Art and Creative Techniques
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Modern Painting Techniques
In the ever-evolving world of visual arts, the boundaries of traditional painting techniques are continuously being pushed and reimagined. In our 15 years installing… Contemporary artists are exploring experimental approaches, utilizing unconventional media, and redefining the power of color theory to create captivating works that challenge the status quo.
One artist who has seamlessly blended classical painting traditions with a modern sensibility is Kehinde Wiley. Wiley’s large-scale oil paintings draw inspiration from the grand portraiture of the Old Masters, but he subverts the historical narratives by placing contemporary African American subjects in these iconic poses and settings. Wiley’s vibrant, ornate backgrounds juxtaposed with his heroic figures serve as a powerful commentary on representation, identity, and the shifting dynamics of power.
Similarly, the work of Jon Burgerman demonstrates a playful and imaginative approach to modern painting techniques. Burgerman’s signature style, which he refers to as “doodling,” involves a spontaneous, gestural process of building up layers of anthropomorphic characters and abstract forms. By embracing the unexpected and celebrating the beauty in imperfection, Burgerman’s creations radiate a sense of joyful energy that transcends traditional notions of fine art.
Pencil Drawing Tutorials
While painting may be the primary focus for many contemporary artists, the art of pencil drawing continues to captivate both seasoned professionals and aspiring creatives. From mastering the sketching fundamentals to honing advanced shading techniques, the pencil remains a versatile and expressive medium.
One artist who has elevated the craft of pencil drawing is Casey Kawaguchi, a muralist known for his evocative depictions of a recurring female character. Kawaguchi’s intricate linework and attention to detail imbue his drawings with a sense of depth and emotion, often blending elements of realism and abstraction. By drawing inspiration from his Japanese heritage and personal experiences, Kawaguchi’s pencil works explore the complexities of identity and the interplay between tradition and modernity.
For those seeking to develop their photorealistic rendering skills, techniques such as gridded sketching, value studies, and blending methods can help capture intricate details and achieve a lifelike quality. Incorporating these specialized approaches can elevate the artistry of pencil drawings, allowing artists to capture the essence of their subjects with precision and nuance.
Urban Sketching
Capturing the City
The dynamic energy and ever-changing landscapes of urban environments have long captivated the imaginations of artists. Observational drawing, with its focus on capturing the essence of a scene through architectural elements and unique on-site perspectives, has become a popular practice within the realm of urban sketching.
The Bradenton Times highlights the potential for reimagining a beloved local park, Lewis Park, through a lens of modern design and community engagement. By considering the park’s historical significance and the needs of current and future residents, the article envisions transforming the space into a vibrant, multifunctional hub that could revitalize the surrounding neighborhood.
This approach to urban sketching underscores the importance of observing one’s environment with a critical eye, identifying areas for growth and innovation. Whether capturing the iconic architecture of a city skyline or the intimate details of a bustling street corner, the art of urban sketching enables artists to document the evolving character of their surroundings and inspire meaningful change.
Reimagining Tradition
While the practice of urban sketching often focuses on the immediate present, some artists have found inspiration in blending historical techniques with contemporary interpretations. This approach allows for a unique dialogue between the past and the future, challenging preconceptions and encouraging a fresh perspective on the urban landscape.
Kehinde Wiley’s work is a prime example of this reimagined tradition. By referencing the grand portraiture of the Old Masters, Wiley not only pays homage to the artistic legacy of the past but also subverts the exclusivity of that historical narrative. His vibrant, ornate backgrounds and the regal depiction of his contemporary African American subjects create a powerful synthesis of the old and the new, inviting viewers to reconsider the dynamics of power, representation, and identity.
Similarly, Jon Burgerman challenges the conventional boundaries of urban sketching by incorporating elements of graffiti and ephemeral public art. His “polite graffiti” chalk drawings and spontaneous street interventions blur the line between the permanent and the transient, encouraging a playful and participatory engagement with the city.
Through these multifaceted approaches, urban sketching becomes a platform for artists to not only document their surroundings but also to reframe the narrative, inspiring new ways of understanding and reimagining the spaces we inhabit.
