studio712

The creativity just flows through this place... :)))

2010-06-24T14:15:00.008-05:00

So, I was checking the lunch menu at the Casa de Luz website, one of my very favorite places to eat in Austin, when I had the surreal experience of seeing my talking head pop up out of the blue. I remember the day this video was shot, but had not given it a second thought until....bam there was my mug and sketchbook... :)))

http://www.casadeluz.org/

video on Casa de Luz homepage

Casa de Luz promo video

youTube version

2010-06-21T14:19:00.003-05:00

If you are what you eat
then playing with your food
is self-discovery

mmmmmmmm summer simplicity..... high energy....slow release....and tastes like Aztec summer on your tongue... :)))

Wasa Multi-Grain Bread
Avacado spread on like butter (insta-guac)
layered with mango chunks (add fruit of your choice...try Prickly Pear.....omg!!!)
drizzled with the original Try Me Tiger Sauce (slather hot sauce of your choice!)

creative practice...

2010-06-11T08:19:00.001-05:00

Dhamma (Pāli: धम्म) or Dharma (Sanskrit: धर्म) in Buddhism has two primary meanings:

the teachings of the Buddha which lead to enlightenment ( The Universal law of nature )
the constituent factors of the experienced world (The characteristic of elements)

Meditation on and practice of the first, expressed through moments of drawing and painting the second...only this...nothing special.

2010-06-11T08:01:00.001-05:00

2010-06-10T16:22:00.003-05:00

Mamma goose and her babies living along side the docks at the Texas Rowing Center

copyright 2010 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

2010-06-10T16:06:00.001-05:00

Auditorium Shores Austin, Tx
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

2010-06-10T14:51:00.001-05:00

2010-06-10T14:41:00.004-05:00

2010-06-10T14:05:00.001-05:00

2010-06-10T13:47:00.004-05:00

Beets Living Food Cafe "Uncommonly Good!" 5th st. Austin Tx
copyright 2010 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

2010-06-10T13:30:00.011-05:00

Auditorium Shores gazebo, Austin, Tx

Essential Elements

2010-06-10T13:11:00.004-05:00

Summer 2010 marks a period of transition and awakening. In sifting through tai chi, chi energy, and the previous essential's post I have finally arrived at the core. The foundation of my practice... the spiritual center that unlocks the many gates along the path to awakening to my true nature and creative practice. Zen philosophy has always resonated with me, and I can remember spending many, many hours at the James Madison University library, as an undergraduate drawn over and over to the zen books, while studying psychology, art, and martial arts. But the conceptual philosophies I came across in books never penetrated very far under the surface, and only tangentially resonated in the activities of my life, and certainly did not form the core practice of my search for a sustained creative practice. The resonant search was always there, but never fully awakened and integrated.

I have recently arrived home. It was always here...and its nothing special. But it means everything. It is the core of my creative practice and everything manifest will flow from it. I was in the right direction when examining Tai Chi...but this only uncovered the true core essential element of breathing and flow, pointing to a spiritual core. Examining Tai Chi, i found it to be another creative art manifesting a spiritual core.....which led me to the realization that what was missing was my mindful awareness of my spiritual core, which I have found , coming full circle, through the gate of zen practice. Not zen philosophy which is of little consequence, though instructive and necessary for learning. But zen practice. Experience and practice in Being and Seeing. This is my gateway to the sustainable, meaningful creative practice.

My current spiritual community home is the Austin Zen Center. Attending regular zazen sesshins, services, and participation events sharpens the single point of mindfulness and is the first spiritual community (other than a martial arts dojo, or my studio) that I have felt at home, at peace, and that I was fully alive and in the moment.

Since my last post I have also decided not to pursue the typical commercial or art community activities in the vain effort to "market" my practice. Commercial or community art connections will form organically from my zen creative practice and from no other direction. As such I respectfully bowed out of the Casa de Luz and Jones Center ArtHouse projects.... not that they would not have been meaningful community connections, but that they happened to coincide with a transitional period that required realignment of intention and purpose. All that follows from this point forward will be a stream of mindful practice along my chosen path. :)))

Arthouse at the Jones Center 2010 FIVE X SEVEN

2010-02-09T13:24:00.008-06:00

Just confirmed an invitation from the Arthouse at the Jones Center asking me to participate in the 2010 11th anniversary of their signature benefit event, called "Five by Seven". Arthouse is asking Texas-based artists, as well as those who have strong ties to Arthouse or the state, to donate their creativity to this project.

Arthouse will send me four 5" x 7" boards on which I create work(s). All pieces are submitted using the 5" x 7" format (in any media) and signed only on the back side, so they may be displayed anonymously - the artist's name to be revealed only after the work is purchased. Each board is priced at $100, and all proceeds directly support Arthouse's exhibitions and public programs, which are always free of charge.

The fundraiser is on Friday, May 14, 2010 with a preview party for participating artists and their guests on Thursday, May 13. Following the exhibition in Austin, "5x7 On The Road" travels to Houston and Dallas as well as Abilene, where the show co-benefits the Grace Museum; we are looking at the possibility of other cities and venues as well.

Not sure how they heard about me, since I haven't exhibited anywhere other than on this blog, but I am glad to be invited and really looking forward to contributing some artwork to the cause!

New Commission Project

2010-02-04T17:52:00.002-06:00

I've confirmed with Jinji at Casa de Luz that I've been commissioned to provide 5 drawings for use in their new and expanded 2nd edition community cookbook! These drawings will be done digitally in greyscale pen and ink style showing different scenes including:

1. The Casa de Luz front entry gate and pathway; 2. The arbor framing the entry way to the dining room; 3. a dining room "runner" handing a plate to someone making eye to eye contact with a smile of gratitude seated at a round dining table that suggests multiple people; 4. The kitchen with staff cooking; and 5) a person looking outside their home window into their garden of fresh vegetables and food items (suggesting that these fresh grown items will be cooked using the cookbook). I'll be working from reference photo's supplied by Jinji, and will be journaling the project process and results as it unfolds. This is a very exciting project and a wonderful introduction into the Casa de Luz community! :)))

Creative space...

2010-02-04T09:09:00.009-06:00

Maximizing creative energy within a grounded space is the intent of the studio area. Over the past couple of painting sessions I've fallen in love with exploring the use of the palette tray as a microcosm of paint, color, and brush stroke alchemy. Another area of exploration has been engaging the blank canvas and connecting with the ground support of the painting, the surface plane. The freedom of trial and error produces dynamic moments of insight and progress, internalizing both what works and what doesn't with equal abandon. The moment that the eye lingers, and the finger brushes the blank canvas a relationship begins...the moment that the paint loaded knife/brush touches the surface plane the dance flows...as you look/listen to the painting surface the dance becomes a dialogue...all the while, intent (creative dialog), breath, stroke, and paint trace the dynamic orbit of the Moment.

Working with a sponge, modeling paste and pigments (black, Bronze Yellow/Mars Yellow; Yellow Oxide) I explored moving into the surface and beyond the "blank" into interesting surface textures that set the background stage for exploring color and composition. While doing this, a couple of discoveries come into focus.

I've always been deeply moved by a variety of music genres. There are few things I like more than being part of a group appreciating a live music performance. But in the studio, music is the vibrational lubricant for the painting process. The rhythms, notes, melodies each infuse and inform the painting stroke as part of the flow of Chi in the space. Like iTunes, I made the dangerous discovery of Amazon's mp3 Downloads and quickly downloaded two CD's (sans the CD and packaging) for instant studio flow. Currently playing in the studio is Tommy Emmanuel ("Center Stage"), guitarist extraordinaire, and Organissimo ("This is the Place"), funky jazz with a Hammond organ in the mix.

