TLF: January 2012

1.16.2012

Monochromatic-Front Cover.

Monochromatic #32-ROY G BIV and The Neutrals.

My 2012 Sketchbook Project: Monochromatic has
come to an end with this last entry: ROY G BIV
and The Neutrals. I choose the theme monochromatic
for this second sketchbook project (for 2011, I was
randomly assigned Science Project Gone Wrong) and
learned many things along the way while working on it.
I decided to work chronologically, page by page this
time. I also decided to work with one monochromatic
color scheme for each page...after a few pages in it
was difficult to decide on the next color and the theme of
the sketch. Working in order created pressure that
hadn't existed when I worked on my last sketchbook.
I missed creating color relationships, particularly
compliments and analogous schemes.
I think that is why there are such gaps in time from my
first entries to these last. As the deadline, approached
(January 31st) I had more ideas and was excited to
start the next page. I work more effectively with a
set deadline. I tried gouache for the first time ever
(after admiring Jacob Lawrence's paintings and textile
plans from the Bauhaus in gouache for years and years)
and found the flatness of the media to be really
exciting. As an artist, I sometimes need a new
project from outside myself to be open to trying new
mediums. After looking over all of the pages, I am
reminded that I am first and foremost a narrative artist
because #18 an #19-Fossil Fuels is one of my
favorites in the sketchbook. The monochromatic
theme limited my ideas for visual stories for some
reason. I love drawing houses (something new in the
past few years) and have always loved experimenting
with color and shape. In a few days, I will send it off
to Brooklyn and in April it will go on tour. Mailing and
sharing my art have always been important to me.
Maybe it will be in a city near you.
http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject2012