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<title>John Walker&#x27;s Blog</title><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/index.html</link><description>John Walker News</description><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><dc:rights>Copyright 2011 John walker</dc:rights><dc:date>2012-05-09T16:16:31-05:00</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.realmacsoftware.com/" />
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<lastBuildDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 17:20:57 -0500</lastBuildDate><item><title>Workshop Wrapup</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-05-09T16:16:31-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/698175fb0e1f543d0d1bbc8fbc441a6e-50.html#unique-entry-id-50</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/698175fb0e1f543d0d1bbc8fbc441a6e-50.html#unique-entry-id-50</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It was a lot of fun, but I realized as we were winding up, that we were really cramming an awful lot of information into that one short stretch. 

...With time running out Sunday afternoon, it was obvious that I would not be able to take the day&rsquo;s demo painting as far as I would have liked.   So as we wrapped up, I mentioned that I would finish up my painting and post it on my blog, and here it is.


...Up close you can see several layers of paint and the way opaque passages are used in lighter areas while the shadow areas are kept more transparent. ...  I&rsquo;ve also overstated hue and intensity in places as an example of sparking interest through color selection and juxtaposition of warm and cool tones, keeping in mind of course that the values must always be correct. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Gaia Temple Fragment</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-05-03T10:04:05-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/313f8361d14d433067e32e51b950f3c7-49.html#unique-entry-id-49</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/313f8361d14d433067e32e51b950f3c7-49.html#unique-entry-id-49</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The portrait was painted in exactly the same manner as I would paint any other, the darks are built up with glazes and then opaque color is added. 

...In this way it would frame the central image, setting it off so that the warmer, frescoed image would appear to come forward and sit higher than the base and &ldquo;pop&rdquo;. ...  Highlights were carefully placed on the edges of the stone depressions in the same way that light falling on a chipped surface would catch an edge. 


With the painting done, an area of metallic leaf was laid on around the figure&rsquo;s head as if placed by an ancient craftsman applying his final touch. 


...This was done to again set off the central image, plus the gloss varnish application doubles as the needed protective coat for the gold leaf. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Demo Follow Up-Final Art</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-04-21T11:25:47-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/032e9349baea62c87307448de0c92538-48.html#unique-entry-id-48</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/032e9349baea62c87307448de0c92538-48.html#unique-entry-id-48</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It&rsquo;s my experience when attending art demonstrations, that rarely, if ever, do the artists have the chance to finish what they are working on during their presentation.   With most presentations lasting 90 minutes or less, there understandably is not enough time to take a piece from start to &ldquo;ready to frame&rdquo;.   So I thought it might be helpful to show a more finished version of the painting I started at the DuPage Art League on Monday night. 

...From that point on I am spending most of my time refining the painting, adjusting color and value.


And finally a detail shot that helps to explain how I have moved from the basic color lay in to a more complete interpretation.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>DuPage Art League Demo Pics</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-04-18T07:26:55-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/09420c108cac730c777341a8d182a396-47.html#unique-entry-id-47</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/09420c108cac730c777341a8d182a396-47.html#unique-entry-id-47</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Yours truly showing how I like to build value with overlaid acrylic glazes.


Monday night I had the pleasure to do a demonstration at the DuPage Art League in Wheaton IL.    We had a nice turnout and I really enjoyed getting together with so many fellow artists in the DPAL&rsquo;s classroom.   My demo subject was an acrylic portrait and attempting to compress into 90 minutes what I usually spend hours on was a challenge.   Although I worked more quickly than usual, (and still came nowhere near completing the piece), I hopefully was able to convey some worthwhile information about my working style and methods. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Heart-Sleeve Given Special Merit</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-04-04T08:06:22-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/f4748b4192464f6e66cd14ec25d8293f-46.html#unique-entry-id-46</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/f4748b4192464f6e66cd14ec25d8293f-46.html#unique-entry-id-46</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Heart-Sleeve was given a Special Merit Award at the DuPage Art League&rsquo;s April exhibit, &ldquo;Rhapsody in Blue&rdquo;.   From the judge&rsquo;s comments; &ldquo;Here is a strong statement!   The portrait grabs you right away!   You can&rsquo;t stop at the fine craftsmanship, the layers of color and fine brushstrokes all add to the quality and dedication of this artwork.&rdquo;]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>In Search of the Lost edge</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-03-29T15:12:14-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/f589d55e24e0f222adc251eae2b93dec-45.html#unique-entry-id-45</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/f589d55e24e0f222adc251eae2b93dec-45.html#unique-entry-id-45</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[With some studio time to kill this past weekend, and no models around to paint from, I decided to call my own number and do a self portrait. 