Another discovery, in terms of creative momentum, is that the natural creative process is not a matter of working on a single piece to its completion but is a fluid movement among several image surfaces, including sketches and more finished pieces, each with its own immediate focus, stage of development, and need for rest (to allow paint to dry, to get a fresh eye, etc..). This creative process facilitates working with ideas and experimentation on individual pieces as well as within a series of related work, which creates a cumulative process of discovery and production. The creative internal dialogue moves and breathes from peace to piece. Talk about results! The creative practice went from being blocked to currently working on a 6" x 6" paper study and corresponding 6" x 6" x 1.75" cradled panel, a tryptich consisting of three 4" x 4" claybord panels, 2 individual pieces on 5" x 7" claybord panels, and an 8" x 8" panel. Truly amazing....and the result of a natural, unhurried, dynamic pace that is guided by the pieces themselves, completely devoid of ego striving to complete any particular piece, and free of inhibiting thoughts and fears, concious or subconcious, that in the past have resulted in a corresponding diminishment of focus and follow-through (creative Chi). In the Now, there is a fully relaxed trust in the process and gratitude for the opportunity!

Something in the Air...

2010-02-04T07:49:00.004-06:00

Essential elements ... awareness | balance | air (breathing).

Participated in my first class at Casa De Luz Center for Integral Studies, in an Ip Sun (which translates to Moving Meditation in Korean) Tai Chi class with Master Vince Cobalis. The center environment is a hidden treasure in Austin that fosters a relaxed contemplative air as you walk onto the grounds, that deepens the more time, and breaths, you spend there.

I arrived early for the 8pm class and sat quietly soaking in the natural calm of the courtyard with the intent to relax, become aware of my energy, and open myself to the new class. When Master Cobalis arrived he graciously and with genuine connection welcomed me. He's the real deal, and I can tell that he will be a superb master to learn from.

I comfortably immersed in the class, and enjoyed the flow and group energy, very nice and welcoming class, worked both with the group and with an individual instructor. She reviewed my posture, breathing, body alignment while teaching me the "12 step" form allowing me to mirror her until I internalized the form and could flow through it on my own. I have the form steps internalized and have been practicing the form throughout the day yesterday, and will continue to practice it throughout the day until I have the next class this evening. The class is Tues. and Thurs. evenings (with additional classes available at the training academy of Grand Master Yi, Master Cobalis' teacher, and founder of the World Tukong Moosul Federation)!

Awareness of my inner energy and life force (Chi) and learning to consciously blend it with my intent, breathing, and movement is a core element of my studio creativity. Whether that's expressed through contemplating possibilities and sitting in stillness with the uncertainty of the creative process, or while dynamically immersed in a brush stroke, pastel mark, or wield of the palette knife.

Pure Flow....

2010-02-01T02:23:00.015-06:00

If the awareness, cultivation, and expression (sharing) of Chi energy is the fundamental life force behind creative practice then the relationship to one's tools (palette, knives and brushes, etc...) and mediums (paint, pastel, ink...etc...) is essential. The palette knife, like the samurai sword, is the immediate extension of ones awareness, focus, and application in the moment. The paint or any medium is quite literally the manifestation of creative intent, Chi, taken form.

When a guitarist (or any musician) takes instrument in hand the potential for creative vibration is directly transferred from the mind/energy through the body to the finger/pick and into the string....the micro variations in physical application radiate through the musician into and through the instrument...outward to the observer/participant/appreciator. The palate knife (brush, sponge, rag...), then, like the guitar pick, is the means of transferring Chi directly onto the surface plane. Sound vibration is the creative life force of the musician made manifest...visual vibrations emitted from the surface to the viewer via the interaction of the wide spectrum of mediums (paint, color, gels, etc....) and light is the creative Chi of the painter made manifest.

Enter Jerry's Artarama, the fun house (or tool shed, however you prefer to look at it :))) where I went to wander the aisles of creative potential! My intent was to pick up an array of palette knives to begin exploring the range of expressive marks and painting methods inherent in each. Mission accomplished. There are knives for mixing paints, scraping paints off of the surface plane, and knifes for troweling paint on.

[Caution semi-educational marketing blurb ahead...]

The Ultimate Painting Knives!

These Italian-style painting knives are made from polished stainless steel, tempered to provide just the right amount of give for the perfect painting response. Each blade is fixed into its wooden handle with the aid of a brass collar, and the comfort-grip handles feature a deep walnut stain for beauty and durability.

With 60 shapes to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect style for every painting endeavor. Each series "T" knife features an offset, trowel-shaped blade, making it easy to work the knife into the painting. Series "F" knives feature a traditional, flat blade perfect for mixing. Series "S" knives feature scraper blades for shaping, contouring and scraping designs into your compositions, or for removing color.

Oh Joy....! Who knew?! Tossing the plastic palette knives I used the other day to enter the world of paint sketching into the archival pile of "art toys" I thrilled to the touch of these knew blades... They immediately made their function known when I held them.... The real deal.

I picked up a couple of sponge applicators to explore as well....

An intuitive purchase I didn't expect was to upgrade my mixing palette. Like the plastic palette knives I had lying around, I had grabbed a small plastic travel water color palette that I was using to mix colors. If paint, mediums, and colors are the direct physical manifestation of Chi energy...then the paint palette is the mixing cauldron, the crucible, within which experimentation and recipe's for paint consistencies and color are worked out....where all paint will manifest before being loaded to the knife/brush and transferred to the surface plane....with this appreciation I invested in a Golden Panda Porcelain Palette Treasure.

[Caution semi-educational marketing blurb ahead...]

Classic Butcher's Tray Palette - Measuring 11.8" × 15.75" × 2" high, this impressive tray is smooth at the bottom and is heavyweight so it won't move about when you are painting. Much better than metal coated tray palettes this is made to professional standards. Use it for virtually any media from watercolors to oil colors.

The result of having the right tools in hand this evening was a revelation. Sponge applicators were the right tool for laying down a color field, while the palette knives danced and sang as colors were mixed and strokes practiced right in the mixing tray....Immediate feedback on color mix and stroke potential.

After my first session using these new tools I discovered that the combination of palette knives and mixing tray is exactly that....a treasure. In using them for the first time the world of color exploration opened up. Mixing colors has the feel of blade to whet stone energy transferred directly to paint...potential made manifest, a quickening of anticipation as paint is loaded onto the natural blade for the intended mark....and painting happens... pure joy! Two hours evaporated like the early morning mist on a spring lake. New color combinations were explored and internalized...the feel of the new knives was experienced and applied.

Pure flow! :)))

Focus of Study: Qi(Chi) and Creativity

2010-01-30T07:24:00.003-06:00

Chi and Creativity Vital Energy and Your Inner Artist

Elise Dirlam Ching and Kaleo Ching (Blue Snake Books, 2007)

[from the back cover]

The capacity to create is part of being human - whether that means making art, writing, teaching, cooking for friends, gardening, giving a massage, nurturing relationships, or following a spiritual path. Nourishing and maximizing your vital energy, or Chi, is an essential part of fulfilling your human potential. In Chi and Creativity, authors Elise Dirlam Ching and Kaleo Ching present a wide range of strategies to harness the power of Chi and cultivate the inner artist. They offer an integrative process that includes exercises in Chi awareness, Chi Kung, art, journaling, guided imagery, and meditation, to generate inspiration, awe, and energy for living a creative life.

A little knife music....

2010-01-28T17:58:00.013-06:00

A facet of trusting the creative process is recapturing a sense of wonder, play, and discovery.

Using a pad of Strathmore Wet Media multipurpose paper I allowed myself the freedom and intention to play with color and the dynamic tactile variations of marks and strokes made with a palatte knife.

