The Artist Blog of Jessica McKelvin

Looking forward

2011-10-31T09:44:00.000-04:00

Honestly I'm not sure how long I'm going to keep this blog up. I haven't been wanting to update with works in progress and I haven't had much I wanted to write about lately. I was planning a portrait a day project, but after working last night I'm not sure if I want to. I have plenty of inspiration, I could probably do a quick sketch a day. Though I think I might benefit more from focusing on finishing full pieces. Rather than a portrait a day, it should be at least some work-a-day. Though that option is less flashy. I just don't want to post work in progress for my current piece. Also I'm becoming a bit disenchanted with this blog layout and my lack of options. The stats have been a bit wonky too. I check my stats for the day and I keep seeing one referring site everyday, but for the week it says they've only been a referring site once. I'm not sure I get it. I may switch blog venues I'm not sure, I may also just take a break from blogging.
I think I may just need more time to focus on my work, how to incorporate my message, and my views into my work more, and less on writing this blog. I still need more time to think though.

New look

2011-10-15T20:54:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure I'm completely happy with this new look for the blog. It's definitely better than before, I either need to get used to it or make some improvements. My website has a new look, the blog got a makeover to reflect that.
http://jessicamckelvin.com

It looks like the followers box fixed itself.

ATC finished?

2011-09-02T18:36:00.000-04:00

I'm not completely sure about this. I think the proportions are off, at least a little. The hair is doing something weird and that shoulder is not right. I don't think it's looking too bad, just a few small fixes I think. Especially considering the quality of reference I'm working with.

Getting back to work

2011-08-29T10:20:00.000-04:00

I got an encouraging rejection today. I really love those, the only thing better is an acceptance. The encouraging rejections are great though, well at least this one was. It really motivated me to get back to work. I plan to get back to work on my ATC today, hopefully finish it, cut some paper for my new drawing and maybe take a reference photo.
I was inspired once again by watching music videos, this time the inspiration mostly combined with a memory. As usual I don't like to get too much into on here before I actually get to work on it. I just don't like explaining my concepts ahead of time to such a wide audience. I'll make some notes when I finish writing here maybe I'll sketch a bit. But I think I will get to work on the ATC.

Sketching and some thoughts

2011-08-19T20:28:00.001-04:00

I've been interested in artist trading cards for awhile now and I've been thinking of doing a series of them. I started a sketch today, and right now it's turning out semi-successful. At first it seemed destined to fail when I was just working with pencil it didn't look right. I moved on to charcoal and it doesn't look that bad. I tried adding a second figure but I'm having trouble getting the two in proportion to each other.

     The second one is after I started using charcoal, you can also see the partially erased second figure. Still not sure I think it could be an interesting piece with just one figure, though I'd like to stay true to my reference and have both. I'm also curious if I could some how turn this into a mixed media piece. I'm not sure where or how I'd add on to this though.

     I haven't thought about my larger piece yet. I still need to review some notes and do some sketches. I have a lot of creative projects going on right now. I need to kick start this larger piece though. If I can get a concept figured out I'll be ready to go.
     I did some virtual house keeping though. I cleaned out my other blog, I plan to start writing a bit more on here. The other blog is mostly gone right now because I started writing in my journal more. My ramblings about day to day things are much better suited there. My strong willed opinions that sometimes turn into rants might find a home here. I do want to start expressing more of my views in my artwork, at least more than I do already.

Updates of various kinds

2011-08-18T18:54:00.000-04:00

     I've been neglecting blogging all around. I just haven't felt motivated to write and I've been questioning the purpose of some of my blogs. I may continue to neglect my other blog but I feel I may expand what I write about on here.
     Right now I'd like to give a pseudo update on my painting or lack there of. I hit a creative and practical block with it. On the practical side I had to toss one of my favorite paintbrushes because the bristles decided they wanted to live inside the ferrule from now on. I really liked the gel hand grip on that too, and it would seem they just don't sell them anymore. I got very attached to that type of brush and I'm having a hard time settling on a new one. Also the more I look at the painting the less excited I am about it, I have some serious compositional issues that I thought were resolved in my head. Really they are not I'd like to be more abstract with my work because that does seem to be very "in" right now but it bugs me. I know it will look unfinished to me.
     I did a good bit of thinking though on my art in general because of the painting. I've decided I don't need to finish it, and maybe I don't need to paint at all. I have it in my head that I must paint (in oils), but I don't. I really enjoy colored pencil, charcoal will always be favorite for me, but for right now I think I should focus on colored pencil work. I do have a bunch of canvases, though I was thinking maybe I could try working in colored pencil on them. I used colored pencil on canvas paper before and that worked out well. I may return to painting again, though I think my style might be better suited for acrylic. Still I think if I focus on colored pencil work I can explore some of the conceptual ideas that I had.
   I should be posting more work up here soon, I might pick up some ATC blank card papers soon. It ties into my drawing a day idea. I still need to do some sketches for that. I'm going to think on the concept for some larger pieces and maybe start sketching out some of the ideas from my notes.

