Substrate22

 

I have just completed all three works for the Substrate 22 Group Exhibition opening next Wednesday evening. This has been and interesting, if somewhat challenging exercise. 

Each artist received 3 x A4 primed 3mm aluminum substrate panels on which to create an artwork. Each panel is primed with Golden GAC-200 Acrylic Medium. There was no theme or restriction of mediums you could use, and you could have, if you wished, draw or produce a work on paper then stick it to the panel. But that seemed a bit like cheating to me and I wanted to try out the surface and see how it handled.

The following is the work process for one of the pieces I am showing, titled 'Brass Hopper'.

Planning stages and sketches. These were done during my Covid Isolation where I only had a few materials available - an A4 visual diary, a 2B pencil, a Blackwing pencil with eraser and a couple of sheets of tracing paper.

The final planned concept. Note how I flipped the Brass Hopper direction from the original sketch. You can also see how I altered the rear front leg - cut and stuck into its new position. This is an outline work on tracing paper that was used to transfer onto the panel.

I am using Graphitint pencils (Chestnut and Dark Indigo) and Derwent 4B water soluble pencil, washed, to create a soft tonal underpainting onto the panel. The acrylic gesso takes the wash well but is a bit slippery to work with.

Progress of the addition of dry graphite pencil and dry Graphitint. This surface draws nicely, but there is little tonal variation in the pencil grades. A 6H draws quite darkly! I worked with 6H, 4H, F, HB, 2B, 4B and the Chestnut Graphitint.

Progression and build up of tones requires careful handling. A Staedtler Mars Lumochrom 240 Blue pencil is used in the belly area. The graphite smudges easily. 

Progression; I wet the brass area with clean water and moved the layer around somewhat to get a more even tone. Then a Staedtler Karat #16 Gold Ochre was added to the copper area to brighten it up a bit.

The completed work: 'Brass Hopper' by Linda Weil ©

I do hope to see some of you on opening night, Wednesday August 3 where you can see the other two works created in this series.

Out of lockdown!

 Well, I must say, there are a lot worse places to have to isolate with Covid than with good friends in their wonderful B&B apartment! Luckily I was not very sick thanks to my vaccinations, and just felt tired and a bit miserable for a few days. It became an extended 'holiday' with some 13 days in isolation waiting for the RAT to test negative - but I was looked after in style by my wonderful friends Mags and Sam - who cooked for me, looked after me and made my enforced stay a pleasure.

And if you are ever looking for a place to stay while in Tasmania, then look no further than 'Thistle Doo' in Shearwater. A comfortable two-bedroom flat with kitchenette, wonderful hosts, Hawley beach a short walk away, close to all the beautiful sights of northern Tas, and the B&B caters to the disabled as well as being dog friendly! Check it out here: THISTLE DOO

Early morning walk on Hawley Beach, Tasmania July 2022

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And to catch up on some news - just before I departed I was told I had won 'Best Drawing' in the 2022 Camberwell Art Show! I have been entering this show for many years, and although I have won the occasional commended award this is the first time I have won a major award. Very thrilled.

'Eyrie' by ©Linda Weil: Best Drawing, Camberwell 2022

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And coming up soon is the group exhibition 'Substrate' at Tacit galleries where I will be showing 3 new works (drawing like a mad thing to catch up!). Would love to see you there at the opening!

Yuck

 Damn, guess who contracted Covid in Tasmania and is currently in isolation down here. I'm down for the count and won't be seen for the next 7 days.

😰😰😰