...I simply hung a mirror from the top of my painting table, (I work on a drafting table that tilts to near vertical), so that the edge of the mirror&rsquo;s frame butted up against the side of my painting surface.   The studio&rsquo;s lighting was fairly flat and even, but the windows opposite gave the opportunity to add a bit of rim light to my right side. ...  For example, the side of my face has a warm yellow green cast but there is a lot of blue and purple in there as well.


...The intense look on my face is the result of looking hard to find where those soft edges and form transitions begin and end, hence the title, In Search of the Lost Edge. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New Limited Edition Print</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-04-10T08:35:43-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/447e9a87b61b1dfe86db7962fabbf4a3-44.html#unique-entry-id-44</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/447e9a87b61b1dfe86db7962fabbf4a3-44.html#unique-entry-id-44</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Twilight Maple, will now be available as a limited edition, gicl&eacute;e reproduction.   Limited to an issue of 500, the image will be printed with an eight color process using archival inks on acid free, fine art paper, at an image size of 14.5x17, and will come with a numbered certificate of authenticity, signed by the artist.   The prints will be offered at a very special introductory price of $49.00.   For more information, or to place an order, please contact us using the form here.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Painting with Broken Color</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-03-21T13:51:15-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/d7a1c8d88f300823c59e9df16eddacf7-43.html#unique-entry-id-43</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/d7a1c8d88f300823c59e9df16eddacf7-43.html#unique-entry-id-43</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Broken color refers to a technique widely used by impressionist painters, in which color is not rendered as much with paint that is physically mixed to the desired color, but by combining colors in proximity so that they will mix optically.   In other words, to create a green field, the artist may use a combination of blue and yellow strokes of paint next to each other, that at a distance appear to be green, as opposed to mixing blue and yellow paint on the pallet and then brushing that newly created green color on the canvas. 


One of the advantages of painting this way is that the overall effect can be more lively and have an added sense of movement.   Values still need to be respected for the painting to work as a solid representation, but painting this way can allow you to present a stronger color statement. 


...As the gesso begins to dry and stiffen up a bit, I come back across the surface with a pallet knife and flatten the peaks. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Painting Demo</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-03-19T07:52:44-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/cb26ee4067ba1d3d6154293565265563-42.html#unique-entry-id-42</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/cb26ee4067ba1d3d6154293565265563-42.html#unique-entry-id-42</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I will be doing an acrylic painting demo for the DuPage Art League on April 16th at the League&rsquo;s monthly meeting.   The program is free and open to the public, you do not need to be a member to attend.   Programs run from 7:30 - 9 pm at the DPAL&rsquo;s space, 218 Front St, in Wheaton, IL.   Hope to see you there.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Hidden Falls</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-03-13T09:24:42-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/1bd2c19d4de7b45f64c7744692a5082b-41.html#unique-entry-id-41</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/1bd2c19d4de7b45f64c7744692a5082b-41.html#unique-entry-id-41</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[After spending much of my time of late painting figurative pieces, I decided to mix things up a bit and do a landscape.   I typically move back and forth between landscapes and figure or portrait work because I prefer to paint what interests me and not worry about staking out a speciality. ...  It&rsquo;s as if an artist should follow some sort of artistic confine or the other and stay strictly within those boundaries. ...  I find though, that by painting different subjects and genres, it not only keeps me fresh, but that one reinforces the other. 

...Although it&rsquo;s hard to see here, I used multiple layers of glazed color to build up the forms and much of those areas still show through to the finished work. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>A New Day</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-03-06T08:26:35-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/3957873f3ab500c0df6c35d118a0af1c-40.html#unique-entry-id-40</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/3957873f3ab500c0df6c35d118a0af1c-40.html#unique-entry-id-40</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[With Steadfast I kept the background as a toned, almost antique, leather-like surface. ...  My intention was to show dignity and pride in his eyes and I hope I&rsquo;ve managed to capture it. 


...To give me a head start with the texture, the underlying surface is acrylic gesso applied with an old brush in a back and forth motion.   This left the surface with just enough textural depth that I could play off the surface with my paint application, laying on and rubbing back in places.   Yet there is not so much irregularity with the surface that I had to struggle with the relatively smooth areas of the skin and jacket in which texture is created with brushwork.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Potrait Worshop</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-02-17T15:43:40-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/f74bcbc93f6811a1a4f2e3eb674166e1-38.html#unique-entry-id-38</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/f74bcbc93f6811a1a4f2e3eb674166e1-38.html#unique-entry-id-38</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A Change of Season detail Acrylic on gessoed hardboard.


