01 April, 2010

Free Blog



I'm still blogging, and while I'm at it the studio has been in full fiddle.  Above is a studio on-the-easel image, and I want to begin posting from my sketchbook, as well.  Here is the first of these.

12 comments:

Lisa McShane said...

I really like the one on your easel - great composition!

Unknown said...

I like the work on your easel, Casey! Your drawing is satisfying as well because the gestures are so bold and dynamic. I especially like the fact that your work demonstrates a strong viewpoint. No wishy washy - and that's great!!

Casey Klahn said...

Thank you, Lisa. It is a Little Hoquiam River scene. I can't wait to present the formal photo.

I appreciate the detailed, and kind, comments, Kathy. Another couple of years, and I will have been drawing for fifty years. Heavy on the gesture, and the confident stroke - I hope others will learn from this.

Stan Kurth said...

Very nice work Casey! It exudes confidence in gesture. I love how beautifully abstract your images are. I'm sure you've elaborated somewhere on you blog or your website in the past, but I'm just curious about the black frame. Is that to keep any unwanted color from reaching the retina (or image) while you work? I at one time in my graphics career was involved in color correction and used a similar black mat to view with and an 8000*K color correct light source for viewing.

Casey Klahn said...

I have this one displayed on a black Fome Core, and I am in the habit of "matting" my works temporarily with black photog. tape. This helps me to see when my composition is near finished, and to see what may need resolving.

My big easel does have a large board of Gator Board that I covered with black paper for the light absorbing qualities, and to keep it looking clean. I switched back, though, to bare GatorBd. because I like the way that tape works on it - without ripping the surface. Now you got me wondering if they make a black Gator Board?

My lighting is a big north facing window, and a track system with alternating warm and cool bulbs. I also illuminate my palette with a drafter's lamp. My lighting needs a little more, though. I want to double the track - but probably will wait till next winter for that.

Thanks for the compliments, Stan.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Thanks for showing your sketchbook! Looks like this one was done in charcoal? Do you usually use charcoal? What kind of paper is in your sketchbook?

The painting is dramatic and confident. Nice!

Astrid Volquardsen said...

Hi Casey,
I love your picture in your sketch book- Loads of energy and gesture.

Celeste Bergin said...

both great images. I love looking into sketchbooks. the black all around your pastel heightens the drama...for sure!

Casey Klahn said...

Hi, Katherine. Yes, it is charcoal. I find that charcoal makes a bolder sketch that is closer to the value range of pastels.

The paper is from a Sennelier pad named "LE MAXI," and is 65/70 gm. Light and not very white. Also, since they are square, and I am now more into landscape aspects, I need to find a better pad.

Casey Klahn said...

Thank you kindly, Asti and Celeste. I may mat this one with black - seems to make it look like a window.

Sara Mathewson said...

Casey,

yes they do make a black gatorboard. i guess if you google it you could find the places that sell it. I know there is a place online that sells white, natural and black gatorboard. Unfortunately I do not have a link to the site.
Hope this helps:)

Sara

Casey Klahn said...

Thanks for telling me, Sara. As long as I know it is made, I can look for a piece.

Abstract Expressionism, Art Criticism, Artists, Colorist Art, Drawing, History, Impressionism, Modern Art, Painting, Pastel, Post Impressionism