Inspiration

2011-07-22T19:34:00.000-04:00

I was reading a review of a local exhibition, that includes work of one artist I particularly admire. I had the opportunity to be taught by her in high school. She inspired me then, she showed us these amazing drawings from her thesis in college. I loved the story of the progression of her series. Ever since I've been longing to create my own series, something that would grow organically on it's own. Of course I haven't yet achieved that, I start simple but it doesn't seem to grow. My jewelry series seemed to peak before it was over. I keep producing portraits but not many are really that connected to the other. Mostly I'm still exploring form and light, trying to perfect my technique, striving for the perfect realism and likeness. I just seem to be falling short on concept, especially when it comes to a series. I think I need to look more for inspiration. I should finish reading The Power of Art. I've been trying to keep up more with current art, I've been reading a few more of my blog subscriptions and trying to keep up on some art world news.
I need to do some more reading, and some more research. I also need to sort through my ideas and refine some. I have many ideas written down, I should do some sketching soon. I should also get back to work on my painting, some supply malfunctions have slowed me down.

Submissions and painting

2011-06-13T18:40:00.000-04:00

I painted a little today, I was experiencing from frustration with my lighting today and also it seems the colors are getting a bit muddy since the layers aren't drying very fast. I thought the heat would help speed the drying time, but no such luck. I have been working everyday, so I'm very happy about that. I'm still debating some parts of the composition, but I'll figure that out later.
Right now I'm focusing on another round of submissions, I just put in two submissions. Two different works, to two different magazines. I still have a whole list to work through on submitting to, and I'm working through another list to find magazines to submit to. It's definitely an interesting process.

More updates all around

2011-06-12T19:16:00.000-04:00

I spent a bit of time working on my painting today. I feel like I would have spent more time on it but I was a bit burnt out after fighting with different programs trying to update my website. Anyway I feel like I made some good progress moving the nose and the second eye is pretty good, the iris needs to be a little smaller overall and the eye itself needs to be a little wider. The mouth is the only major facial feature that needs to moved, though after the nose I don't think it will be that bad. I think due to coloring the second eye looks completely disconnected from the first but I feel when I start adding finishing touches to both they'll come together.

The website editing was due to my need to add my last drawing "Mr. and Mrs."

Busy

2011-06-09T10:26:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately I haven't been busy with my art, though I have been thinking about it plenty. I've resolved some of the issues I was having with my painting, mentally. I now have a plan for the color scheme and composition, I also have my next drawing planned out. I have decided that I need to start working everyday, even if it's not very long, just every day. I haven't started that though, because I've been very busy with my family, trying to help out with things, and then I've been too tired to work. I need to get over that and just start by working on my painting today. Then I'll have to work the next day as well, then if I can keep making time over the weekend, I'll have to keep it up.
I still don't have my last drawing up, mostly because I still haven't spoken to the models about getting permission. Though it hasn't been for lack of trying they've just been a little hard to touch base with, though of course I understand they've been busy as well. Hopefully I'll have an answer one way or the other for that before I finish my painting.

Painting update

2011-04-29T15:08:00.000-04:00

I'm still not sure how I envision the final product. I really like the background right now, though I'm not sure about the limited palette idea I was starting to warm up to now. I may be using this limited palette as an underpainting then adding in other colors in subsequent layers. I think I need to fix some proportions on this as well with the cheek and the left eye. Anyway I think it's a good start.

New painting

2011-04-15T15:10:00.000-04:00

I started a painting today, I may start a drawing later this week too. I'm not sure if I can give a painting my full focus and when I start getting into thicker layers I might need something else to work on while it's drying. So far I'm happy with my progress so far. I'm trying something new with this. I'm working with a simple composition and I'm working in layers. I did a small experiment with the background and I like it. I don't think I'd mind it so much if part of the portrait feathers into that space. It might look nice. Also as of right now the proportions of the photo don't match those of the canvas so I am going to have to get creative with the extra space. So far I don't think it looks that bad, I was just working with some light washes, in warm colors (yellow, orange, red and brown).