I&rsquo;m exploring the possibility of conducting an acrylic portrait painting workshop.   This would be a one day session held in Downers Grove, IL, most likely in May.   If you think it&rsquo;s something you might be interested in, just send me an email.   I&rsquo;ll post more details as they become available.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Four Landscape Sketches</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-02-10T08:50:43-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/95c9bb4fc0b0c64ef48013c020abab5c-37.html#unique-entry-id-37</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/95c9bb4fc0b0c64ef48013c020abab5c-37.html#unique-entry-id-37</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Here are four quick, little landscape sketches done with acrylic on illustration board about 6x8&rdquo; in size. ...  As you can see, the picture was merely a jumping off point and the paintings went from there.   In fact, by the time I made it to the third one, I was inspired more by the previous sketches than the original photo.   Now the road had become a canal and the daylight turned to moonlight.


...We&rsquo;d had a fresh snowfall the night before and as the skies cleared we had scenes of warm sunlight against cool blue shadows. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New Facebook Page</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-02-10T08:31:56-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/999dca2983ac2519a2549af4eb28831c-36.html#unique-entry-id-36</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/999dca2983ac2519a2549af4eb28831c-36.html#unique-entry-id-36</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I have added  new page on Facebook that will allow me to keep my personal artwork separate from other projects.   From now on status updates and links to this blog will happen there.   You can find me on Facebook listed as Walker Brush Works, or by clicking the link in the sidebar.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Letter</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-02-06T08:35:44-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/0ce1c00d8235742908bbdc65ab15e51c-35.html#unique-entry-id-35</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/0ce1c00d8235742908bbdc65ab15e51c-35.html#unique-entry-id-35</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Letter &bull; 20x24&rdquo; Acrylic on gessoed hardboard


The Letter is one of those paintings that I had kicking around in my head for weeks.   My idea was to create a piece that set the stage, presented the framework of a story, but left the explanation of exactly what was happening, (what the contents of the letter may be, what the woman is feeling), open to the viewer&rsquo;s interpretation.


I planned a scene carried by the soft illumination of diffused light coming through a window on an overcast day and luckily my model was available at the right time.  The pose worked out just as I had hoped and she fell into that faraway, deep in thought look I was after. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Twilight Maple</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-02-01T11:32:47-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/ca8f5edbd4fe47b5c80b7ce8587aee60-34.html#unique-entry-id-34</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/ca8f5edbd4fe47b5c80b7ce8587aee60-34.html#unique-entry-id-34</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Twilight Maple &bull; Acrylic on Strathmore board 17x14.5&rdquo;


...Twilight Maple is another landscape painting finished in January.   The scene is completely created from imagination, although the major elements come from direct observation.   In fact the sky is taken from a fairly recent sunset, one of those that prompted the comment, &ldquo;Gee, if I painted this viewers would think I made it up.&rdquo;   Well, that&rsquo;s what it looked like, and here it is! ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>McKee Sycamore</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-01-30T13:11:34-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/776d96c1866c47f581f1b21fa5ee2c6c-33.html#unique-entry-id-33</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/776d96c1866c47f581f1b21fa5ee2c6c-33.html#unique-entry-id-33</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This little painting was developed from a series of hikes through local nature preserves.   The area consists of rolling grassy fields hemmed in by borders of cattail lined creeks, scrubby bushes and rows of mature trees.   These old tree lines often feature huge old sycamores.   They punctuate the dark rows with their stand out white bark.   In late fall, before the trees have all gone bare, a few inches of fresh snow provides a perfect foil for the rust colored foliage, especially late afternoon under clearing skies. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Winter Evening&#x2c; Rock Falls</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2012-01-03T10:43:12-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/f2cb047e7fe688894840bc0963f8515a-32.html#unique-entry-id-32</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/f2cb047e7fe688894840bc0963f8515a-32.html#unique-entry-id-32</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Winter Evening, Rock Falls 14x11&rdquo; Acrylic on gessoed hardboard 


Inspired by a small waterfall at a local creek, Winter Evening, Rock Falls, is the latest in my continuing Riverbank series.   Although painted primarily from imagination, the overall scene is based on actual observation.   Not intended to be an accurate portrait of the falls, it&rsquo;s instead an attempt to capture the mood and feeling of what was a very special but short lived moment in time. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Primary Colors</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-12-07T18:28:19-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/5c69d7021f052494b99056791dc85155-31.html#unique-entry-id-31</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/5c69d7021f052494b99056791dc85155-31.html#unique-entry-id-31</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[For the most part, I&rsquo;ve been painting smaller pieces and landscapes lately, so I switched gears and decided to do a larger figure study.   I find changing up the focus  of my work helps me maintain a fresh eye, plus it keeps me from tumbling into a rut. ...  Mdf board, especially at .25&rdquo; thick as this is, makes a great painting substrate, slightly heavier than the thinner Masonite type surface I usually use, but rock solid.   The photo above is ok as a fast representation of the work in progress.   Taken with my little point and shoot, it&rsquo;s not super correct in terms of color or value, so when finalized I&rsquo;ll post a more accurate shot.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Inspirational Words</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-11-28T09:45:59-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/01468840c1e3fac70768175476746aa3-30.html#unique-entry-id-30</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/01468840c1e3fac70768175476746aa3-30.html#unique-entry-id-30</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Found while doing some post Thanksgiving book browsing was a photocopied inspirational quote, neatly folded and placed in between the pages of &ldquo;Richard Schmid Paints the Figure,&rdquo;  a book I referenced often when a student at The American Academy of Art.   The sheet was handed out to students in Bill Parks life drawing class. ...  Niemann, &ldquo;Today&rsquo;s Art Medal of Merit Award Winner, 19th Annual Exhibit, 1973&rdquo;. 


