Line is a rich metaphor for the artist. It denotes not only boundary, edge or contour, but is an agent for location, energy, and growth. It is literally movement and change – life itself. (Lance Esplund)
….and we’re off.
New semester, new students, new contour studies.
The first critique went the entire 2 hours and 45 minutes. They did get a short break. It was productive and energy was high and maybe tense now and again. Most everyone had something to say about the process, the marker, the pine cone, and / or my directions. I know I’ll miss some stuff but it went something like this…
It was not easy.
It was so hard.
I thought I wouldn’t be able to do this.
I loved it.
I didn’t like any of it.
I have no patience.
I was surprised by my patience.
I am happy with the drawing.
I like it…yeah.
I’ve never done something like this.
I usually have more…you know…not so many rules..
I especially appreciate that last comment.
The first assignment is a contour study of a complex object. Some students do more than inner and outer contour. They start to add texture. I don’t believe in stopping progress so I let it them go a bit. The nervousness for the majority of the class comes from the complexity of the subject-matter and the use of marker.
The assignment is such a valuable lesson, working slow and careful and developing patience. Learning to see the edge and translate it into a smooth flowing line and finally creating a flowing composition.
Here are a few samples of some of the completed works.
Kristine’s Pinecone
Manny’s Stepping Stones
Melissa’s Rejuvenated Pinecone
Ale’s Focusing
Sergio’s Pinecone
Kyle’s Calibration
The second semester students have other concerns, though they still have to emphasize contour lines.
Isi’s Delicatus
If they’re inclined they can take the general lesson out into the world – slow down, think carefully, do mindfully.
Monica Aissa Martinez 