This simple, direct, kinetic exercise felt like a bold, uninhibited, spontaneous, dynamic dialog between the viscosity of the paint, the loading (and double loading) of the knife, and the movement and pressure of the stroke to paper. Within the session I began to explore the relationship of my breathing, posture, and intention to the transfer of paint into kinetic marks onto a variably thirsty paper. The resulting marks are fluid, dynamic and visually interesting.

This intuitive sketching process of exploring color and mark making feels wonderful (ask any 5 year old), and yields surprising insights both visually and into the nature of the materials themselves. This exercise points the way towards a process for building experiential breathing/muscle/intention memories to inform future exploration and compositional applications. Endless possibilities for exploring the infinite variability of dynamic marks in paint... It's like practicing my handwriting, but with absolutely no right or wrong, good or bad....just Is. :)))

Focus of study: Trust the Process

2010-01-28T13:48:00.007-06:00

Trust The Process: An Artist's Guide To Letting Go

Shawn McNiff (Shambhala, 1998)

[from the back cover]

Whether in painting, poetry, performance, music, dance, or life, there is an intelligence working in every situation. This force is the primary carrier of creation.

If we trust it and follow its natural movement, it will astound us with its ability to find a way through problems—and even make creative use of our mistakes and failures.

There is a magic to this process that cannot be controlled by the ego. Somehow it always finds the way to the place where you need to be, and a destination you never could have known in advance.

When everything seems as if it is hopeless and going nowhere . . . trust the process.

Getting to the Heart of the Matter

2010-01-28T10:06:00.001-06:00

In observing the ebb and flow of engagement with this blog, and it's "Urban SketchHunter" theme, I've noticed a pattern and insight into why a steady momentum of engagement with the blogging process has ebbed as much, or more, than it has flowed. This blog is a medium for self expression and exploration of creative ideas, efforts, results, and process. The Urban SketchHunter theme focused my return to the creative studio, and getting out and about, learning and doing. Sketching has its own process and flow, and the material forms that emerge, whether considered preparatory or finished in their own regard, have intrinsic and extrinsic qualities and aesthetics, and an important place within a creative practice. I know deep within my bones and emotional system, that when I'm sketching, time can stand still, perception sharpens, and energy flows in deep engagement and joy, and a spiritual and material experience emerges, regardless of what materially takes form. Creativity. The point of the moment, though, is the practice of sketching, regardless of the subject matter, urban or otherwise, is but one facet of the creative process that I'm interested in pursuing and practicing.

The blog entries to date are an archive of this process and provide evidence that sketching from life is a vital practice. A practice that will continue to thrive and deepen within a larger creative context. It's this larger creative context that I'm fundamentally interested in, and will be exploring as the central blog journal theme. The blog will serve as a medium for distilling and expression of my personal practice of getting to the heart of the matter. The form this will take, at the moment, is pure potential, but it will emerge and evolve over time....as the journey continues to unfold... :)))

quick glance

2009-12-09T15:56:00.010-06:00

Explored the dark masses in the hair and shadows to frame the face and define its shape. Abandoned any use of outlines throughout, relying rather on value contrasts, edges, and directional lines to define the flow of hair, shape of the head and face, and shawl...

This sketching approach of defining masses with value and directional lines, rather than trying to draw a person, actually took less time and energy, and felt much more connected, spontaneous, and flowed more naturally and meditatively than previous efforts.

composition study

2009-12-07T22:23:00.000-06:00

Quick value and composition study (20 min)....just long enough to sneak sips of Moonstone Asian Pear Sake from the still life.... :)))

Value and composition study | Sushi and Manga at Silhoette

2009-12-07T22:13:00.001-06:00

Value study seeking large abstract value masses and interesting shapes.

Silhouette sushi bar with big screen Manga animation movies playing nonstop.... :)))

Sketchbook notes

2009-12-07T08:15:00.002-06:00

Quick gestural sketch (under 5 min) looking for value masses and thinking in terms of foreground (glass and backpack), middle ground (seated figures) and background (suggested room and people with pictures and windows about 30' away). It is much more interesting, fun, and fluid to sketch this way, as opposed to becoming distracted by details and drawing objects....in defining the value masses and simplifying the details the "identity" and nature of the subject and objects emerge spontaneously.....

Sketchbook notes

2009-12-07T07:58:00.005-06:00

Sketchbook notes: composition basics:

1. Crop for drama
2. Look for value masses
3. Design divisions with rhythm
4. Keep shapes interesting
5. Avoid attracting attention to the edges
6 Create depth with overlap
7. Watch the corners
8. Create an entrance
9. Organize your masses
10. Organize eye movement with gradations
11. Use straight lines to balance and "seat" curves
12. Think foreground, middle ground, and background

Quick thumbnail value sketch (10 min or less) looking for value masses, interesting shapes, and balance...

composition studies | evening interiors

2009-12-03T20:56:00.005-06:00

Silhouette Sushi Restaurant | Congress Ave
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

2009-12-03T20:40:00.006-06:00

Zen Japanese Fast Food restaurant | SoCo
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Focus of study: Composition

2009-12-03T08:29:00.007-06:00

In honor of the winter months the studio process will include a foundational shift from "sketch hunting" to "composition hunting". The end objective in mind is to focus less on the "subject matter" and look behind it to the arrangement of shapes on the picture plane and the creation of visual flow within a sketch or painting. A shift from the effort to create an engaging and recognizable sketch through object-driven drawing....drawing a person, a building, a tree, a plant, a bicycle, "Jo's coffee Shop", ...etc...to exploring the range and visual dynamics of the picture plane, regardless of the subject matter at hand.

The primary instructional resource is Ian Roberts' text: Mastering Composition: Techniques and Principles to Dramatically Improve Your Painting.

The primary exercise is the "composition a day"...it's not intended to be a regimented focus on creating at least one composition a day....but rather the intention that whenever engaged in the creative "hunt" that the focus embodies "a sketch journal adventure exploring and falling in love with the world one composition @ a time".

Jo's | hot coffee:good food:cold beer....

2009-11-25T19:18:00.005-06:00

copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Enjoying a Bodhi bowl @ Zen on Congress Ave gazing at Jo's hot coffee:good food:cold beer across the street on the corner of Congress and James.....

25th Annual Sketch Crawl - Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial

2009-11-23T21:26:00.008-06:00

copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Pathway around Town Lake @ the Stevie Ray Vaughan memorial. Sketch was completed from field notes in Corel Painter with Wacom tablet.

Tantramount I

2009-11-23T14:28:00.006-06:00

copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Quick abstract color study while calibrating a Wacom Intuos drawing tablet with an iMac and Corel Painter.

Casa De Luz | Bowl of sunshine....

2009-11-20T09:03:00.006-06:00

Casa de Luz | lunch here is food for the soul| graphite| Pen | 11.19.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Each spoonful of each bowl of soup @ Casa De Luz is like liquid sunshine....its that good, and that pure of a delight....

lunchtime stroll

2009-11-18T17:35:00.002-06:00

Construction walkway, downtown Austin | pen and graphite | 11.18.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Office View | Municipal Bldg, 8th St.

2009-11-16T13:30:00.005-06:00

Municipal Bldng | graphite value study| 11.16.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Bit too windy to sit outside and sketch today during lunch...so pb&j and pencils looking out of my North facing office window. My view is from a building on Colorado and 7th st. The view is looking to the NE corner of Colorado and 8th st. The shadowed doorways across the street belong to the Amsterdam Cafe'. The sunlit building is the Municipal Building.

People @ Casa De Luz

2009-11-16T08:42:00.004-06:00

Pen and ink, graphite, watercolor | Casa De Luz | 11.14.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

New Sketchbook and pens :))) !