I am not familiar with the organization or the artist, and a lot has changed since I was a student at the Academy.   Nevertheless Mr Niemann&rsquo;s words apply as much now as they did when he won his Medal of Merit 1973.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Potrait of S. Claus</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-11-20T09:45:26-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/1a0b95c6a600bbc51747cb0aac99fcaf-29.html#unique-entry-id-29</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/1a0b95c6a600bbc51747cb0aac99fcaf-29.html#unique-entry-id-29</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This seasonal, little portrait of Santa Claus, was painted as my contribution to the Brigantine Gallery&rsquo;s upcoming Hospitality Day event.   Although based on a full figure sketchbook drawing, my goal was to create a painting that would recall a sketchy portrait rendering, so I kept the composition just head and hand.   The tone, and subtle textured look of unpainted hardboard works well as a stand in for an unprimed canvas surface, but gives me the solid surface I prefer to paint on.


...I add a dark background indication that will allow me to play up the side light on the face.


...From this point on I continue to refine the color and tone to completion.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Summer Hat</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-11-07T14:24:14-06:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/b38e328667681c62bf054090e424771f-28.html#unique-entry-id-28</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/b38e328667681c62bf054090e424771f-28.html#unique-entry-id-28</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Summer Hat     11X14&rdquo; Acrylic on gessoed hardboard.


Here&rsquo;s a small portrait painting completed this weekend.   Acrylics on a piece of hardboard, primed with acrylic gesso to create a nice textured surface.   My goal was to produce an accurate portrait, with looser, textural elements coming through and some nice lost edges.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Two Trees</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-11-04T08:51:28-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/00deeaed138a5f69d08acd4a2a7b6077-27.html#unique-entry-id-27</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/00deeaed138a5f69d08acd4a2a7b6077-27.html#unique-entry-id-27</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Two Trees			Acrylic on gessoed hardboard 8X10&rdquo;


As we walked around a nearby marsh last weekend, we passed these two trees.   There was something about the pair that made me want to paint them; the way they stood out from the surrounding sea of late fall greenery, that odd, twisted tree on the right with the hole in its trunk.   The result is this loose little acrylic sketch done on a piece of gessoed hardboard. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Guide to Acrylic Mediums</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-10-28T08:38:28-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/97a650ffadda7e87de84e4b30f3657e0-26.html#unique-entry-id-26</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/97a650ffadda7e87de84e4b30f3657e0-26.html#unique-entry-id-26</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The September 2011 issue of the Artist&rsquo;s magazine has a nice article describing the many options and products available to acrylic painters from gels to pastes, along with some basic outlines for their usage, &ldquo;Mediums Gels and Pastes, Oh My,&rdquo; by Anne Bagby.   In addition to the print article, Artist&rsquo;s has posted comments from the author on their website.   One of the most interesting items to me, was that Winsor and Newton claims to have eliminated the color shift that is typical of acrylics as they dry.   Color shift when drying can be bothersome especially with certain colors and mediums, making color matching difficult at times.   I&rsquo;ll have to investigate that one myself.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Q and A #1 - 5 Reasons Why I Paint With Acrylics</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-10-20T13:22:13-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/ad3d84a983164564664b01a03b117c91-25.html#unique-entry-id-25</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/ad3d84a983164564664b01a03b117c91-25.html#unique-entry-id-25</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[For the most part, the only acrylic &ldquo;extra&rdquo; I use, (and there a lot to choose from if you want to go that route), is matte medium. 

...The wide variety of application styles possible with acrylic paint allows for work that has an appearance ranging from a watercolor&rsquo;s translucent delicacy to an impasto&rsquo;s thick brushstrokes. ...  You can flow wet acrylic paint as you might with watercolor, drag color in a drybrush technique or lay on thick slabs of pallet knife work. 

