Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Una Sealy's life drawing workshop

'A garden on the Coast', by Una Sealy

On Saturday morning we welcomed figurative artist, Una Sealy to the studio. Sahoko was unexpectedly called else where and Una, her colleague kindly took the helm of tutor for the day. Una and Sahoko are fellow artists at the RHA in Dublin and it was our privilege to learn from Una her unique perspective on life drawing. Una's teaching and drawing is full of vigour, colour and energy and she directed students in finding scale, dimension, weight and much much more in their drawings. A busy and stimulating morning was kick started by a series of quick sketches to ease tension, shed the shackles of everyday demands and let the mind flow; followed by our model striking longer poses which our students interpreted though the medium of a rubber onto an already charcoaled, blackened sheet - a very useful exercise for an artist as you're working from dark to light instead of the more assumed light to dark.

Rudiments of scale
After my job of preparing and serving up vegetarian lunch was complete, I decided to join in the afternoon session of drawing - a bit rusty and inhibited would be an understatement in describing my life drawing skills at the moment, but very quickly the mental 'to do list' of everyday life faded and my minds eye focused on our model's pose. Well, that's it, I'm determined now to get back to some drawing, so much so that I rushed into Hopkins Toy Shop yesterday and bought a blank canvas for my next painting - it's going to involve a Georgian window, the view down onto the valley and our vintage Silver Cross pram; I'll let you have a peep when it's finished. We really enjoyed Una's visit and hope to see her again, maybe even for some landscape classes in the early summer months of next year.
 
'Carpet City', by Una Sealy

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Kid's Print Club

On Saturday morning we ran a kids print workshop for 3 fabulous student's from Enable Ireland. Owen, Adrian and James designed and printed their own unique t-shirts and also got to see the workings of the dark room and the screen wash-out area. Our hens, horse and baby guinea pigs were also given a 'show and tell', by The Old Rectory resident boys - always good for a distraction when artistic expression becomes too intense! 
T-shirt colour choices were carefully considered - it was only James who was temporarily disappointed with having to settle with yellow as we didn't have a red t-shirt in his size, this was soon forgotten when he lifted his screen to get a first glimpse at his cosmic scene of a rocket and shooting stars. Genuine surprise, broad smiles and delighted 'wows', were the boys reactions to their great work - well done, and I hope boys, you enjoy wearing and showing off your own groovy. wicked and deadly tops!

Cool t-shirt prints by Adrian, Owen and James
Meanwhile, I printed up a couple of gifts for friends. Very simple and quick designs, inspired by the last of our autumn days - gathering chestnuts etc. Red squirrels are getting a lot of attention right now as the grey squirrels get the bad press. The reds have been in serious decline in Ireland and Britain for some time due to the loss of their natural habitat(trees) and competition with the greys which are bigger and stronger. 
Currently an endangered native Irish species, the red squirrel deserves to play the lead role for a while, especially with that tail! - a design to take further when I have the time.
A couple of gifts

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Family time in the studio

Aunties and cousins travelled from as far as Australia to gather for a reunion at Ballard Farm. Given that our family is of a modest quantity, the presence of noise, laughter and fun was evidence of a really good time. Whilst the men took to the golf course the ladies stole a morning at the studio; of course this turned into a day as nothing starts in a hurry after a long session round the kitchen table the night before! After overcoming the fear and dread of 'original' design, we all got the creative juices flowing and had fun at the print table.
Maureen and Stephanie pulling a print



No pressure, even through we're all going to take a photo of your print.



Auntie Maureen test ran the studio for wheelchair users and was very pleased with the space and the ease within which she could move around.

Stephanie and Auntie Maureen - pleased!
There's something so exciting about lifting you first screen and realising your very own creation. Each and every print that comes through the studio carries something unique and special to that person who created it.
My Godmother Patricia and Auntie Frances creating their own teatowels


So who ever said teacher doesn't have pets?! No pressure on James and Cuan, but they did us proud at promoting our 'Kids Print Workshops' at the Tinahely show. They were delighted with their 1st and 2nd prices and have now got commissions from their twin brothers to print up a dragon and space scene for them also.

James and Cuan scoop a 1st and 2nd for their printed t-shirt designs at the Tinahely show


Coco is delighted to join our print sessions. She know to keep a low profile and can make a cosy foot rest whilst taking an afternoon nap under the table.
Babies and dogs are welcome too - I think!