Summer Art Camp at Leesburg Center for the Arts

Each day this week, a different famous master artist is being covered with a short video first thing about the artist and then three different art drawing lessons that represent what the featured artist was famous for.

Monday and Tuesday of this week, I volunteered to help out at the Center during the morning art lessons provided to children ages 8 to 11.

Monday  I was there early in order to help the kids fold and cut their own accordion fold journals.  These journals were being made for them to enter something in it each day  to keep them busy between lessons while things were cleaned up from previous lesson and set up for the next.

Yesterday's featured artist was Leonardo DaVinci.  I was there with material drawn up for the kids to draw Mr. Potato Head as the Vitruvian Man DaVinci is famous for.  Carolyn (who heads this art camp) presented the lesson while myself and others walked around to help each child if they needed it.  The Vitruvian Man exercise was Lesson #2 with the first Lesson having children draw the MonoLisa using a picture of themselves as a starting point.

While preparing for Lesson #2, these kids went to another table to draw in their journals.  This sketch represents five of the 13 that were there.

Worked in a large Stillman & Birn Beta journal.

75 Day Challenge Days 28 and 29

In my previous post I shared where I stained two pages in my Beta journal.  This is what I ended up doing on both pages.

75 Day - 28:  Flags at Wooten Park in Tavares, FL.  From our sketchcrawl last Tuesday. worked from a photo I took while there.  S&B Beta journal using the Edison Beaumont fountain pen and Lexington Gray ink.

 75 Day - 29:  On location relaxing in a lazy boy chair watching TV........my youngest granddaughter's stuffed monkey  :-)  S&B Beta using the Namiki Falcon fountain pen and Lexington Gray ink.

75 Day Challenge - Days 23 through 27

All are worked in Stillman & Birn Beta journals using various pens as noted on the pages.

Sketchcrawl Saturday June 17, 2017 - Yalaha Bakery

There is a bakery that specializes in German breads and pastries about a 25 minute drive from where we live.  Inside is the bakery plus a deli that also sells German meats and prepares simple meals.  This place is quite popular too.

There is outside seating along with a few other buildings........one for live entertainment and one where pizzas are made.  A really lovely and relaxing atmosphere.

For our sketchcrawl, seven of us met up to enjoy the treats, listen to live entertainment (a group of four men called La Grange who play country / bluegrass), and sketch/paint until about noon.

Already shared in my previous post, this was my first sketch which took care of Day 22 of my ink only challenge.  It's a pizza oven that sits outside.

Next I decided to sketch the band as they played..  I managed to get one guy playing the guitar and surrounding structure / foliage but decided to finish the rest at home.  I took a picture in order to continue with the other guys and adding ink and watercolor.  The ones showing are the two main guys in this band from what I understand.  One was blocked from my view due to the tree and the other............well I ran out of paper.

I also worked a quick pencil sketch of one of the guys sitting and listening to the band play before he decided to get up and go inside the bakery.  What made me choose him was the fact he was partially hidden by the planter.  He was really into the music too :-)  One thing I failed to get was a photo though in order to add the table and surrounding chairs so just added ink and watercolor to what I had down on paper.

This shows the before and after adding color.  Likeness is way off as the ending results makes this guy about 20 or 30 years younger...........lol.  

Playing with Rocks

Last Friday at the Leesburg Art League Open Studio, we had a presentation by Gail Bannock on rock art.  She shared several examples from full painted landscapes to mandalas she had painted over the years and how she went about it with rocks found or purchased.

I already had an idea before Friday of what I wanted to do and worked on one that day.  But my goal was to create four to represent coffee types.  I'm a big coffee drinker from morning till bedtime or hot green tea.

The idea came to me after a friend of mine (thank you, Ginny) sent me a photo of owls with someone labeling each to fit the looks on their faces.  The photo was sent after my making comment in an email that I wasn't quite awake and needed some caffeine.

These were a blast to paint!!!!  I'm the one in the back............LOL

Now I want to figure out a way to display them holding little signs of what coffee type they are.  I'm thinking possibly using a clay saucer lined with Spanish or sphagnum moss (like a nest) and hot gluing these standing up.

Last Few Weeks at the Leesburg Art Center

It's been a busy few weeks with the last couple of weeks flying by with my not doing much with my own art.  Instead helping with documents sharing tutorial links I could find and examples I might have on the subject matter being shared at our Art League.

We've been covering sketchbook/journal layouts and ideas of what to use our journals for.  We've had two weeks of playing with sketching people gestures and then trying our hand at brush figures to feel more confident in including people in our sketches and paintings.

Yesterday we had fun learning about alcohol inks which was like being a kid again and just playing.  Very carefree and just plain fun.

