Assignment 7 - Lithograph Research

The technique of stone lithography involves using a stone slab, a grease pencil (or other water repellent medium),  water, and ink. Essentially stone lithography begins with a prepared flat slab of stone. The stone is then drawn/painted on using a grease pencil or greased paintbrush. Once the image has been completed, the artist then uses nitric acid to 'etch' the image onto the stone. During this process the blank areas are desensitized to not accept ink, while the image portion is sensitized and is better able to receive the ink. Once the image has been etched into the stone, it is prepped with asphaltum which adds the grease to the image. Now the portions meant to accept ink, will do so. The stone is now prepped with water. The water repels the ink, and thus will prevent the blank areas from receiving ink. The image is inked thoroughly, and printed on its desired medium. One stone will be good for around 200 prints.

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/sl-443.jpg

The marks produced from this printing technique reveals a kind of 'grainy' or 'crayon like' surface. Stone Lithograph prints with a variety of colors tend to look soft, because of the multiple colors printed over one another. The process can either be as controlled, or as rough as the artist desires.

Artists who work with stone lithography:
Toby Michel
Michael Parkes
Ken Pattern

For more information:
http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/artwork/stone-lithography.htm

Assignment 6 - Impasto

Assignment 6 - Impasto Research

Impasto is created using a thick, textured paint to create the illusion of dimension. Van Gough was among the first to use this technique for expression rather than to create a physically and visually dimensional painting. The next time you view an impasto painting, think about what it might look and feel like if they did not use such thick strokes. Often times, the painting will lose its sense of movement and life. While to some impasto might seem crude and childish, there is a great deal of thinking that goes into laying down the paint.  You can achieve this effect a through a variety of techniques, the most obvious being load your brush with a copious amount of paint. Another method to apply thick dimensional paint, is to use palate knives.

Here is an example of Impasto:
Link

Here are a few related artists you might enjoy:
Vincent Van Gough
Lucian Freud
Monica Fallini

Assignment 6 - Paint Thickness (Test Painting)

I have been having some fun playing with the illusion of depth and layering in my painting. I liked the idea of painting on stucco or some other rough surface. Yes there is an intentional tangent with the cone, if you haven't noticed it, you will. :)

Assignment 5 - Drybrush

Teemo in a digital dry brush technique. I want to do more with it when I have time. I thoroughly enjoyed this technique. It was a lot of fun. 

Assignment 5 - The Happy Cube

Not sure why, but this little guy followed me home. Should I keep him? All kidding aside, I was experimenting with creating a digital scumbling or drybrush effects in class. This wee little optimist was the result of that experimentation.

Assignment 5 - Drybrush and Scumble

Dry brush is a technique used with both oil based, and water based paints. Essentially you load your 'dry' brush with a small amount of paint. You then apply the paint with a rapid movement across the paper. The effect it creates gives a cool texture, kind of a soft feathery feel. You can use a dry brush technique to add interest or texture to areas a painting.  Typically the colors are pretty solid, and sit on top of the other paint (its not meant to blend in, it is generally intended to sit on top of the rest of the paint.)

Scumbling is the art of 'painting' in layers. It is similar to glazing in the sense that the purpose is to generate complex interactions of layers. While you add more paint on top, the paint below is still visible. Similarly to the dry brush technique, it can be used to create atmosphere, and softened transitions between colors.

A few artists who use these techniques include:
El Greco
Ludek Pesek
Andrew Wyeth

Here are a few useful videos to help you visualize each process:
Dry Brush (terrible painting but it gives you the idea)
Scumbling

Silkscreen

I am feeling a bit flu-ish so it is highly likely I will not be in class today. I wanted to post my image though to ensure it was on time.

 My concept was simple, I wanted to make a screen printed design like something you would see on a t-shirt. This is a part of a series of female ninja mishaps my wife has asked me to do.

Comments and suggestions are always welcome.
Thanks,
Preston