2009-11-16T08:33:00.001-06:00

conscious looking... we are how we see | pen and ink, watercolor, graphite| 11.13.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Vienna Teng @ Stubbs

2009-11-13T11:49:00.006-06:00

Vienna Teng @ Stubbs, inside upstairs table looking down | graphite | 11.12.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

First time to see an inside concert @ Stubbs. Nice sound, intimate setting, great show! Upstairs table view rocks! Did I mention the jalapeno cheesy spinach?

random gaze....

2009-11-11T18:12:00.003-06:00

graphite | oil pastel | 11.11.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Lunch on the steps (6th St.)

2009-11-11T14:41:00.006-06:00

6th Street Fountain steps | graphite | 11.11.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

people @ Magnolia Cafe

2009-11-10T20:32:00.006-06:00

people @ Magnolia Cafe | Austin, Tx | graphite | 11.10.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Threadgills | Bob Schneider Texas Bluegrass Massacre

2009-11-09T13:33:00.006-06:00

Threadgill's | Bob Schneider Texas Bluegrass Massacre | graphite | ink | 11.7.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

sketchbook diptych ... two consecutive pages.... the one on the left was drawn while relaxin' before the band and crowd arrived....throwdown on the right..... good times....! :)

2009-11-09T12:23:00.006-06:00

Auditorium Shores, view from under the Tree of Remembrance | graphite | ink | 11.7.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Beautiful weather...hub of energy, runners, paddlers, chillers and dogs....sat under the shade of The Remembrance Tree enjoying the view of city hall, and the First St. bridge....

Oktoberfest 09 Waterloo Park

2009-10-24T18:14:00.011-05:00

Waterloo Park | Austin, Tx | Oktoberfest 09 | graphite | pen and ink | 10.24.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Caught a set of Guy Forsyth followed by Nakia and His Southern Cousins...always a great set! I particularly like the relatively huge size of the band (10ft at least) as well as the mammoth hugging couple in the middle. Was sitting up closer to the stage when I drew those figures...so....Doh....proportions be damned...!

New Mexico Feeding the Artist's Soul Tour '09

2009-10-11T16:00:00.009-05:00

The next couple of days following the epic balloon | Tram adventure were low key explorations of Santa Fe with sketches of the courtyard of The Shed restaurant and the Palace of the Governors in the historic Plaza district. Countless shops, galleries, and museums make this area an exploration of the dynamic pulse of the Santa Fe creative arts.

The Shed Courtyard, Santa Fe | 10.7.09 | Pen and Ink, Watercolor
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

The Palace of the Governors | 10.8.09 | Graphite, pen
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

sketching in The Shed Restaurant

Spent an afternoon touring the Georgia O'keefe Museum. This tour provided a wonderful exploration of the artist's philosophy regarding the creative spirit and abstract art, her strength of conviction regarding her art, her technique with pastel, acrylic, and abstract color...and an in depth biographical glimpse into the artists love affair with NM. The exhibit displayed quotes and biographical information painted on the exhibit walls accompanying her works, along with stunning historic photographs, several taken by Ansel Adams. Wandering exploration of the historic plaza area...weather turned a bit chilly for outdoor sketching but absorbing a lifetime of images and influences for inspiration and future reference....

San Miguel Church
Oldest church in the US

Santa Fe sunsets/sunrises are stunning

New Mexico Feeding the Artist's Soul Tour '09

2009-10-11T14:54:00.011-05:00

Madrid, Turquoise Trail | Higher and Higher | Epic Day of Adventure

Floating down the Turquoise Trail after epic heights of adventure we soak in the gorgeous landscape on display along this drive and stop as the sun begins to set. Madrid is a mining ghost town nestled on the northeast side of the Sandia Mountains. We stopped for a stroll through this small village of about 400 residents, revived by artists. Dotted with shops, galleries, bed and breakfasts, and The Mineshaft Tavern, we stopped for refreshments with the locals and ghosts of Madrid.

The Mineshaft Tavern

One unique gallery after another

We ride into the sunset the sounds of indian flute music and old west ghosts echoing in our trail bringing an epic day of adventure to a beautiful close.

New Mexico Feeding the Artist's Soul Tour '09

2009-10-11T12:23:00.030-05:00

Sandia Peak Tram | Higher and Higher | Epic Day of Adventure

Still abuzz from the epic balloon ride we newly anointed aeronauts float to the car and meandered to the base of the Sandia Mountains over which we had watched the sun rise earlier in the day. After having soared in a gentle hot air balloon up to 400ft above Albuquerque amidst the distant surrounding Sandia mountain range...we now boarded the Sandia Peaks Tramway for an intimate bird's eye view of the mountain landscape.

The world’s longest aerial tramway transported us above deep canyons and breathtaking terrain a distance of 2.7 miles. The vantage point from the observation deck atop 10,378 foot Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest afforded an 11,000 square-mile panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley and the Land of Enchantment.

at the base of the Sandia mountain range

the tram ascends, looking up at the halfway tower

three quarters of the way to the top.....

All the Views That's Fit To Print...

from inside the tram......

...and from the eagles wingtip

reaching the peak

from the peak (10,378ft)

At the peak the landscape unfolds as far as the eye can see...breathtaking fall color and panoramas to feed the artist's soul. It's at this height that I realize that this epic adventure journey is less about sketching per se and much more about nurturing an immersive artistic connection with the colors, landscape, and creative spirit pulsing around me that will feed future creative expressions in line, color and paint. I will seek opportunities to sketch as they arise,...all the while absorbing like a thirsty sponge the experiences and influences of the landscape, artist community, and creative spirit of NM.

the return ride

back at the foot of the Sandia mountains
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Back on the ground....the adventure doesn't get any higher than this. The combination of the balloon and tram rides is thoroughly intoxicating, beyond words and pictures, complete with a big wide perma grin. We round out the epic day with a homeward journey to Santa Fe via the Turquoise Trail, this time with the intent to spend a little time in one of the "ghost town" artist colonies, Madrid, along the way....

New Mexico Sketch Tour 09

2009-10-08T09:13:00.034-05:00

Balloon Fiesta | RainbowRyders Epic Flight | Epic Day of Adventure

Note: so much adventure, so little time....changing from a day to day format to reflection format...

Surprised that I could sleep at all, up at 3:30am and on the road by 5am for the grand adventure of the trip. Today we're flying in a RainbowRyders Fiesta balloon that will launch with hundreds of others at dawn. We're in high gear and make it to the Fiesta grounds in record time. We sign in, get our flight briefing, and wait briefly to go out to the field where our balloon and crew await.

While standing with new friends who will be flying with us the Dawn Patrol balloon ascends to scout out the wind and flying conditions to give the "go or no" green light to the crews below. Against the pre-dawn moon the twinkling lights trailing from the balloon are joined by the glow of the hot air fire jets as the patrol balloon lights up like a graceful night lite.

Dawn Patrol

Conditions are favorable (!) and we head out to the launch site.... We follow the crew holding a sign with the number of our balloon down the main avenue and all around us crews are readying their rigs, laying out the balloons flat, gondola's laying on their sides, fans sending cold air into the balloons to begin inflating them, opening the envelopes to the bursts of superheated air from the jets....all of this activity sending thrills of anticipation through us, the roar and flare of the jets illuminating the pre-dawn air as first light begins to dawn over the Sandia Mountains.

strolling to the launch site

Flares from neighboring balloon jets illuminate our ride
as it stretches out on the launch site grass.

The high power fans' and hot air engines' roar and flares, the pink grey dawn light, and the excited conversations of hundreds of aeronaut wannabees fills the air sent streaming into the emerging balloons. As the rainbowRyder crew ready's the balloon for inflation, we receive our pre-flight briefing from world-class pilot, Tommy Brown.

pre-flight briefing

As sunrise kicks into gear, so do the crews and the pageantry of the mass ascension blooms. Hundreds of balloons begin to inflate and the roar and light of the hot air jets illuminate and punctuate the action in staccato roars and billowing colors.

