Or maybe not. The ImageManager is not working. It isn’t finding the directories.
I just uploaded 10 more, above the ones that didn’t post the first time.
If one of the moderators can get them, they are welcome to post them.
I will try to get to a computer tomorrow and try, otherwise, I will have to wait until the 2nd.

Take care, and if I don’t get back, have a great New Years!

Andrew

The first entries will be some charcoal warmups. Some small objects
that I was looking to force into a rudimentary still life that I took one
at time to loosen up a bit. They may be a bit blurry. I do apologize,
they were on small, and I do mean small, scraps of charcoal paper,
but I hate to waste odds and ends. These will be followed by a still
life in charcaol, done against a black fabric background under a spotlight.

Next will be a set of apples done in opaque watercolor on cardboard.
Worked wonderfully btw. I will post two pictures of that one direct
from the camera the other adjusted (in that order) you will have to let
me know if either worked well or if both look awful on your respective screens.
I am not horribly pleased with how this piece photographed,so we will have to see.

After the apples, I have a figure drawing. One of a few that I did the
last couple days to explore some possible figure paintings. This is the only
one I have photographed so far. Then I will close out with some photos
from around the neighborhood.
Hope you enjoy.

Andrew

After I finished clearing more downed limbs (oh and btw – Thank God for chain saws!), I had only a little time to spare.  So I chose to work on a new piece rather than fuss with the camera and/or scanner.  Hope you don’t mind.  Will probably regret it later, but ah well.

 Andrew

Well, needless to say, I am still here, and I have some small bits to post.  Not much really, but the weather hasn’t been cooperative.  I will put them up as soon as I get them scanned/photographed.  Hopefully tonight, if the power holds up.  We are under a crap ton of ice so I am not holding my breath just yet.

 It appears that what ever happened to the site was salvagable.  Glad to see it, there was so much good content, it would be a shame to loose it all.

Andrew

Yesterday the weather was frightful, and the snow was definitely not delightful.  We got hit with heavy and slippery wet snow.  When I left for home the plows hadn’t been out on the highway yet.  That made for slow going.  Sometimes I can’t believe I used to look forward to the stuff.  Well, in reality, I still do.  Makes for great landscapes.

 At any rate, after I got home and greeted everyone properly and dutifully loved my dog, (who btw is neglected and abused all day while I am away – just ask him.), I gave the studio a quick sweep and dust and left for evening.  Went down to a disucssion session at the Obama Campaign office.  It was a blast, most of the people there were typical college age or just out of college.  The conversations were most refreshing.

 Anyone here have any experience with Gouache?  I have a primary tube set I got as a gift and set of Pelikan pan Opaque Watercolors, but I have next to zero experience with them.  Thought I might doodle with them a little after I get home, I just don’t know what to expect.

 Andrew

What was I thinking?  What half-assed thought crossed my so-called mind to make me think this was a reasonable idea?  This challenge/blog has such a great track record, it would figure that I would be the one to louse that up.

 Perhaps it would be best if I suck it up now and bow out before I embarass myself further.  At this point, all I am managing to get some evening alone time in the studio and I am certainly not painting anything.  In the end I am just going to get even more pissed off at myself than I already am, which bodes poorly for anyone or anything nearby.

 I apologize if I seem to be rambling, but I am tired and angry.  I just don’t know what to do anymore.  I don’t know why I even try.

Andrew

Certainly not the roaring start I had hoped.  But there you go.  The first piece is a basic still life.  I am not sure how the photo will look.  It looked fin on my computer, compared to the original, but looks dark on the uploader.  It is oil on canvas 11×14.  Next is a line drawing of a Naiad.  The only one of several rough sketches that I developed into a line drawing.

 Then for some strange and unknown reason, I decided to try something a wee bit odd.  I thought I would try my hand at collagraphic printing.  Again I don’t know how the photo will look to you .  It was fine on my home pc, but looks quite dark on the uploader here.  Since the print did not go exactly as planned, and that is being generous, I also included a copy of the plate so you can see what it should have looked like.

 If there is any problems viewing the work, let me know and I will repost as soon as possible.  If there are any suggestions on how to better take photos of my art work, they would be gratiously accepted.

 Thanks and have a great day.

Andrew

I was going to hold off on this introduction until tomorrow, but I had the moment and Fridays are always a zoo.

At any rate, my name is Andrew and I am the next contestant on the challenge. While I may not win a years supply of Rice-a-Roni (the San Francisco treat), I do hope to gain some insight to my artistic direction as well as some constructive criticism from you, dear readers. And as the reign of Cina comes to a precarious end I am standing on the precipice in eager anticipation.

But on with the introduction. I am a 41 yr old analytical chemist with a passion for art. I also have a strong desire to make a transition from professional chemist to professional artist. I am an avid sketcher,and love the tactile nature of traditional artistic mediums. I enjoy a variety of subject matter. First and formost I am a bit of a traditionalist. I prefer a sense of realism in my work. I am not, however, a photorealist. I have no desire to paint every pore in my models face or every detail ad nauseum. I much prefer to leave some to the minds and imagination of the viewer.

I only ask a couple of things from the readers of this blog. First, be patient. As I am in the middle of a remodelling job, I don’t currently have internet at home. That will change at some point mid-December, at the start I will be relying on access at work and the Public Library to make my posts. I will update as frequently as possible. Rest assured, I will be drawing and painting fervently the entire time. Secondly, be constructive in your criticism. Let me know what you like and don’t like and what works and what doesn’t. I want to use what I learn here, both in pace and dedication, but from the critque that I get to help guide me in my journey.

Thank you for your time.

Andrew