Creative Inspiration
Finding Subjects
The boundless creativity of the urban landscape offers a wealth of subjects for the discerning artist. From the towering skyscrapers and bustling city streets to the unassuming details of everyday life, the city serves as a captivating source of inspiration.
For Casey Kawaguchi, the urban environment has played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic practice. Kawaguchi’s recurring female character, with her pensive gaze and regal bearing, is a reflection of his own cultural heritage and personal experiences as a fourth-generation American. By drawing inspiration from the diverse aesthetics and historical narratives that permeate the city, Kawaguchi’s work becomes a powerful exploration of identity, tradition, and the indelible mark of place.
Similarly, Jon Burgerman finds endless inspiration in the visual language of the urban landscape, from the playful graffiti scrawls to the unexpected juxtapositions of everyday objects. Burgerman’s whimsical characters and spontaneous interventions transform the mundane into the extraordinary, inviting passersby to engage with their environment in a new and delightful way.
Cultivating Vision
Beyond the physical realm of the city, the art of urban sketching requires a keen sense of observation and a willingness to explore the unexpected. Cultivating this creative vision often involves mindfulness practices, conceptual ideation, and a multidisciplinary approach to one’s artistic practice.
For Kehinde Wiley, the act of portraiture becomes a means of challenging societal norms and reclaiming the narrative of representation. By immersing himself in the rich tapestry of historical art and contemporary culture, Wiley is able to distill the essence of his subjects and imbue their depictions with a sense of power, dignity, and belonging.
Likewise, Jon Burgerman emphasizes the importance of spontaneity and experimentation in his creative process, embracing the concept of “thinking and making at the same time.” This approach allows him to tap into his subconscious and intuitive responses, resulting in works that are both visually captivating and emotionally resonant.
By cultivating a multifaceted approach to their craft, urban sketching artists are able to transcend the purely representational and delve into the realms of social commentary, personal expression, and interdisciplinary exploration.
Artistic Design Principles
Composition and Layout
The art of urban sketching extends beyond merely capturing the visual elements of a scene; it also requires a keen understanding of compositional principles and the strategic arrangement of elements within the frame.
Kehinde Wiley’s paintings exemplify a balanced asymmetry, with his subjects often occupying a central or off-center position, surrounded by intricate, dynamic patterns that draw the viewer’s eye inward. This interplay of focal points and framing creates a sense of visual tension and invites the viewer to engage with the work on a deeper level.
Similarly, Casey Kawaguchi’s pencil drawings skillfully employ compositional techniques to highlight the expressive qualities of his recurring female character. By strategically placing the figure within the frame and leveraging the contrast between positive and negative space, Kawaguchi is able to imbue his works with a sense of emotional depth and narrative intrigue.
Color and Mood
The strategic use of color can be a powerful tool in the arsenal of the urban sketching artist, capable of evoking specific moods, emotions, and atmospheric effects.
Kehinde Wiley’s vibrant, saturated palettes serve as a striking counterpoint to the traditional muted tones of historical portraiture, creating a visual tension that reflects the broader social and political themes of his work. The rich, ornate backgrounds not only anchor the composition but also imbue the subjects with a sense of regal presence and cultural pride.
In contrast, Jon Burgerman’s playful, whimsical color combinations are integral to the lighthearted, joyful energy that permeates his creations. By embracing a bold, expressive use of color, Burgerman’s work resonates with a sense of playful spontaneity and an invitation for the viewer to engage with the art on an instinctive, emotional level.
Through the thoughtful application of color theory and an understanding of its emotive qualities, urban sketching artists can craft works that evoke a specific atmospheric mood and invite the viewer to connect with the subject matter on a deep, visceral level.
The contemporary approaches to urban sketching highlighted in this article demonstrate the boundless potential for artists to redefine the boundaries of traditional techniques, cultivate multifaceted creative visions, and craft captivating visual narratives that resonate with both seasoned art enthusiasts and emerging creatives. By embracing experimentation, interdisciplinary influences, and a fresh perspective on the world around them, these artists are paving the way for a new era of urban sketching that celebrates the dynamic interplay of the past, present, and future.
Example: Pencil Portrait Challenge 2024