...While it&rsquo;s true that nearly any media can be reworked, I find it much easier to make adjustments to an acrylic painting. ...  I also like the fact, that armed with a damp rag, I can brush on paint and if the results don&rsquo;t make the cut, wipe it off as if nothing happened. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Rabbit Fur Cap Wins Award</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-10-11T07:18:26-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/5ad4baf9c85e96737f76d3154b0e761d-24.html#unique-entry-id-24</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/5ad4baf9c85e96737f76d3154b0e761d-24.html#unique-entry-id-24</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[My painting The Rabbit Fur Cap has taken the first place award at the Downers Grove Artist&rsquo;s Guild&rsquo;s October show at the Indian Prairie Library in Darien IL.   The judge was Stephanie Bieniek, Vice President of the LaGrange Art League.   Her  comments: &ldquo;The image of the woman is so life-like with her flushed face as if she just came in from the cold.   One could actually &ldquo;feel&rdquo; the softness of the fur on the cap.   The expression on the woman&rsquo;s face was a little mysterious and I wanted to know more about her. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New Riverbank Series Drawing</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-10-05T10:08:01-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/c7bb8789cb7ed6a27618640142977bbe-23.html#unique-entry-id-23</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/c7bb8789cb7ed6a27618640142977bbe-23.html#unique-entry-id-23</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Over the past year I have been working on a series of drawings and paintings revolving around a loose theme of a riverbank setting. ...  This is the latest in the series, a drawing I call Holdfast, drawn with charcoal, carbon pencil and ink on Stonehenge print paper.


...It&rsquo;s another exploration of twisting, exposed, tree roots, which I came across when out walking along Sawmill Creek.   The tree  here is hanging on to a rocky outcrop, and leans over the river&rsquo;s bank, its roots exposed from years of erosion.   I find the convoluted forms of the roots, the dark recesses around them, and play of light across the scene to be an interesting subject to record. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Artist Q and A</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-10-01T11:54:20-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/a9222d0cbd9367ec16402ceeaac0b600-22.html#unique-entry-id-22</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/a9222d0cbd9367ec16402ceeaac0b600-22.html#unique-entry-id-22</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Often when attending an art show or monthly DGAG or DPAL meeting, a variety of questions come my way.   "What do you paint with, oils?," "Why don't you paint on canvas?,"  or even, "Can you tell me how to get to that art supply store you mentioned shopping at - from my house?"


...It's a great feeling to know that someone has taken enough interest in what I have devoted my time and energy to, to begin an interchange.   Plus it's always nice to discuss a subject that I am so passionate about with someone who shares the same "disease".


...So please, if you have any questions about my work in particular, or painting and drawing in general, send them in using the Contact form or email link on the website and I'll do my best to post an answer.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Website Redesign</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-09-29T08:50:17-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/0f82fe0bf995cf353307da872ef068c6-21.html#unique-entry-id-21</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/0f82fe0bf995cf353307da872ef068c6-21.html#unique-entry-id-21</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[After a lot of trial and error we&rsquo;re finally up and running with the new website design.   There are still some pieces to post, glitches to iron out and areas to tweak before I can claim victory, but I think overall things look pretty solid.


In addition to the new look, I&rsquo;ve begun to include detail shots of many paintings. ...  I plan to add comments about various pieces, including things like the inspiration behind a painting or the technical aspects of method or materials, so please check back often and see how the site continues to evolve.


...Feel free to send me an email note using the Contact page form or via the link in the sidebar. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Late Summer Dune</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-09-22T08:57:01-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/f14bd2d9129e4683a870b938d02156c5-20.html#unique-entry-id-20</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/f14bd2d9129e4683a870b938d02156c5-20.html#unique-entry-id-20</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[After finishing up the figure painting, Jack, I decided to change gears and do a small landscape piece.   The setting here is the sand dunes along the Michigan shoreline.   The leaves and grasses are beginning to turn to their warm fall colors which make for a great color contrast to the bright blue lake Michigan water.   Jack was a larger, moody, detailed painting and took days to complete. ...  A small gestural, brightly lit image completed in a couple of hours. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Jack the Pumpkin Carver</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-09-20T08:07:17-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/b11300dd8b9e472b882d1ba0f1974c95-19.html#unique-entry-id-19</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/b11300dd8b9e472b882d1ba0f1974c95-19.html#unique-entry-id-19</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[As a returning member of the DuPage Art League I&rsquo;m looking forward to participating in my first DPAL sponsored show in many years.   Most of the DPAL shows are thematic and this one is no exception taking a seasonal turn with artist interpretations of &ldquo;All Hallows Eve&rdquo;.   This is my contribution, done in acrylic on hardboard.


