Thursday 10 February 2011





Course work: A second sketch of the potted plant, on a rectangular table by another arm chair. I abandoned this one fairly early, having concluded that the front-lighting was less than optimal, and that the lamp and the chair had become the dominant features, rather than the plant. If I wanted to use this location, I think that I would have to work after dark, light it from the left, and work closer to the subject in order to increase the prominence of the plant.

Reading and theoretical studies:



E. H. Gombrich Art and Illusion (11th Printing)

Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey, USA, 1969

Pp. 350-366



Sketchbook work: Some preliminary attempts at depicting coloration of the Sanseveiria with acrylics.

Time today: 62 minutes

Wednesday 9 February 2011





Course work: Selected a Sanseveiria as the plant subject for Project 3: Painting a Flower or Plant. This plant has the advantages of durability, slow growth, and a shape compatible the vertical format required for this project. The first preparatory charcoal sketch was done with the plant on a small table near an armchair in front of a bookcase.

Reading and theoretical studies:



E. H. Gombrich Art and Illusion (11th Printing)

Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey, USA, 1969

Pp. 330-349



Sketchbook work: A caricature self-portrait.

Time today: 1 hour 8 minutes

Tuesday 8 February 2011




Course work: Further work on the second attempt at an apple for Stage Two of Project Two: Solidity. I think that I am about done now: this apple appear much more solid than my first attempt. I’ll start work on the next project, and look at this again in a day or so, to see if any further correction is needed.

Reading and theoretical studies:



Cynthia Freeland Art Theory

Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2001

Pp. 122-140

(This is a brief, densely-written introduction to art theory; it probably contains about as much information about this nebulous subject as anybody really needs. I have read other books on the subject but found little in any of them except unsupported opinion, usually tainted by the author’s personal political beliefs. This volume is no different.)





Sketchbook work: A page of small charcoal sketches of reflective metal objects found in a bathroom.

Time today: 1 hour 30 minutes (92h22m)

Monday 7 February 2011




Course work: Work continues on the second apple for Stage Two of Project Two: Solidity, with most of today’s effort on the background.



Reading and theoretical studies:



Phil Metzger The Art of Perspective

North Light Books, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, 2007

Pp. 117-145



Sketchbook work: A carbon-pencil sketch of a reproduction statuette of an Egyptian cat goddess, fairly strongly backlit.

Time today: 2 hours 16 minutes

Sunday 6 February 2011




Weekly reflections on learning experience: This week’s effort was significantly better than most recent weeks. I feel that I am beginning to grasp just an inkling of how to make acrylics function. My studies of artiest recommended by my tutor progress, along with additional course-recommended and self-guided study. Sketchbook work has been somewhat better.

Saturday 5 February 2011






Course work: Work on the second apple for Stage Two of Project Two: Solidity. I am beginning to like it, an indication that I should use caution as I progress further.



Reading and theoretical studies:



Antoine Terrasse Bonnard: The Colour of Daily Life


Thames & Hudson, London, 2000

Pp. 92-111

(A small, but useful introduction to Bonnard’s work. Numerous reproductions of paintings are included, and all are printed in color, essential to the appreciation of Bonnard. The writing is sometimes a bit florid, but this can be overlooked.)





Sketchbook work: A second attempt at an acrylic sketch of trees reflected in a frozen pond, which comes somewhat closer to my objective, and gives me a point of departure should I decide to pursue this subject further.

Time today: 1 hour 5 minutes

Friday 4 February 2011




Course work: Some additional work on the second apple for Stage Two of Project Two: Solidity.



Reading and theoretical studies:



Antoine Terrasse Bonnard: The Colour of Daily Life

Thames & Hudson, London, 2000

Pp. 60-91





Sketchbook work: A quick charcoal sketch of the trees reflecting in a frozen pond. I am better satisfied with this than with yesterday’s effort, probably because I find charcoal easier to manipulate than acrylics.

Time today: 1 hour 8 minutes