Jody Graham- Artist- Sydney based
Demonstration Information
‘Loosening up techniques in mixed media’
The demonstration will showcase a variety of expressive drawing techniques using mixed media: charcoal, ink, acrylic, pastel and collage. During the demonstration, information about materials, preparation and personal expression will be discussed .The aim of this presentation is to offer inspiration and generate excitement about the creative process.
Demonstration Review…By Colina Grant -Parramatta Art Society
“City Street-scapes”
..with Jody Graham..mixed-media 17.8.13
From the word go we were in for one of Jody’s action-packed demos as usual. She impressed on us the need to keep drawing and showed us the sketch books in 2 different sizes that she keeps with herself all the time…jotting down information. A ‘Lamy’ pen (a bit like a fountain pen) is a main part of her equipment ……a half tone achieved with the addition of water or a bit of spit on a finger! Along with the pen, a board, some paper, her favourite brush, water, and ink in a little squeeze-bottle make up the essentials for a morning out on the streets of Sydney.
Jody impresses on us that works done from sketches will be far more dynamic than from a photo. Not that she doesn’t use photos. If working on a large piece she will have them stuck-up in view while working in the studio, but finds herself drawing more from the sketches, as they have captured the essence of the scene.
She began with three Waterford medium texture 300 gsm quarter sheets taped to a large backing-board and drew with a piece of charcoal taped to a piece of dowel which was taped in turn to ‘rake’ brush. The need for all the extensions is to give freedom to the lines. When happy with the three street scenes, she splashed ochre inks on the buildings then some sepia…..watering-down occasionally to get half-tones. A rag held in the left hand also helped in this regard or to stop any run-away drips. Working on 3 at a time means the first one will be dry by the time you reach the third especially on a warm day like we had for our opening! A smaller brush brought in some finer detail. A soft pastel came in over the top lightening some tones and drawing in more detail.
When working at home Jody prefers to do larger works on 600 gsm Arches and stressed that working this way never guaranteed success each time. But then she went on to show us a framed work made up of a collage of supposedly ‘failed’ works. It was brilliant! Sanding them back with an electric sander gives her some really subtle effects and surfaces…some deliberation in their placement….a little drawing again over the top and “wallah!”
As an encore, Jody began a large drawing, again of a street-scape working to some rock music. It really was not a time for questions!!!! Using a soft compressed charcoal and lots of rubbing in with the hand, it was exciting to watch it appear! She once again stressed the need to leave areas of mystery….ignore the impulse to explain everything.
I, for one will try to heed this advise, Jody! Thank You!
Colina
Demonstrations 2015
2nd December 2015
Wednesday 7 – 9pm
FTA Art Club – Cresswood
Contact: Elaine Butler – elaine@funtimeart.com.au
*Demonstaration – Drawing – Charcoal & Mixed Media