Sunrise over the Sandias

oooohhh shiney! Can I fly it?!

The balloon we'll be riding in is 7 stories tall

Pilot Tommy Brown cranks up the heat

Neighbors take off left and right

Ready for launch

pure excitement as we lift off with a roar...

mass ascension from the air....

The balloon ascends...Bear, Barb, and Brad.....rainbow riders all....
with Pops headin' the charge

soaring and floating to the horizon and beyond
with the lighthearted herd of dreams

Balloons to the left of me, balloons to the right,
here I am floatin' in the middle with you....!

higher and higher.....

"rush hour" over downtown Albuquerque

drifting....floating.....soaring....

The hour-long ride was indescribable and left a lasting full body natural high that emanated from my feet swirled through my belly and left my head floating high above the ground for many hours after we touched ground. The pilot punctuated the epic ride by descending over a 100ft stand of trees, brushing the gondola over the last 3 ft of treetop. The maneuver happened to touch the gondola, inches from my fingertips, next to and under me with a jazz drum brush stroke.....tickling under my feet, and slowing the balloon down as the pilot had intended. This added thrill gilded the buzz as we touched down with a gentle bump, slide, hop, and settle. Rainbow Riders Rule!

rainbow riding aeronauts' epic adventure ride!

New Mexico Sketch Tour 09

2009-10-07T21:23:00.008-05:00

Day 5 | 10.5.09 Chillin' on Canyon Road

After a full day @ the Fiesta and scenic drives we went low-key and spent the day strolling along Canyon Road, Santa Fe's Art Gallery District, renowned around the world as "the art and soul of Santa Fe". We dropped in to visit a relative of my dad's closest friend @ their gallery, Zaplin | Lampert Gallery, on Canyon Road. We had an excellent lunch at The Compound

and then meandered through a collection of the most wonderful galleries lining both sides of this famous gallery district. Inspirational. Stopped in at The Tea House for Ginger Pumpkin Chai's on the flai!

An interesting aspect of this district is that most of the galleries are unassuming and low-key from the outside...you could walk right by them without an inkling of the treasure within, but step inside, and without fail, you're met with museum quality collector pieces. Each gallery is an exquisite showcase displaying a unique collection unlike anything you've seen before. This was truly an inspiring stroll through creative diversity and depth of soul.

Headed back early to rest up for the main event.....a 3:30am wake-up call to make sure that we were ready and at the Balloon Fiesta Park and at the RainbowRyders outfitters by 6:00am for our flight!

New Mexico Sketch Tour 09

2009-10-05T09:27:00.016-05:00

Day 4 | 10.4.09 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Up at 5:00am for a run to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. We are scheduled to crew in a RainbowRyders balloon on Tues, so today we are heading to the Fiesta to scout out how to get to the Fiesta Park and to locate our balloon guides, and to enjoy the Fiesta from the ground.

We head down I-25 South to Albuquerque at 75mph (gotta love the speed limits in NM), first light illuminating the landscape, and reach the park with ease and giddy excitement. We enter the park just as the dawn breaks over the Fiesta crowd and balloon crews readying their rigs, and the first Dawn Patrol balloon ascends to scout out the flying conditions and relay the "green" light for the main event the early morning Mass Ascension when all of the balloons flying that day ready their balloon for flight and ascend in a ballet pageant of color, teamwork, and thrills.

The pageantry and excitement of the Fiesta defies expectations, words, and pictures....there are no adults at this event only children and bigger children...all united with a sense of wonder and thrill as these gentle giants emerge, grow, swell to be free of their bonds, finally to soar with gentle grace and roaring spirit into the crystal clear crisp morning air...thrilling the flight crews and ground bound alike as each ascension is met with cheers and applause as hearts fill and overflow with the childlike joy of success and wonderment.

mass ascension dawn flight

We meandered through this early morning field of dreams laughing and catching the spirit of balloon flight...giddy excitement building in anticipation of our turn to join the ascension with only wicker and air beneath our feet and the roaring flame of the billowing gentle giant above carrying us aloft.

Each pilot gauges conditions and is soley responsible for the decision to launch or not. While most of the balloons ascend to the thrill of all, for some, wisdom and experience prevail in the moment and the inflated balloon is grounded, and "goes down" expertly tended and stored by the crew with a knowing grin, that the magic and whimsy of balloon flight will ascend another day.

After conferring with the pilot about his decision to ground his balloon the pilot confides that he just didn't feel it in the conditions and dad owns a gem of pilot wisdom.... "I'd rather be down here wishing I were up there, then up there wishing I were down here!"

After the Mass Ascension we wandered the Fiesta grounds enjoying roasted corn, scoring event memorabilia , and radiating with the after glow of what we had witnessed. I lucked out and had the opportunity to meet Meg Leonard the artist who created the official fiesta event poster. I purchased the poster...a gorgeous fine art serigraph print on heavy rag paper, unsigned, and had a chance to chat with Meg as she signed my print.

After our morning of balloon wonderment we headed to the Old Town section Albuquerque. Avoiding tourist traps we unearthed a dining gem, La Placita Dining Rooms.

photo by: milton shaevel; aka "pops"

photo by: "pops"

photo by: "pops"
mmmmmmmm......facita's!

photo by: "pops"

photo by: "pops"

photo by: "pops"

We continued our explorations meandering through Old Town galleries and sidestreets, under gorgeous crystal clear 68 degree Autum sunshine. Glorious. We began angling back to Santa Fe by venturing to the Sandia Peak Tramway with the intention of riding to the top of this mountain range. The lines were over an hour long so we decided to hit the tram adventure after our Fiesta balloon ride on Tuesday.

We headed out of Albuquerque for the day, via the ever amazing Turquoise Trail route and rode into the sunset to base camp still radiating with the joy of the day.

Stay Tuned for video clips to follow....

New Mexico Sketch Tour 09

2009-10-05T00:16:00.014-05:00

Day 3 | 10.3.09 Santa Fe Scenic Byway (Hwy 475)

The Fall foliage beckoned as we noticed that trees we had driven by the day before were now, overnight, transformed by a cold snap, shocked into their Fall colors. Timing couldn't be better.

We fueled up again at the Guadalupe Cafe as it was amazing vegetarian New Mexican cuisine. We were also mere blocks away from the beginning of this dramatic 15-mile drive that starts at the old plaza in the center of town and climbs high into the lush forests of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The spectacular route winds uphill through mountainsides covered in forest that soon turns from pinion and juniper to ponderosa. Further up the drive (8500ft) winding our way through Hyde Memorial State Park the forest changes to Douglas fir, aspen and other high elevation trees, and views of the Rio Grande Valley open up to the west.

We turned around at the mountain's peak (12,000ft) at the Sante Fe Ski Area which is the highest point in New Mexico, and the second highest in the United States.

Descending through moment by moment chameleon shimmering overlooks at every turn, we crowned the drive with a stop at Aspen Vista which provided a view of the vast aspen covered mountainside.

As we discovered, in early October the trees peak and cover the mountain with brilliant gold and every shade of gold-green, and chile red enchantment fulfilling the promise that this drive is one of the premier Autumn spots in New Mexico.

New Mexico Sketch Tour 09

2009-10-02T22:52:00.009-05:00

Day 2 | 10.2.09 El Paso to Albequerque to Santa Fe via the the historic Tourquoise Trail (Hwy 14)

The landscape is epic and jawdropping...one magnificent vista after another. Words and pictures can't convey.... skirted through Albuquerque and quickly onto Hwy 14...aka The Turquoise Trail a 48-mile paved highway that passes through several interesting historic towns (Golden, Madrid, and Los Cerrillos) and the foothills of three mountain ranges (Sandia, Ortiz, and San Pedro Mountains).