First image playing with alcohol inks mixed in with shaving cream and pressing paper on top, lifting and scraping the shaving cream and ink off with a card.  Would make neat looking end papers inside of homemade journals.

Playing with dropping various ink colors on a little piece of fabric and stamping onto a tile and spraying alcohol at various heights for different effects.  To me this ended up looking like a dog sniffing through an area of flowers.  (See part of the side of a dog's face?)

The last two weeks working with sketching and painting people.  How to see the line of action, how to quickly capture people gestures, painting simple figures with brush and watercolor to get a feel for shapes and proportions, and then taking it from there using pen and ink and watercolor showing more detail either by outlining the figures or going in with ink and emphasizing only some areas.

Leesburg Art League Open Studio Friday - May 12, 2017

Friday was a fun day at our art league's Open Studio Friday.  Lee Kline gave a presentation on keeping sketchbooks / artist journals sharing examples, tips, and ideas to the group.  We had a great discussion with several asking questions.

There were four tables set up with sketches and journals that three of us brought in to share.  The folks spent a good bit of time sitting at the tables and flipping through the examples we brought in.

Lee is a retired graphics art designer.

Susan comes from a family of professional artists.  Two of those tables included Susan's father's sketches and journals that he kept many years ago.  He didn't believe in cameras and sketched everything to include people he rode with everyday on the subway.  He also produced illustrations and lettering/logos for many businesses

Me...........just a hobbyist who enjoys sketching...........ha ha

Here is a quick sketch of this special day.

Hand sewn journal / Plat Carbon desk pen and used a waterbrush for this one.

Sketch Outing with Friends - Lone Oak Cemetery

Three of us went to Leesburg oldest cemetery called Lone Oak Cemetery to sketch.  This cemetery is full of history dating way back.

One of the stones we came across is marked George Alfred Widdas - supposedly Bill Cody and Annie Oakley's gunsmith.

Sketchcrawl May 6th - Unknown Bird Type

This is a sketch worked from a photo I took during the sketchcrawl yesterday at Elizabeth Evens Park in Mount Dore.  I have no idea what type of bird this is but wondering if in the Jay family due to the markings around the eye.  And also due to the blue in the body.  Maybe a female scrub or blue jay?

Working from my photo, I decided to do some practicing using the grid method rather than totally free-handing the pencil sketch.

Here are the steps I took:

Opened my photo in Photoshop Elements with grid view set up.  I like using the largest grid I can get away with so not to have too many blocks on paper to deal with.

In Journal (Stillman & Birn Beta), created a grid using very light pencil.  Then viewing the photo on screen, I placed little tick marks where each part of the bird intersected a grid line and also a few inside each block for prominent areas to help when line sketching.

Connecting the tick marks, I lightly sketched the bird.  (pencils lines darkened for illustration purposes)

Went over in ink using a Platinum Carbon desk pen and Lexy Gray ink.  Waited for the ink to totally dry and started erasing the grid lines.

Cleaned up erasing all pencil marks/lines.

Wet in wet, started adding color.  Used Black, Indigo, and Burnt Umber (all Daniel Smith watercolors)

The painting process for the rest of the bird was Indigo wet in wet, darkening some areas (under feathers) by dropping or brushing in Indigo as the paper was drying........still damp enough to bleed a little.

Once the Indigo was dry, I started dry brushing and blending Black.  Also added a little Bt Umber in the head at the top where the top of the wing overlaps.

After completely dry, gently brushed plain water in some areas of the back (randomly) and added a light glaze of the Burnt Umber.

Also lightly brushed water into the head and dropped a little Indigo making sure I didn't disturb the underlying colors (and lighter areas) already there.

I could have gone darker with maybe another glaze or two but it's been my experience that S&B paper to pill if too wet or too many layers applied with all the brushing.

Sketchcrawl Mount Dora May 6th

Today the group was to meet at Donnelly Park in Mount Dora.  Several made it with four of us going a few blocks away to Elizabeth Evans Park along Lake Dora.  A couple of other ladies stayed at the original meeting place with one sketching and the other checking out the near by shops.

Where the four of us relocated to,  you look out from the water's edge to view the Mount Dora Lighthouse as well as a boat launch and marina.

While there, a group of folks showed up on segways with an instructor telling a bit about the park and then having the riders practice in the grass before heading back into town for a tour of Mount Dora.  They were kind enough to allow me to photograph them (for future sketching) and was given a brochure about the tours.  Something Terry and I definitely want to do...........if for no other reason than to ride around on the segways........lol.

Frida Friday - Leesburg Art League

Today was Open Friday where artists meet up at the center to work on various things from arts and crafts to painting, to sketching, etc.  Sometimes there will be someone modeling and other times demos shared.