Jack		Acrylic on gessoed hardboard 15.5&rdquo;X23&rdquo;


A couple of detail shots.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Fall Creek</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-09-07T07:15:45-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/b174464e21e0fbda7279701a1238c3e8-18.html#unique-entry-id-18</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/b174464e21e0fbda7279701a1238c3e8-18.html#unique-entry-id-18</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Fall Creek	8x10&rdquo; Acrylic on gessoed hardboard


Water&rsquo;s reflective quality makes it a very interesting subject to paint.   In this study, the cooler colors picked up in the creek&rsquo;s reflection makes a great counterpoint to the warmth of the trees surrounding it.   The painting is small and rendered loosely.    Although it sounds counterintuitive, working in a smaller format can be very liberating. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Late Summer Cottonwood</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-09-02T16:03:37-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/2d24b2197a23be9594bbca01279add99-17.html#unique-entry-id-17</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/2d24b2197a23be9594bbca01279add99-17.html#unique-entry-id-17</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Late Summer Cottonwood   8x10&rdquo; Acrylic sketch on canvasboard


As the summer season slips into fall the colors of the landscape become much more interesting to me.   The greens of summer are becoming tempered with gold and russet although they still retain their intensity in the warm afternoon sun.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Idea Sketches 8-31</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-09-01T10:59:13-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/abf9873ac798f727ad4bb6f5b494c855-16.html#unique-entry-id-16</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/abf9873ac798f727ad4bb6f5b494c855-16.html#unique-entry-id-16</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[These were done as explorations of a painting idea I&rsquo;m working on.   You can see how different the feeling can be when the color schemes are changed.   These are done small, about 2&rdquo;x3, and very quickly.   I&rsquo;m not concerned about anything other than basic shapes and color/tone relationships.   Sketches like this are invaluable when it comes to solidifying your thoughts before starting the final work. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Weekend Sketches</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-08-30T07:41:50-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/154d910674b75a21fcfe355ab6e3ec26-15.html#unique-entry-id-15</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/154d910674b75a21fcfe355ab6e3ec26-15.html#unique-entry-id-15</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[After my father&rsquo;s passing in April I began to sort out his studio.   I came across a few sets of old Marabu and Pelikan &ldquo;pan&rdquo; watercolors.   These are the old style sets with little flat pans of color contained in tins.   They come complete with a finger loop on the back so you can hold them in your hand as an oil painter would hold a wooden pallet. ...  This weekend I decided to pull those tins out and use them to do some color sketches. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Incendiary Wins Honor</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-08-27T13:14:29-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/bfb073efeb69e09c83f33fbc81a604c7-14.html#unique-entry-id-14</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/bfb073efeb69e09c83f33fbc81a604c7-14.html#unique-entry-id-14</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Judging was by William Scarlato M.F.A., Professor of Fine Arts  at Illinois Benedictine University. 

...&ldquo;There is good evidence in this painting of the Tenebrist technique that you would see in painters of the 17th century like Caravaggio and Georges de La Tour.   It has a stark lighting that captures a strong emotion and it successfully tells a story by the choice of subject matter.   The complimentary color pairing of blue and orange also helps to state the dramatic effect. 

...Thanks also to Melody Danley for doing another great job presenting the DGAG member&rsquo;s work.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Portrait Demo</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-08-26T08:13:04-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/3fe0db0a4c627236060faabc7009afdc-12.html#unique-entry-id-12</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/3fe0db0a4c627236060faabc7009afdc-12.html#unique-entry-id-12</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[My goal with this demo is to illustrate the process involved with getting down the darks of the face and to show how those darks can define a subject.


...Then again, having the option to correct laid down strokes by wiping with a rag sure comes in handy and if the paint application dries too quickly, you lose that option.   However, by using a good primer, you will seal a porous surface enough to allow for wipe out of paint long after a more absorbent surface like unprimed paper or board would, yet the paint still adheres well enough that wet paint layers can be added quickly on top of one another without worry of dislodging the previous, dried strokes below. 


...I draw in a non-linear way using paint that is thin, watery and light in value and applied with a well worn, small, flat brush. 

...Now I really begin to close in on the edges using paint that is more opaque when I want to make clear definitions. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Five Keys to Capturing a Good Likeness</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-08-18T14:44:18-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/8b1edc02efdb13d24c90917829ab5c91-11.html#unique-entry-id-11</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/8b1edc02efdb13d24c90917829ab5c91-11.html#unique-entry-id-11</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Knowing the basic roadmap of the human face makes the job much easier, but being able to recreate theoretically perfect facial proportions doesn&rsquo;t guarantee you will be able to accurately record the typical person&rsquo;s imperfect facial layout. 


...For example; If the length of the model&rsquo;s nose from between the eyes to the tip is thought of as one unit, then it may be 1 1/4 &ldquo;noses&rdquo; to this particular person&rsquo;s hair, or the width of the nose itself may be 1/2 a &ldquo;nose&rdquo;. 

...When developing the shadow areas of the face I will sometimes use a tool that creates a broad mark, the side of a charcoal pencil or a chunk of pastel, and lay in those areas with quick strokes. ...  While this particular sketch may not be finished enough that it could be used to pick the subject out of a police line up, it does capture the overall layout of features very well. 