New work soon

2011-04-13T12:13:00.000-04:00

As soon as I can get my thoughts organized and decide exactly what I'm doing next I'll be working on a new piece. So I'm excited, I have a bunch of ideas so I'll probably be taking a round of reference photos soon, that is always fun. I'm going to play with background ideas on canvas and then go from there as well. May not start a painting but I may feel inspired when I finish playing around. Don't know not sure and I'm not ready to commit.

Finished drawing and general updates

2011-04-03T23:19:00.000-04:00

     I finished the drawing that I have been working on for quite awhile now. I'm hoping to be able to post the image of it soon, provided I obtain permission from my models. I'll be getting back to work on a drawing that I had written off as finished but I want to rework. It shouldn't take me long to rework that and then I'll be on to something new. With those though I'll be posting updates with photos.
     I've had a wealth of new ideas lately and I want to start working through them. I'm thinking of moving back into an old theme I had, but in a new way, creating a new series of sorts. I think I'm about done with the jewelry series at least now. I'm thinking of making up a post on here with the whole series, mostly so I can see it together in one place, separated from the rest of my work. Right now I'm too tired to get to work on that, so maybe tomorrow.
     Right now I'm trying to convince myself of the practicality of resting, though I am finding myself obsessing over this old piece. I want to start reworking it now, though I still need to do a bit of finishing organization from my last piece.

Out of Order

2011-03-30T23:04:00.001-04:00

I'm a participating artist in Out of Order this year, it's a benefit auction and party at the Maryland Art Place. I'm very excited, I've thought about participating in past years but just never got around to it.

Friday, April 1 at 8 p.m.
MAP at Power Plant Live
Purchase Tickets Online: www.brownpapertickets.com

Another small update

2011-03-24T18:54:00.000-04:00

I'm very close to finishing up my drawing and hopefully shortly after that I will have permission from my models to post the drawing both on here and my website. I'm having some trouble with the first figure's hair, and since I've been sick I'm not going to push to much today. If I feel better tomorrow I'm hoping to push through most of the piece, if not finish it tomorrow. I have a reference photo that I'm very excited to use in a new drawing, I some ideas I want to play with as well in paint. I'm hoping to get back into painting again soon, try some new techniques and see how everything works out.

Progress and idea

2011-02-24T15:47:00.000-05:00

I've made some good progress today on my drawing. Really wanting to post it here, may in fact blow the surprise early ask my models if I may post the work in progress photos here. Don't know about that though. I got a lot done on the second figure and based on the coloring I want to rework parts of the first figure's face. I'll probably go back and adjust some of the colors as I go. I'm having some trouble with the second figure's eye. I think it's mostly a coloring/shadow issue, and that can easily be fixed. I think the eyebrow is a little too high but it will be fine where it is. I just need to keep working on this, "keep moving forward."
Also I'm thinking about getting a new sketch book soon, I'll keep my old one for paper. I can still do some nice polished smaller works on that paper. I'd like to start a sketch book project of my own and I'd like to have a blank sketchbook to do that in.

Brief Update

2011-02-18T18:09:00.000-05:00

I'm so tired, I've done a lot today, though I didn't get everything done I would have liked to. I did work a little on my drawing, and I have plans to contact the models about posting their likeness online. So hopefully soon I'll be posting some updates with their permission. I think I need the motivation of posting to get me back into working. Of course I also have the motivation of some new work I want to get into. I even plan on working on some sketches for one new piece. There are still some details I want to work out, like media, dimensions and a few other things and I think sketching will really help. I kind of lost the light when working on my drawing, I've really been needing to work in natural light with it. I didn't get started until late today. Tomorrow I'm hoping to start earlier and get a bit more done. The sketching I might try tackle soon though.

Product Review coming soon

2011-02-17T14:15:00.001-05:00

CSN stores has asked to review one of their products. In case you haven't visited their site CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from kids’ swing sets to stylish furniture to cute cookware! I'm excited to be doing a review for them so please keep an eye out for my review post.

New Sketch

2011-01-11T20:09:00.000-05:00

My proportions overall are off, but I'm thinking about using the reference photo for my next piece. I'm not sure if I should try to paint it or stick to drawing. With the detail of the wrinkles of the face maybe a drawing would be better. I am happy I finally got around to sketching something, it is a step in the right direction. I need to re-examine some ideas I've had to see if there is something else I might be better suited to working on right now. I'm thinking about starting a painting, but I need something less challenging to start with. I haven't painted in awhile. Also I'm taking a further break from the drawing I was working on, I'm having no motivation to work on it but I do want to start working again. At least with what ever I start I'll be able to post the progress here.