Our Open Friday today was called "Frida Friday" which was themed around a Mexican Artist by the name of Frida Kahlo.  It's also Cinco de Mayo which is a Mexican Holiday.

One of the ladies at the Art Center actually dressed up as Frida Kahlo and modeled for us (which I may still do from a photo I took of her).  I chose to sketch some of the other ladies as they went about creating fans, headbands, and other works of art.

Stillman & Birn Beta / Micron 01

My little miniature bear "Opal" as my model celebrating the Mexican Holiday.

Sketchcrawl April 18, 2017 - Downtown Leesburg

Although still lacking motivation to do much sketching, I went on this sketch outing with the group.  We met at the park area in front of the City Hall building in Leesburg and then found a spot to sit and work on our journals.  Was a gorgeous day!!!!

Six of us ended our time together having lunch at Blooms.

Stillman & Birn Beta / Micron for one page and Platinum Carbon pen for the other.

Sketchcrawl April 14, 2017 - St James Episcopal Churche

It's been a busy two weeks.  First we had family on vacation here from April 9th through the 15th.  Had a birthday party for my eldest granddaughter on the 9th, Universal Studios on the 10th, Lake County Carnival on the 11th, days spent at the Holiday RV Resort swimming and visiting, and a sketchcrawl on the 14th.

The weekend was kind of a low with everyone leaving but then Tuesday another sketchcrawl at Downtown Leesburg, today a sketchcrawl at Venetian Gardens and we have another in the morning in The Villages.  Think I'll be ready for a few days of doing absolutely nothing :-)

When the two granddaughters accompanied me on the 14th sketchcrawl, I gave them each an accordion fold journal I had made and they worked pencil sketches in their journals (I'm upset too because I forgot to scan their efforts to share here).  :-(   I started a sketch of a section of the Church but spent most of my time helping the youngest granddaughter.  Tonight I'm finally getting around to finishing it.

#2 Hand Sewn Journal with Fabriano Artistico watercolor paper and Pilot Prera with Lexington Gray ink.

Old Milk Container - Simon Seed

Last for the month of February.  I had a goal to achieve 28 journal entries and I bypassed that days ago.  :-)

This is another old time relic that captured my attention at Simon Seed Garden Center.

Hand Sewn Journal / Fabriano
Pilot Prera Lamy Safari both with Lexy Gray Ink

*Note.......had to switch off from the Pilot Prera as the feed is wetter and for some reason took forever to dry on the surface of the paper.  I don't always have that problem but this time I did.  I found I had to lay a paper towel across the page and press to get the excess ink off before continuing.  The side of my pinky finger was picking up ink and I knew I wouldn't be able to apply paint until that dried.

Loved the way the boards were angled......just kind of went along with the old time milk container.

What Is This Plant

When I first started out sketching this plant, I had no idea what it was.  I saw it hanging at Simon Seed Garden Center and took a picture because of how unusual it was to me.  I'm very unfamiliar with plants that do not require soil to grow.........at least until I worked this journal page and inquired.

Now I know this is a Staghorn Fern.  It's an "Epiphyte" which means air growing plant that attaches to other plants via their roots..........mainly up in trees.  These plants get their water and nutrients by other than soil.

Bromelaids and many orchids fall under this category as well from what I'm understanding.

The Staghorn Fern has the three main parts.......the root ball that attaches to surfaces, the shield fronds that start out green and then normally turn brown that protect the root ball, and then the leaves or antler fronds that grow producing spores (seed).

From all I've read, some young plants may be sold in pots but this plant is normally attached to a board you would hang vertically.  In this case, Simon's had it on this piece of wood shown in the illustration.

Hand sewn journal/Fabriano wc paper and Lamy Safari fountain pen with LG ink

Simon Seed Continued

Another page worked in my journal covering Thursday's outing at Simon Seed Garden Center in Leesburg, FL

I could possibly fill several pages of little illustrations sharing various things from this place.......from old time farm equipment to plants, to birds and I believe there's a rabbit there as well.

As I go through my photos taken, I realize I need to go back and take more.  My camera decided to first run out of battery juice but found I did bring a spare with me. Thought I was good to go only.......what happens????  I get a message on my screen that the memory card is full. Oh well, gives me a good excuse to go back (not that I really need one.)

Worked in the Hand Sewn journal with Fabriano Artistico watercolor paper

Lamy Safari fountain pen with Noodler's Lexington Gray ink.

