De. this year for the holidays, you can stop by the Holiday Show at Philip Morton Gallery.

47 Baltimore Avenue

Some of my work is part of the exhibit, along with many other talented artists.

Show Closing and Holiday Musings

Framer’s Choice Gallery Show will close on Thursday, Dec 9th @ 5pm.
The experience showing at The Framer’s Choice Gallery was very positive –the opening was wonderful. I enjoyed catching up with old friends and meeting some new art admirers. The exhibition was hung very well by the owner of the gallery, Steve.

Thoughts at the end of the year turn to what I will focus on in my art as the New Year approaches. The plan is to continue working on the figurative form and expand even further toward abstract. Images from my travels to Spain, Italy and Tunis continue to percolate in my mind. Even during our current cold snap in D.C., my thoughts are heated up with the intense Mediterranean sun. Rich corals, flame reds, honey oranges and coal browns are swimming next to cooler purples, shimmering turquoises and royal blues… It should be an interesting surge into the next period of artwork.

Show Closing This Sunday, Dec. 5

This Sunday is the final day for my exhibit at the Framer's Choice Gallery in Gaithersburg, MD. If you haven't had a chance to stop by I hope you will have an opportunity to do so. I would like to thank everyone that took the time to view my work, you helped make this show a success!

Also, I am very excited to be launching my new website, http://www.deborahbriskerburk.com. Check it out to view and order artwork and find out information about upcoming events and exhibits!

Last Weekend's Opening

Thank you to all who attended and helped make the opening a success at The Framer's Choice Gallery in Gaithersburg, Md. last weekend! If you were unable to see the work, hope you can stop by. The show will continue to run through December 6.

Upcoming Show at Framer's Choice Gallery