We started today with a bit on perspective - a very simplified version. We did a couple almost cubes in one point perspective, and then a 'cube' in two-point perspective - where it angles away from the viewer. We have a tendency to draw the top so that it looks as if it is a lid flapping up or a pitched roof. It takes practice to learn to see what the difference is. We want to make it according to the mental map in our mind and not according to the shapes our eyes are seeing. If you could hold up a piece of glass to a scene and trace the view, you would see how different the shapes are than what you think they are.

My demonstration drawings for the class on the Rockland Breakwater. Student work follows. The class drew their Breakwater Lighthouse drawings directly freehand in crayon following along with my scribbly whiteboard marker drawing.

Posted by Catinka Knoth at 7:02 PM EDT

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Morning class at the library is geared for adults. We have been working at coloring in without outlines - a tough habit to break. Another habit to change is to hold one's paper so that one faces it straight on instead of at a slant. A board in the lap or leaning against the table would help with this. When the paper slants away from the line of view, the view gets skewed. We have had a lifetime of slanting the paper for handier writing position. Can we change that in a minute!?

My demonstration drawings followed by the student work. We see that even if we don't end up with standard representational drawings, we are making some interesting modern art. The student works were all drawn without preliminary pencil underdrawing. Everyone drew freehand directly in crayon.

Posted by Catinka Knoth at 12:01 AM EDT

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My demonstration drawings followed by the kids' drawings. We draw a frame first so that we can warm up (sneak in practice) for shape drawing. We use them as decoration - as much or as little as one wants to do. It is all good practice and so important.

Posted by Catinka Knoth at 12:01 AM EDT

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Everyone drew Marshall Point Lighthouse freehand in crayon, following along with me, including the two kids who came to the workshop. No pencil drawing underneath, not even crayon outline beforehand, (unless they cheated). Yes it was a very specific guided lesson. But how wonderful all the variations. It is magic everytime to see these come out. One person in a hurry did not get to put a drawing up to be photographed. This is everyone's version of Marshall Point Lighthouse. I hope visitors get down to Port Clyde to see it, but they've taken a trip this way at least!

Posted by Catinka Knoth at 4:41 PM EDT

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Press Release - Free Lighthouses and Boats Art Workshops, at Rockland Library 

Rockland - Catinka Knoth demonstrates drawing and painting Midcoast Maine lighthouse and boat scenes, 11 a.m. Mondays, August 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, at Rockland Public Library, 80 Union St. Led by Knoth, participants make their own lighthouse and boat drawings in color. The workshops are free and open to the general public, with materials supplied, hosted by Friends of Rockland Library. FMI Knoth at 596-0069 or Rockland Library at 594-0310.

Participants will see how to paint a watercolor of Marshall Point Light. Knoth will show how to lay in a graded wash for the  sky, and to depict the the white forms of the  tower, the pylons, and the walkway, by making the "negative" shapes of the deep blue sea that shows behind these objects.  One will  see how the dark turret and cap of the building is created with minimal strokes. The rocky shoreline can be suggested with variegated washes and accent strokes. The dark green of Hupper's Island in the background provides further negative shapes to  define  the walkway. This is a subject that needs no preliminary drawing. Knoth  has taught students of all ages to do their own variations of this view.

Knoth paints watercolors of Maine and whimsical animal scenes, which she offers as cards and prints. She teaches a free weekly children's drawing class at Rockland Public Library, sponsored by Wendy and Keith Wellin. For more information about Knoth's work visit www.catinkacards.com.

8/08        Marshall Point Light
8/15        Sailboats by Rockland Breakwater
8/22        Rockland Breakwater   
8/29        Lobsterboat heads home by Marshall Point

Posted by Catinka Knoth at 6:39 PM EDT

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