Sketch Crawl - Simon Seed and Garden Center

Yesterday several met up at Simons Seed in Leesburg to sit and sketch for a few hours.  Most of the folks were from the Leesburg Art League / Leesburg Art Association with a few of us from Lines and Puddles (group out of The Villages)

The owners of this establishment were very accommodating and have no problem with folks coming to sketch or paint or even take photos to work from.  Inside you'll find various garden supplies and lots of seed displayed in various locations.  Outside is a covered porch where caged birds (like the Macaw) spend their time as well as many gorgeous plants and flowers you can purchase.  Off and surrpounding the porch is a beautiful landscaped area including a little pond, potted plants you can purchase, a few old time pieces of equipment, and even a chicken coup with a few chickens inside.  A nice quiet and relaxing atmosphere to set up and work your art.

While others were seated or walking around sketching, I took photos.  Although I had my sketching gear with me in the car, it was just one of those days I preferred to take photos, go home, and start working in my journal.  I hope to do a few more after this one.

For my first page or two, I decided to document one of the main sources of what this shop is all about..........seed.

Hand Sewn Journal / Fabriano Art wc paper
Lamy Safari / LG ink

Macaw at Simon's Seed and Garden Center

I've been stuck on this for the last couple of days.  I made the mistake of trying to "plan" a layout investing way too much time in thinking rather than doing.  I think I do much better when I just let everything happen on its own as I work.

This guy is at the Simons Seed and Garden Center in Leesburg.  In fact there were three cages of birds.........one with doves, the macaw, and not sure what kind of bird was in the third cage.  Another very colorful and beautiful bird I hope to paint.

I sent an email to the shop asking if I could get some information on their Macaw (like name, age, male/female, temperament, etc.) but I haven't heard back from them.  So I just looked up information from various sources and made a list about the species in general.

Update:  I was back at their shop this morning (Thurs Feb 23rd), and was able to get information on this beauty.  

This is a Blue Gold Macaw who is 22 years old.  His or her name (they are not sure but think it's a female) is Mango and has been with the shop owners for about 8 years.  Mango is a rescued bird who had/has special needs.  One is due to a deformity of the beak probably caused by incorrect hand raising.  Also had or has a limp due to a broken foot.  Although Mango might have these issues, it wasn't apparent to me and is quite a beautiful bird.

I had the pleasure of being near Mango while out of her cage and also witnessed her giving herself a shower.  That was fun to watch.

Hand sewn journal with Fabriano Artistico wc paper
Beaumont Fountain pen with Lexington Gray Ink (that wanted to smear on me after I thought it was dry)

Leesburg Center of the Arts

This is the Leesburg Center of the Arts where I went last Friday as I consider joining the league.  We live close to a few city art leagues which include Eustis and Mount Dora.  I want to check each out to see which I might want to become more involved with.

Here at the Leesburg Art Center they have what's called Open Fridays where members can meet at the facility to informally get together and work on their artwork with each others' company.  Some will work on crafts as well and share with anyone interested the how-tos in making various things.

This Friday, Shari Williams, was sharing how to make imprints on watercolor paper that one could use as covers to make their own journals.  In searching the web, it looks like this process is called "Boiled Books" or "Eco Printing."

The idea is to lay flowers, leaves, seed pods, etc. onto the watercolor paper and then press between metal plates and tie together.  Then place in a boiling pot of vinegar water (about a cup of vinegar) for about an hour and a half (I've also seen where some will go up to 3 hours of simmering in a pot).

Shari stacked several of these layers between metal plates using twine to tie the stacks together.  Tight enough to hold everything in place but not so tight that the vinegar solution couldn't penetrate all paper layers.  I've also learned that you can add a little Ritz Dye to the water  by watching a video by "wickedmessenger1" on Youtube.

Capturing Historic Landmark before being Demolished

An email was sent out to folks at the Art League inviting artists and photographers to meet up in downtown Leesburg to sketch, paint, and/or photograph this old building.

It's the A.S.Herlong & Co Citrus Packing House that's been around for over 100 years and new owners of the property plan to have it taken down around the first of March.

We're still trying to find more information about the business and founder but what little I've learned so far:

1) A.S. Herlong Sr. moved to Florida from Atlanta back in 1911 and started the citrus packing company during the citrus boom era in Lake County.

2) A train station near by (still standing) with tracks that ran right up next to the packing company where the company had docks for loading the crates on the train.  Tracks are no longer there.

3)  Herlong's family became one of the most powerful families in the county owning 100s of acres of citrus as well as several houses/properties.

4)  One of Herlong's Senior's sons didn't follow the family business but instead became the youngest judge serving Lake County and later ended up becoming a Congressman.

Hopefully we can find out more about the business itself.

Update:  A little more information:  http://www.dailycommercial.com/news/20170211/leesburg-packing-plant-to-be-demolished-replaced-with-student-housing