Artistic Inspirations

1.) Reflect on your individual creative process. What are the sources or influences on the art that you produce? What is the goal or purpose of your art, and why do you produce it? What are the unique cognitive skills that you employ, and how do they help you achieve your creative goal? Cite specific examples and provide clear evidence for your statements.

Starting this class work has been described by one of my colleagues as a journey, one entered with some trepidation and shaky self-esteem. I haven’t taken an academic class in a long while and I wonder if I can keep-up with the assignments and master new technology like weblogs. Everyone needs to figure out their own path. I'm still on my own personal journey as an art teacher. It’s been 7 years now, in 5 public schools and I am struggling with many issues such as providing students authentic art experiences while trying to integrate my teaching into the rest of the school’s curriculum. I very much want to grow as a teacher and as an artist, making a significant contribution to my students’ lives through the visual arts, giving them opportunities to learn about themselves and the world around them. Additionally, helping them envision their futures with the valuable insights the arts can bring.
The inspiration of much of the art that I have created or envision creating is portraiture. I am fascinated by faces and the unique personality that they reflect. A Christmas gift to my “Artist-Self” was the book, The Artist’s Complete Guide to DRAWING THE HEAD, by William Maughan, (whose website is: www.EaselPainter.com). Note his "Books" tab and the cover of his publication to give you some idea of his skills. I am inspired by such mastery of describing the human form through chiaroscuro drawing.
Although I have not specifically studied portraiture, I am drawn to the wonderful, magical effect when an artist succeeds in making a believable representation of a person, capturing something of their essence, spirit, and soul. Success in the work comes from great skill and deep seeing. Previously, I have studied Life Drawing in several courses with the legendary Atlanta figurative and fantasy draughtsman and printmaker, Ben Smith, (whose website is: www.BenSmithArt.com)*. I have been fortunate to be a collector of some of his work through the generosity of my wife’s cousin, the late Judith Alexander. Studying his work yields fresh insights and delights. His style mixes an awesome technique in all manner of media with a fertile, playful, and fantastical imagination. An example is his “Mechanical Fortune-teller” (2004), which can be found on his "New Woodblock Prints" page.
My favorite personal artwork reflects these influences, focusing on the human form. It also incorporates my fascination with puppetry, dance, masks, and the circus arts. Serendipitously, I have found a portrait painting art class at the Chastain Art Center that begins January 14th. Knowing that a class is a necessary discipline for my creating art, even though I teach art as a job, I have looked around for art classes to enroll in since October. What I found should be a good adjunct to this a.r.t.s.APS Professional Development course. I anticipate that dedicating 3-4 hours of studio time each Thursday evening would help me materialize my fascination with faces. The goal is to help me surpass myself, and to liberate my creativity, so I can help students in doing the same themselves. Painting portraits will be a stretch for me, since I have little experience. The course’s instructor is Marie Matthews, a notable Georgia watercolorist, and long-time student of Ben Smith. Her course is, “Painting Heads in Any Medium”. The Course Description: “Explore the excitement and challenge of drawing and painting the head in the medium of your choice. Working from a live model, participants will learn specific techniques for rendering heads and faces that are solid, convincing, and alive. The course will begin with rendering the head in black and white, and color will be introduced as the quarter progresses. This course will include a combination of exercises and live demonstrations. Drawing experience is a prerequisite for this intermediate level course.” Her website is: http://mmatthews.com/. An example of her work is “Edward” (2005) on her "Portraits" page.
So…I enter this New Year, this new decade, resolved to learn, practice, and produce art. The plans and experiences proposed in the months ahead will demand no less than a serious commitment to these goals.