A new year, new goals

2011-01-02T16:43:00.000-05:00

Last year I had the goal of completing eleven new pieces during the year. I have six to show for my effort. To be fair though I did complete seven though that piece will not be posted on my site for various reasons. I was on my way to eight when I hit the wall. I took a break and now I'm hoping for that piece I took a break from to be my first completed piece of 2011. I think partially my monthly deadline worked for me last year, though trying to force myself to think through a series didn't seem all that productive. I have many ideas that I want to work on, and I want to just sketch more. This year I'm hoping to set deadlines still but more tailored to the piece I'm working on. I'm not going to focus so much on a series, I want to keep exploring different ideas and media. I got some canvases for Christmas and I still have some set aside in the closet, so I do want to do some more painting soon. I've also had the idea to print some reference photos just to tuck away in my sketch book so I can sketch while I'm out. I also want to sketch and maybe work from life a bit more, but I think having the photos available will help me to sketch more.
I'm hoping to start work on my drawing tomorrow, again since it is a gift and I don't have proper permissions I won't be posting photos, but I may post something in writing about my progress. I hope to start sketching soon. I need to get some printer ink before I can print my reference photos for my sketch book, but maybe I can sketch a little in front of the computer or from life. I may invest in a new smaller sketch book soon as well. Once I get some good progress in on my current drawing I'll start looking toward the next piece. I'll look through my idea note book, and my existing photos for inspiration and go from there. I don't have a solid idea for my next piece and I'm okay with that.

Some updates

2010-11-09T09:50:00.000-05:00

I'd love to make a promise for more sketches soon, but I've recently realized that my deadline is looming and I'm feeling behind. I always like to finish ahead of schedule rather than just on time or even behind. I can't post photos right now, but the drawing is working out rather well. I have started work on the second face, and I'm a bit worried about some things with it. I have to remember that it's still in the early stages and I can still make some changes. I need to finish the hair and sunglasses from the first figure, and of course add the body in, but the face is done. I'm really hoping to finish on time, that way I can start on my new drawing (though I am having second thoughts on what to do next). Either way I should have something new started and posted soon. Depending on the subject I choose I may have a bit of a delay while I obtain permission to post the work in progress images, if at all.

A sketch and an update

2010-11-03T20:35:00.000-04:00

I finally got around to sketching tonight. It took me awhile to finally decide on a reference photo to start with, the photo I used was from a virtual figure drawing class. I think the most successful part of this was actually the mouth. I tried to be more loose with the whole thing. I like it, it was interesting, and I think I might try another sketch tomorrow.
I made some more progress with my drawing. I have the whole first face filled in. Aside from fixing a few issues with the skin tone, I'm feeling good about it. I even started in on the second face. I made the decision to keep the eye where I had it. I really liked how it was looking so I'll work around the slight placement issue. So far I'm not sure how on track I am with my deadline but I know I need to start working more for sure.

Deadlines

2010-10-24T10:28:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I finally made the decision to give myself deadlines again. I know I'm going to off on my goal for the year, but I feel that giving myself a deadline will make me work a bit faster anyway. At first I was going to give myself until the end of the month to finish the drawing I'm working on, but I think that is a bit too close to be realistic, so I'm thinking about the 14th or 15th of next month would be a good deadline. I have plans for my next drawing already, which will be another gift. This one I've been toying with the idea for awhile, and I've come to the realization that sometimes time is of the essence, so I'm not putting it off anymore. I will be asking permission of the proper people to be posting the work in progress (this time the models are not the gift receivers so that makes it easier).

Working...

2010-10-16T18:36:00.000-04:00

I just finished up a little progress on my drawing. I started adding color to the first face. I was going to finish the whole composition in dark umber, but then I went to start drawing in the second face and it wasn't working out. I need to more finely settle where the first face will be so I can draw in the second face with the first as a basis. The color is going rather quickly, so it shouldn't be too long before I can start back in on the second face.
I still haven't done any sketching, though I keep saying I am. Today I was thinking about sketching some images from my dreams. One would actually be a painting I dreamed I had done, another is some imagery involving my hands that I found rather disturbing. The painting I've been wanting to find a way to do since the dream, especially since in the dream I said it was the best one I had ever done. The other dream just keeps sticking with me, and hoping maybe by sketching it, I can turn it into something positive.