The day still primarily spent behind the wheel heading to base camp at the Residence Inn Marriott | Santa Fe. We arrived around 5pm and headed to The Shed restaurant in the historic Plaza, but unable to get in, dined at the Guadalupe Cafe, which was fantastic.

Well, after two days travel, we've arrived and immersed head first into the New Mexico landscape, set up base camp and the mobile studio...and will begin sketch sessions in earnest starting tomorrow.

studio712 New Mexico Sketch Tour 09

2009-10-02T07:47:00.007-05:00

Day 1 10.1.09 Austin en route to El Paso.

Heading to Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This will be the central adventure of a meandering 12-day sketch tour through central and north central New Mexico (Albuquerque, Sante Fe, and Taos).

The mobile studio gear includes a USB Flip video for visual note taking and archiving subjects for future inspiration. Looking forward to experimenting with pen and ink, watercolor, acrylic, and oil pastel sketches and small plein aire paintings in an adventure study of the light and colors of new mexico.

Thoroughly suprised by the grandeur of the west Texas landscape. For the first time gained a visceral appreciation for the vast size of the state. Plains, prairies, foothills, mountains extending in big sky vistas as far as the eye can see. I-10 was as straight a road as I've ever driven for 8 hours, at times with not another car in sight.....it was the single most pleasant highway drive I can remember taking. Yesterday was a travel day, but today will be the first meandering sketch day....stay tuned. :)

Summertime....and the Livin' is easy............

2009-09-15T20:28:00.005-05:00

Apparently I was destined to take an unplanned summer hiatus from the studio...who knew?!

The break serves me well as a snapshot for recognizing my vulnerability to creative disconnect and the experience is a lesson that fuels my impetus to forever renew my license to create.

To organize my learning and facilitate a committed connection to my creative nature, I'm focusing on an MCSA (Master of Creative Studio Arts) curriculum which will be an intuitive and organic (read: "self-taught" ;) pursuit of practical experience in the creative studio process as a way of life.

Fall 2009 MCSA Curriculum

Creativity - Studio Process

Readings:

McNiff, Shaun (1998); Trust the Process: An Artist's Guide to Letting Go, New York, Shambhala

Whether in painting, poetry, performance, music, dance, or life there is an intelligence working in every situation. This force is the primary carrier of creation.

If we trust it and follow its natural movement, it will astound us with its ability to find a way through problems - and even make creative use of our mistakes and failures

There is magic to this process that cannot be controlled by the ego. Somehow it always finds the way to the place where you need to be, and a destination you never could have known in advance.

When everything seems hopeless and going nowhere.....trust the process.

Color Expression

Readings:

Quiller, Stephen (1999); Painter's Guide to Color, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York.

Innovative and accessible color-theory techniques to train your eye to see and use color in
exciting ways.

Leland, Nita (2008); An Artist's Guide to Harmony, Contrast, and Unity, Northlight Boo ks,Cincinnati Ohio

The learning themes for Fall09 are:

1. Establish a consistent internalized trusting connection to the Creative Process.
2. Explore the world of color as it relates to abstract and objective compositions through creative play with digital painting, acrylic, and oil pastel mediums.
3. Maintain sketchbook and blog practices as conduits for discovery, connectivity and ongoing documentation of commitment to the Creative Process.

studio sprite

2009-05-19T08:35:00.034-05:00

Aiki, the first of the studio sprites to make itself known; is a DoubtEater, whose unconditional loving gaze embodies the joyful Creative Spirit, and dispels all doubt in the face of the Void of the blank canvas.

It's said that you can whisper into its ears an offering of your deepest held creative fears, doubts, self-criticisms, etc... and that you'll always be met with a wonderous, unwavering and loving gaze radiating compassion for your fears, and sparkling with a glimmer that flows from the Creative Spirit. With the gentle giggling-like sounds of the rustling and fluttering of its shimmering irridescent plumes, Aiki takes the sounds of your doubts in one ear and joyfully shakes them out the other, as if nothing, no more weighty than the last few drops of a warm summer rain. Aiki playfully flits, nudges, and nestles the spaces around your head, heart and hands, reassuring you with an offering of the gift of an ever new moment within which you too can embody the Creative Spirit.....

Aiki spirit: unconditional unlimited, copyright free!

2009-05-18T08:31:00.009-05:00

Quick sketch exercises in pen and ink practicing skin tones and applying oil pastel with solvent washes.

Reflections: Journey of the Mind in Space (or the artists quantum quandary...where to paint that first rock?.....)

2009-05-17T12:02:00.040-05:00

A creative and spiritual friend, remarked in response to seeing the top sketch in the previous post below that it reminded her of a Japanese zen garden. She explained..."look at the structure and colors from the Japanese garden in Portland and look at your top sketch. They speak the same language. The garden - it's just amazing and one of the most tranquil places to be in the city.

I'll forever be grateful for that comment.

Her words resonated deeply and clearly expressed a connection between studio efforts to explore the application of various mediums into expressive visual form and an intuitive pre-verbal "story" behind it. Associations rippled and memories fired illuminating and connecting paths I'd searched in past contexts like martial arts kata competition and Aikido's "Dynamic Sphere" as an intuitive clairscentient practice. These were physical exercises in the effort to integrate mind and body, and develop an awareness and appreciation of "flow" while pursuing opportunities to embody it in the moment. The suggested context of the Japanese zen garden in response to the abstract sketch below connected this powerful pathway to the studio practice. Not with a resounding "click", though the fly on the wall may have jumped into flight just the same, but with a "vibrating flowing buzzing joyful silence" - in this light, the practice of contemplating, composing, and integrating line, form, structure and colors that speak "the same language" as the Japanese zen garden, becomes the joyful study and pursuit of opportunities to embody in the moment, the patterns of flow.

excerpt - Alan Watts | The Watercourse Way

The Tao is a certain kind of order, and this kind of order is not quite what we call order when we arrange everything geometrically in boxes, or in rows. That is a very crude kind of order, but when you look at a plant it is perfectly obvious that the plant has order. We recognize at once that is not a mess, but it is not symmetrical and it is not geometrical looking. The plant looks like a Chinese drawing, because they appreciated this kind of non-symmetrical order so much that it became an integral aspect of their painting. In the Chinese language this is called li, and the character for li means the markings in jade. It also means the grain in wood and the fiber in muscle. We could say, too, that clouds have li, marble has li, the human body has li. We all recognize it, and the artist copies it whether he is a landscape painter, a portrait painter, an abstract painter, or a non-objective painter. They all are trying to express the essence of li. The interesting thing is, that although we all know what it is, there is no way of defining it. Because Tao is the course, we can also call li the watercourse, and the patterns of li are also the patterns of flowing water. We see those patterns of flow memorialized, as it were, as sculpture in the grain in wood, which is the flow of sap, in marble, in bones, in muscles. All these things are patterned according to the basic principles of flow. --

A lifelong adventure mapped in the i-ki dip of pen in ink, the scratch of point along ground, the flow of oil pastelled into life through the breadth of the wrist........a joyful way to live a making!

note:
top image: copyright Troy Kujala; Troy Kujala Photography
middle image: copyright Ron Cooper; Ron Cooper Photography
bottom image: copyright Yvonne Mestre ; Mesman Images

2009-05-15T08:39:00.009-05:00

sketchbook; ink and oil pastel; 4" x 4, Raffine paper

Two abstract pen and ink and oil pastel technique exercise sketches. These 4 x 4 sketches are done purely to explore different drawing and painting techniques with the media.

