Be a "Shape Maker", not a "Mark Maker"
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Be a "Shape Maker", not a "Mark Maker"
Let me ask you a question: Are you a Shape Maker or a Mark Maker? I fall into the category of Shape Maker, and I hope you do as well. “Mark Making” is an art buzzword that means absolutely nothing. It’s a word/phrase that you’ll never hear me use in an art instruction setting. I want my students to learn how to make shapes, which are the foundation of painting design and creation.
I have talked about my disdain for the term mark making in previous videos. In a couple recent videos where I was using an art crayon to make linework, a couple folks said OMG, you’re making marks and you said you wouldn’t. To me, lines are lines or shapes, they aren’t marks - nor is anything I make in a painting a mark. I’ve been scraping linework into my paintings for the last 30 years. In my watercolor days I used lots of linework for punch and delineation of materials and never once did anyone call them a mark.
If you’re a beginner, please don’t fall into the mark maker trap. Learn how to make shapes that interlock like puzzle pieces to create your compositions. It takes time and practice to be a good shape maker, but you can do it.
If you can benefit from learning the fundamentals of painting design - Like Shape Making - I have a course called Design Fundamentals for the Artist that you can learn about HERE.
If you'd like to learn about abstract painting and making your own authentic work, then please join me for a painting workshop: (You can view a list of workshops HERE)
August 4-6, 2021 David M. Kessler Fine Art Studio, Winston-Salem, NC. This is a Studio Workshop in Abstract Painting. Click Here for Information and Registration. Only 1 Seat Left!
September 1-3, 2021 “Bigger, Faster, Fresher, Looser Abstract Painting” Ingram, TX
Hill Country Arts Foundation Click Here for Information and RegistrationSeptember 23-25, “Bigger, Faster, Fresher, Looser Abstract Painting” 2021 Huntsville, AL
Huntsville Museum of Art Click Here for Information and RegistrationOctober 8-10, 2021, “Abstracting the Coastal Landscape “ Walton Beach, FL
Arts and Design Society (ADSO). Click HERE for Information and Registration.October 26-28, 2021 “Bigger, Faster, Fresher, Looser Abstract Painting” Daytona Beach, FL
Art League of Daytona Beach, Click HERE for Information and RegistrationNovember 3-5, 2021 David M. Kessler Fine Art Studio, Winston-Salem, NC. This is a Studio Workshop in Abstract Painting. Click Here for Information and Registration.
November 13-14, 2021 Art of the Carolinas, Raleigh, NC. Sponsored by Jerry’s Artarama. I will be teaching two full-day abstract painting workshops. Click Here for Information and Registration.
As always, thanks for your support!
David
Simple Color System Colorwheel
If you have seen my videos on YouTube or taken one of my workshops, you have seen me use my Simple Color System Colorwheel. My Simple Color System is easy to use and assures that the color in your paintings will be harmonious. Proudly made in North Carolina.
You can purchase the Colorwheel HERE.
ALL ABOUT COLOR is a great online course that will show you a straightforward, no nonsense, clear and easily understandable approach to using harmonious color in your paintings. Now On Sale for $50 Off!
Abstract Painting Academy is an online workshop experience specifically designed to teach you how to paint Abstract Paintings (like only you can!), Loosen Up your painting style, and use Design Fundamentals to give your paintings Dynamic Visual Impact. You get David’s personal attention and feedback on all of your work during the course. Now On Sale for $100 Off!
Click Here to Find Out More
The Painting Insider (formerly Abstract Painting Insider) now has a new format and is not abstract painting specific. Weekly lessons provide an abundance of information to painters at any level. I have poured information about everything I have learned about painting over the last 30 years into one course!