...The next time you paint a portrait pay close attention to the five darks of the face and see how recording them faithfully can help you immediately capture an accurate likeness.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Solution for Artist Statement Problems&#x21;</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-06-30T08:35:48-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/43cb547b0016d5532175c66157756044-10.html#unique-entry-id-10</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/43cb547b0016d5532175c66157756044-10.html#unique-entry-id-10</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[You&rsquo;ve created a nice body of work, you have a website, business cards, you&rsquo;re even on the brink of representation with a well known gallery.   All that&rsquo;s missing now is that one last piece of the puzzle, but one that for many of us is the most difficult to come by. ...  Writing the obligatory artists statement is in fact one of the most difficult exercises many artists ever face. ...  That&rsquo;s probably why a good number of artists either put off the chore, muddle through with a less than well conceived piece of writing, or forgo the thing altogether.


...Now all you need do is click a button and a few paragraphs of vague, but oh so arty gibberish, is squeezed out for your use. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Refining a Digital Sketch</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-06-28T16:58:23-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/65eee63aba6b0affbd6500f95a66c325-9.html#unique-entry-id-9</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/65eee63aba6b0affbd6500f95a66c325-9.html#unique-entry-id-9</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[On the downside you have; a lack of tactile sense, the difficulty of pulling a precise, thin-thick stroke, (a big minus for me), and sadly an overall kind of sterility compared to traditional mediums. 


...I recalled a newspaper clipping I had stumbled across earlier in the day and it brought to mind lonely rural farmhouses seen on vacations when I was young.   I had a vision in mind of what I wanted to say and didn&rsquo;t want the fact that I was now collapsed in comfort to inhibit quickly recording the idea for a future painting.   My goal was not to put down a fully formed image but to grab an impression that I could refer to, a meaningful slice that would preserve the original idea for later. ...  From my perch in the family room I scribbled awhile and then shot myself an email, with the sketch attached, to open in Photoshop next day.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>From iPad to Easel</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-06-23T09:08:23-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/da3be30e5cc419a5d2f0c784245de218-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/da3be30e5cc419a5d2f0c784245de218-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The initial iPad drawing was used to record information about the subject that was accurate, if not in a strict one to one manner. 

...I may sketch to attempt a fairly accurate drawing of a subject or scene, which is easily understandable to most people, or I may be putting down quick color impressions and not concerning myself with a precise linear expression of form at all, which can be baffling to some. 

...I also use sketches as simple note taking devices, putting ideas down, as loosely formed as they may be, &ldquo;on paper&rdquo;  in a medium that conveys more than a written description. 

...It acted as a reasonably faithful representation of what was observed, it provided a document of an idea I had for a finished painting, and it served to capture some of the feeling for the subject as I experienced it at the time. 


While the iPad lacks some of the organic qualities of traditional sketching media, and doesn&rsquo;t perform well in every situation, it is definitely one tool that I find myself using more and more.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>How to Start?</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-06-10T08:49:12-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/5374843129b036e3ff9c9b5fd3278150-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/5374843129b036e3ff9c9b5fd3278150-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[No matter how long you have been painting, no matter how well you can visualize a finished work, when the time comes to actually lay that first brushstroke down on a new piece, there can be a moment of confusion. ...  I once read an interview with a longtime pro who commented that he can have a layout, a tight pencil, even a color rough and still draw a blank when confronted with the dreaded expanse of empty white real estate waiting for his hand.


For the most part I have managed to sidestep the problem of what to get on the blank canvas first by simply eliminating the blank canvas. 

...Typically that means drawing directly on the white gessoed hardboard surface I prefer to work on, and then giving the pencil a light shot of fixative to preserve it and prevent smearing. 

...The wash itself is one of two recipes; either a mixture of matte medium with a colorant, (like the tints used to color wall paint), or matte medium with an acrylic paint, usually burnt umber or sienna. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Incendiary</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-06-07T13:13:38-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/0d1eea4c533784a710393e3121cd88dd-6.html#unique-entry-id-6</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/0d1eea4c533784a710393e3121cd88dd-6.html#unique-entry-id-6</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[If possible I like to let a painting hang around some in the studio before I release it into the wild.   Gives them a chance to mellow in your thoughts and if you face the painting against the wall for a bit and come back to it later you get a fresh eye. ...  There are stories of Degas breaking into homes in the dark of night to &ldquo;fix&rdquo; paintings that he had sold as finished but now saw as having glaring flaws begging for a fix. 

...You can view The Incendiary in August at the Downers Grove Public Library&rsquo;s gallery as part of a Downers Grove Artist Guild exhibition.   And to anyone who may want to purchase the painting, I promise not to break into your home in the dead of night to make adjustments.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Artist Reception</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-05-23T09:12:29-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/00b867ac764beca6bb0fb956b9bdbd8e-5.html#unique-entry-id-5</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/00b867ac764beca6bb0fb956b9bdbd8e-5.html#unique-entry-id-5</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I appreciated hearing all the comments about my work and the chance to speak with all of you. 