I've discovered the joy of drawing with a dip/fountain pen. I'll be exploring sketching more with the dip pen rather than the illustration drawing pens since the range of expressive line from the nib pen is incomparable. There is something very meditative about the surface tension and adjustments to hand pressure that occur between the stylus nib and the paper that is missing with the continuous flow pens. Also the rhythm of drawing and pausing to dip and resuming the drawing is relaxing and gives time for taking a breath to fuel the next line. The Raffine sketch paper holds up beautifully to multiple wet washes, pen and ink nibs, and scrafitto drawing into the oil pastel layers for an etched line texture and scratchboard-like technique for revealing underlying layers of color in line...("Scraffito" from the Italian word “to scratch”).

2009-05-08T08:51:00.013-05:00

In the process of cataloging reference color swatches on Raffine sketch book paper (100lb, off-white 25% cotton, archival sheets) that has a fast velvety feel to it, (even when writing text with a ballpoint pen)! Going to test this paper with Golden acrylic ground for pastels for doing general color chord and color layer build up experiments. I'm also in the process of digitizing the color sets for use with Corel Painter for digital pastel color/composition experiments. In addition to the full 120 set, I'm making corresponding groups for the Landscape, Portrait, and Still Life oil pastel sets. A few of the colors (pinks and light yellows) get washed out in the light of the scan so those will have to be digitized by eye.

Sennelier 120 ColorSet

Sennelier 24 Landscape ColorSet

This exercise is a fun, and surprising way to experience every color in the set and to begin internalizing the colors before exploring color schemes and specific compositions. The biggest surprise was the colors. These sing out and shimmer and I'm eager to see how they play well with others.

Sennelier bliss....

2009-05-06T00:52:00.012-05:00

Oh joy!! The Sennelier 120 Box set arrived today. I lost no time liberating them from their cozy wood storage/display box to center stage at the workstation. Like the starting line up at the Kentucky derby all 120 thoroughbreds are straining in the gate, shimmering at the ready for their rollicking color study furlongs.

I plan to explore each sumptuous stick with a swatch sample as well as creating an equivalent Corel Painter "Senellier 120" digital color swatch set. With the corresponding digital "Sonnelier" pastel palette, I'll employ Painter's wide array of natural media digital oil pastel "brushes" and with the expressive responsiveness of the Wacom pen tablet, will explore endless compositional and color study possibilities in preparation for putting Sennelier pastel to panel. I'll be documenting the work flow process here, as well as posting the pieces, for anyone else that may be interested in exploring this approach to color study and creativity in oil pastels.

Pure Bliss...!

This set of extraordinary pastels is a birthday gift from my parents, whose love and enthusiastic shared enjoyment of my artistic adventure is a joyous, priceless blessing... I dedicate all that flows from this gift to them.

2009-05-04T08:47:00.017-05:00

Ongoing study of contemporary masters for color chords and theory, composition, transitions, phrasing and edge control, and media application techniques.

color study | chord theme: last light |

hard and soft pastel | 5 x 7 Ampersand pastelbord

oil pastel | 5 x 7 Ampersand pastelbord

oil pastel | 5 x 7 Ampersand gessobord

2009-04-29T08:25:00.018-05:00

City hall 1 (study) | 4.28.09

acrylic, oil pastel, pastel pencil; 5 x 7 Ampersand pastelbord

2009-04-24T10:16:00.021-05:00

color study | chord theme: "summer heat" | 4.23.09

oil pastel (Sakura Cray-Pa "Expressionist" 25 set)

5 x 7" Ampersand pastelboard

Studying color chords, and oil pastel techniques (underpainting, blending, layering, edge control). I'm using a box set of 25 oil pastels that I've had tucked away, unused, for years. I'm getting familiar with the application characteristics of these sticks, but I don't have anything to compare them to yet. I'm looking forward to comparing these to a 120 color box set of Sennelier oil pastels I'll be picking up next week. After getting familiar with those for a while, I'm really looking forward to comparing the Senneliers to the 225 color box set of Holbein oil pastels that are arranged in 25 gorgeous hue sets that shimmer with the promise of an amazing range of color, value, and chordal inspiration.

Reflections: Worlds Collide

2009-04-20T12:26:00.065-05:00

I set aside the weekend to take a break from looking outward to the urban landscape for forms, compositions, and subject matter, and to dedicate studio time to a relaxed study of color theory as it relates to sketching, drawing, and plein aire painting.

Through exploring color, I discovered the need to expand, by half, my personal definition of "sketch hunting". It became clear that looking to the external landscape as the sole source from which to translate perceptions of the world into representational sketches is only 180^o of the sketch hunting terrain. A fundamental subterranean 180^o of the sketch hunting grounds is to be found within and adds the soul source to the sketch hunting creative process.

This weekend's color study included exploring "color chords", the intuitive attraction and arrangement of a color set (Connie Smith Siegel's "The Spirit of Color") . In lieu of stacks of colored papers, as proposed by Siegel, I arranged color chord (or "theme") palettes through readily available digital tools. I found Adobe Kuler and Color Explorer to be extremely useful. The first surprise was the pure joy of perceiving color arrays and relationships for their own sake. Having intuited a color chord I reached for drawing media at hand, hard and soft pastels, found sticks to closely match the chord colors I'd chosen, and created my first color improv study. The two color studies below use the same color chord, though expressed with different media.

colorImprov_01 (7" x 5") | hard/soft chalk Pastel | 4.19.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Freed from the confines of representational sketching, the next discovery was that my awareness was more fully focused on the two elemental forces of the sketching exploration, color and the medium itself. A flowing surprise was an emergent meditative appreciation of the physically expressive influence of the drawing medium on the "aiki" of the sketching action. It was refreshing, literally, to experience a visceral connection with the "dance" of the drawing movement as it expressed into form. When sketching the external world I often notice "pressure" or cognitive "demand" driving the process, and into the medium, in the effort to "muscle" visual perceptions into representational line and form. Communion with the physical act of drawing can be overpowered, and the act of sketching becomes merely an expedient to the visual end product. This driven tension was replaced during this improvisational color sketch with a relaxed flow of enjoyment and receptive internal exploration of a meditative expressive state. Creative "tension" still existed, but it's nature is very different, rather than the sketching actions being driven to "represent" some thing(s), the meeting of the medium to the "matte" was fueled by an energetic and expressive response to breathing and color through movement.

A final surprise emerged when I picked up the oil pastels for the second color improv study. I was struck immediately with the elemental differences between the oil pastel and the hard/soft chalk pastels.

colorImprove_02 (7" x 5"; thumbnail 3.5" x 2") | Oil Pastel | 4.19.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

The nature of the oil pastel, it's maleable blending, and receptivity to scratching and lifting of pigment, felt familiar and intuitive...it's reminiscent of the many hours I've spent scrimshaw etching. Being able to etch and draw/sketch into the color was like returning home after being away for a long time, though no "real time" had actually passed.

The season has officially opened on internal sketch hunting, an endless source of discovery and experimentation as two intimately related sketch hunting grounds coalesce!

AVAA Life Drawing

2009-04-14T12:38:00.015-05:00

I'm thoroughly enjoying these tentative beginnings. Each session demands full attention and engagement.... Each pose brings an endless world of challenges within challenges...

Studying visual analysis of forms, proportions, composition, lighting, texture, and expressive nuance. Also deeply enjoying the fundamental exploration, through trial and effort, of drawing materials and methods to gain increments of sensitive control over the media.

Each pose defines a story within which i'm intermittently aware of the incessant cadence of time while in other moments time is nowhere to be found...

22nd World Wide SketchCrawl!

2009-04-11T20:32:00.032-05:00

Guero's Taco Bar, SoCo | graphite | 4.11.09

Hey Cupcake! airstream cupcake shop; SoCo | charcoal | 4.11.09

copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License

April 11, 2009 participated in the World Wide Sketch Crawl while in SoCo, Austin Tx. SketchCrawl.com broadcasts drawing marathons from around the world with artists meeting and drawing in more than 90 locations worldwide on announced dates.

