Telling Your Story

Words and images often go together. But what can your imagination do when presented with a picture without words? What story can you build? Where does the picture take you? What's happening? What happened before the picture and what will happen next? See what you can write to tell a story about this picture, and send it to me.

 

With Nature's Help

Exploring Natural Pigments

About four months ago I began researching how to develop pigments made from the natural materials around me. Since then I've simmered, steeped, brewed, boiled, and ground materials such as beetroot, turmeric, blueberries, red cabbage, fruit teas, and coffee, all in an effort to extract the colors nature gave them. Some have been very successful (turmeric, beetroot, and granulated coffee) others not so much (chili pepper). I keep searching. But the practical application is another matter. Watercolor and gouache have been my first attempts. Here is a work executed with all-natural materials: blueberries, coffee, tea, beetroot, and turmeric. It's all been a bit of chemistry mixed with art.

Explore Monotype printing with my new demonstration videos

Monotypes, unlike many other printing methods, do not require a press. They offer the exciting freedom to work with a variety of materials and methods that give you the opportunity to create spontaneous and often surprising results.

Take a look and my new demonstration videos!

https://youtu.be/J9GupTL1_pQ
https://youtu.be/MIaNXkGG-C4

Illustration I begins January 21st at Santa Fe Community College

Join me for a semester of Illustration I.

Illustration in contrast to fine art functions to communicate a concept, idea or interpret content. Working from a variety of reference materials and life, in this class, your work will develop through the process of brainstorming and exploring possibilities and solving communication problems. We will look at other illustrator’s work, through its history to current times and examine the multifaceted relationships encountered in the commercial illustration field.  The process of image-making, either by painting, drawing, collage, or electronic media begins with a concept. The text often plays a part, either by interpretation or context and can often be used to enhance the illustration (Children’s Books) or the illustration to illuminate a body of text, (Editorial).  Often, they work together in balance. Institutional illustration, such as posters, CD covers, corporate annual reports, or greeting card design incorporates strong design principals as well as pictorial representation which leads us to executing an idea on paper or canvas and culminates into a finished work. Understanding your audience and successfully communicating with them through imagery regardless of your medium is the basis for illustration.

There's still time. Join me for a new season of classes!
Monotypes: Creative Printmaking Without a Press Monotypes

Unlike many other printing methods, monotypes do not require a press. They offer the exciting freedom to work with a variety of materials and methods that give you the opportunity to create with spontaneous and often surprising results. Explore the unique impressions that can be created by combining these techniques and simple materials to achieve a creative understanding of this fun and versatile printing method. For seasoned artists and beginners alike. Feb 5-Mar 11, W, 6:15 to 8:15p CRN 31070 Laura Loturco Gorian, Fee: $149