...There has been some confusion about the identity of the guy used in all of the marketing materials connected with the show.   When the library&rsquo;s exhibit coordinator Melody Danley asked me for a photo to use for promotional purposes I provided her with a detail shot from the painting &ldquo;A Change of Season.&rdquo; ...  To clarify things a bit Melody cleverly set up a table with an actual self portrait that was not originally included in the show, to help set things straight. 


...This show has been a blast and I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the feedback I&rsquo;ve received and people I&rsquo;ve had a chance to meet. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>iPad Portrait Sketch</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-05-22T09:11:49-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/fa700d856961dfde556683820bc50374-4.html#unique-entry-id-4</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/fa700d856961dfde556683820bc50374-4.html#unique-entry-id-4</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[With some free time between finishing up one illustration job and waiting for pencil approval on another, I had an opportunity to grab my iPad and do some sketching. ...  While there is no doubt in my mind that some truly incredible, highly polished paintings are achievable with the iPad, I don&rsquo;t have much interest in taking my iPad artwork to that level. 

...Pretty tough to find a simpler, portable, easy to hold, color sketching set up than this, and there&rsquo;s no reason not to use it to create some paintings that fall between a 10 minute drawing and a fully rendered piece.   Even better, if a sketch does deserve to be taken to a higher degree of finish there is no reason it can&rsquo;t be imported into a pro level image editor like Photoshop or Painter.


...Some of the UI stills seems slightly clunky and my wish list would include a record/playback feature like the Brushes iPhone app has, but overall it&rsquo;s a well thought out and implemented piece of software that I have a feeling I will be sketching with more and more. ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Meet the Artist</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-05-05T09:09:15-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/17029393f13f39e0daefd4c366f7051a-3.html#unique-entry-id-3</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/17029393f13f39e0daefd4c366f7051a-3.html#unique-entry-id-3</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[In conjunction with my currently running exhibit at the Downers Grove Public Library, I&rsquo;ll be doing a &ldquo;Meet the Artist&rdquo; reception on Sunday May 22 at 2 pm.   I'll be available to discuss my work, painting with acrylics, or even the merits of working as an artist and illustrator.   Hope to see you there.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Solo Exhibit</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-05-01T16:32:26-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/dd232609d3974a128a327ffe541dbd9f-2.html#unique-entry-id-2</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/dd232609d3974a128a327ffe541dbd9f-2.html#unique-entry-id-2</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Twenty six of my original paintings, mostly acrylic but also mixed media, went on display today in the Downers Grove Public Library gallery space.   They&rsquo;ll be up for the entire month of May.   The library&rsquo;s gallery space is terrific and I&rsquo;m thrilled to be able to show my work there.   Thanks to Melody Danley, the library&rsquo;s Graphics and Display Coordinator, for doing a great job arranging and hanging the work.    If you&rsquo;re in the area please stop by.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Classical Life Drawing</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><category>None</category><dc:date>2011-04-09T10:55:20-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/fb46ad3015755fd6a5bcffb383db6d57-1.html#unique-entry-id-1</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/fb46ad3015755fd6a5bcffb383db6d57-1.html#unique-entry-id-1</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Although he delighted in making the students groan over his corny, and oft repeated jokes, when it was time to put charcoal to paper, he was all business.   He would patrol the silent room as we worked, desperately struggling to get on paper something that remotely appeared like the figure model posed on the stage, occasionally pausing to look over a student&rsquo;s attempt. 

...These thoughts came rushing back to me as I flipped through the book, Classical Life Drawing Studio- Lessons & Teachings in the Art of Figure Drawing, by James Lancel McElhinney and the Instructors of the Art Students League of New York. 

...Instead the book is mostly a portfolio of life drawings, both old and new, that display not only high academic accomplishment, but also incredible beauty and depth.   It&rsquo;s also interesting to see how drawing styles have changed over time along with the influence certain instructors had over their pupils. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Visitor to be Shown at Best of the Best</title><dc:creator>john@johnwalkerillustration.com</dc:creator><dc:subject>Blog/News</dc:subject><dc:date>2011-03-17T14:02:25-05:00</dc:date><link>http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/80120fc2bc6477b0492faf1ad79c1716-0.html#unique-entry-id-0</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.walkerbrushworks.com/blog-news/files/80120fc2bc6477b0492faf1ad79c1716-0.html#unique-entry-id-0</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[My painting, The Visitor, will be shown at the Alliance of Fine Art&rsquo;s Best of the Best 2010 exhibit in April.   This is always a great show made even better by the elegant setting, the historic Peabody Mansion in Oak Brook IL.   The participant work is comprised of award winning pieces entered from fifteen member art leagues. 


Rose was last year&rsquo;s first place winner.   You can read the judges comments about Rose and see the other award winners on the AFA website, here.]]></content:encoded></item></channel>
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