Perched on the back of the mobile plein air studio "Serenity" (a Dragonfly class hyper drive stealth transport retrofitted for art supply reallocation :). She is protection from the elements, roadside accommodations, and perfect for scouting and setting sketch base camps in urban and back country locales.

SoCo (South Congress)

2009-04-11T20:11:00.006-05:00

South Congress Ave. looking north toward the Texas Capital Building | graphite | 4.10.09

Plein Air Austin @ The Triangle

2009-04-04T14:29:00.021-05:00

artist painting in front of The Flying Saucer restaurant | graphite | 4.409

artist painting the fountain in front of Mandola's | graphite | 4.4.09

interior Mandola's Italian Market | graphite | 4.4.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Three quick studies with an eye toward establishing values and composition rather than detail. I think I'll begin to experiment more with pen line and ink wash for value studies and sketches in general.

AVAA Life Drawing

2009-03-31T08:10:00.020-05:00

AVAA Life Drawing group | charcoal pencil and conte on Canson pastel paper | 3.30.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Exploring different life drawing materials. Tonight it's charcoal and conte on Canson Mi-Teintes paper. It's fascinating to see the difference that the paper color and texture have on the quality of line, tone, and relative warmth of the drawing. Used both smooth and "toothed" sides of the paper to see the effects. This week completed the warm up gestures in an 8x10 sketch book, and moved to pastel paper sheet taped to drawing board for the longer 20 - 30 minute poses. The three hour session is a long time to maintain focus and an engaged and enquiring mindful exploration of the figure and drawing techniques.

There is so much going on during life drawing learning - both internal (attention|focus, sensation, subconcious preparation) and external (relating to, choosing, manipulating materials) and the fluid synergy of the two spheres of experience in the moment. It is a humbling and exciting practice with depth enough for many lifetimes of passionate obsession.

Reflections

2009-03-30T16:44:00.030-05:00

If it's true that "21 days makes a habit" then March '09 was all about placing both feet, first one then the other, with mindful attention, on the path of the sketch hunter and artist. This sketch journal marks the trail and the expanding ripples of adventure and connectivity as they emerge and evolve.

Spring is here! The excitement of longer days and milder weather in store.

April, '09 is dedicated to focused self-study to strengthen my visual vocabulary and reconnect with my creative voice through the practice of:

- Basic drawing skills, including control of value, line, and composition as expressed in the sketch
- Color theory and it's application to expressive plein air drawing and painting
- Exploration of media and tools in service of an agile mobile studio

and participation in:
- Figurative drawing groups
- Plein air painting group

In a nutshell....learning to See and to deeply appreciate and enjoy the view and people along the way...

Austin Hat Party '09 @ Jovita's

2009-03-29T00:02:00.011-05:00

Austin Hat Part @ Jovita's | Pen | 3.28.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

W. Riverside Drive

2009-03-28T23:53:00.004-05:00

Austin Skyline, Auditorium shores | Pen and ink | 3.28.09

2009-03-28T23:33:00.004-05:00

Austin Tx, Saturday morning | Pen | 3.28.09

Halcyon Coffee | Bar | Lounge

2009-03-25T19:02:00.007-05:00

Halcyon coffee house; rainy afternoon nook | pen and wash, graphite | 3.25.09

2009-03-25T08:21:00.008-05:00

Halcyon coffee house, 218 W. 4th St, Austin Tx | Pen and graphite | 3.24.09

AVAA Life Drawing

2009-03-24T07:25:00.009-05:00

AVAA Life Drawing group | graphite | 3.23.09

2009-03-23T17:51:00.005-05:00

reading | Pen and ink | 3.23.09

2009-03-23T13:32:00.013-05:00

7th and Congress Ave. Statue of Angelina Eberly | Pen | 3.23.09

SXSW Music: March 18-22, 2009

2009-03-19T21:33:00.029-05:00

The SXSW MUSIC AND MEDIA CONFERENCE showcases hundreds of musical acts from around the globe on over eighty stages in downtown Austin.

Auditorium Shores concert | Pen and graphite | 3.21.09

Antone's - SXSW Tribute | Pen and graphite | 3.21.09

Lavaca w. Aqua Scooter | Pen and watercolor| 3.21.09

100 Lavaca st. value studies | graphite | 3.21.09

Emo's free lineup w. Tears of Joy Hot Sauce Shop | Pen and graphite | 3.19.09

sxsw film d. Kevin Triplett, Blaze Foley Documentary; No show| Pen and graphite|3.19.09

St. Paddy's Day Pub (n' sketch) Crawl

2009-03-18T10:18:00.027-05:00

Flowing through two of Austin's premier Irish Pubs, B.D. Riley's and Fado with pint in one hand and point in the other!!

B. D. Riley's Irish Pub | Pen and graphite | 3.17.09

Fado Irish Pub @ 4th St., Block Party | Pen and graphite | 3.17.09

SXSW ScreenBurn '09

2009-03-15T19:25:00.021-05:00

ScreenBurn Arcade March 13-15, 2009

ScreenBurn at SXSW Interactive is the video game element of the South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive festival. ScreenBurn takes SXSW to the next level in terms of bringing together new media, music, film and the exploding world of video games.

AlienWare | Dell Gaming station | digital ink | 3.15.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

George Sabra, Sculptor, with: Newborn | 3.14.09 | Digital graphite
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Nature blends with technology, reminding us to be aware of the impact of our choices.

This art was created from scrap metal, driftwood, and computer parts from the ReConnect program.

Learn more at www.georgesabra.com

Chillin' @ The Hidout

2009-03-15T11:46:00.005-05:00

Austin Tx., The HideOut Improve Theatre | Pen and ink wash | 3.11.09

2009-03-15T11:35:00.003-05:00

Austin Tx, Sunday Morning | Pen and graphite | 3.15.09

2009-03-11T19:51:00.002-05:00

Austin Tx, interview @ the HideOut | graphite | 3.11.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

2009-03-11T19:38:00.001-05:00

chilled at The HideOut | Pen and watercolor | 3.11.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Austin City Limits (ACL) Fest 2008

2009-03-11T15:39:00.005-05:00

Austin Tx, ACL Fest 2008 (WaMu Tent) | graphite
copyright 2008 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

2009-03-11T15:32:00.002-05:00

Austin Tx, ACL Fest (AT&T Stage) | graphite
copyright 2008 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

2009-03-11T15:30:00.002-05:00

Austin Tx, ACL Fest 2008 (Dell Stage) | graphite
copyright 2008 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

2009-03-11T11:15:00.002-05:00

Austin Tx, Congress Ave. Bridge (Colorado River) | Graphite
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

2009-03-11T11:13:00.002-05:00

Norfolk, VA. HarborFest Blues Festival | Graphite
copyright 2007 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Downtown Austin

2009-03-11T11:10:00.004-05:00

Austin, Tx. Congress Ave Balcony (SpringBox) | Pen and graphite
copyright 2008 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

2009-03-11T10:58:00.002-05:00

Austin Tx. 7th and Congress | Pen and water soluble graphite
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

2009-03-10T17:02:00.002-05:00

Austin, Tx. B.D. Riley's 6th Street | Pen and graphite | 3.9.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

2009-03-10T16:59:00.003-05:00

Austin Tx, The HideOut, Congress & 7th | Pen and graphite | 3.8.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.d

2009-03-10T16:51:00.003-05:00

Austin, Tx. 6th and Red River | Pen and graphite | 3.9.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

2009-03-10T16:45:00.002-05:00

Austin Tx. 6th and Colorado St. fountain park | Pen and watercolor | 3.10.09
copyright 2009 b. scott shaevel | studio712; This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.