Who Reflections Show

So you like sketching on public transportation?

As some of you know, Ted Gordon hosted a great class at the 2015 Summer Seminar on Urban Sketching Undercover. He had great tips on how to sneak a sketch in public.

Ballpoint pen sketch from Red Line train

But what happens when you end up with a window seat on the bus or train and a neighbor who is blocking your view of everyone else?


If it also happens to be night or just dark, look out your window because you are in luck!

Wait – what?

Because CTA buses and trains have lights on the inside, the windows reflect what is around you. It isn't a perfect mirror, but it's a great way to get in a bus sketch. If your neighbor is blocking the view, this distortion can be especially helpful as it will often stretch the view to include more of the bus than you could comfortably see without it!

In the photos above you can see a  sample reflection from the bus window one evening. Notice that in these two photos there are at least three subjects for sketching without having to sketch the back of a bunch of heads! 

 This technique is also helpful when someone is starting to suspect that you might be sketching them, just look out the window for a bit and sketch them from there!

Sketch from bus Jan. 2015

 In this sketch the fellow started suspect that I was sketching him. By the time I finished he was a lot more than suspecting and had actually taken photos of me sketching him!

He was a great sport about it and we discussed the importance of the arts over a cup of coffee the next day (Meeting great people is an amazing benefit of Urban Sketching). But for some people that sounds terrifying. Even if it doesn't sound terrifying, there are times when you'd just prefer not to be noticed, right?

Well as you might be able to tell, this gentleman was sitting in the same spot as the fellow in the driver's hat from the photos above. If I had realized it at the time, I could have sketched him from his reflection instead and avoided the encounter. Neat, huh?



So what about if it's bright out? Well, as far as I can tell you're just out of luck if it's a sunny day. Do you know otherwise? If you have any tricks for gaining a sketch-able view by day, I'd love to hear them!

Selling Your Sketches at an Art Show

SELLING YOUR SKETCHES AT AN ART SHOW - By Andrew Banks

URBAN SKETCHERS CHICAGO HOLIDAY SHOWCASE & ART FAIR

November 21st - 12pm-5pm.  Reception to follow - 5pm-7pm

With less than two weeks until submissions are due for the Urban Sketchers Chicago Holiday Showcase, you, like me, are probably getting ready to submit your art into the Showcase as well as for selling prints in the Plein Air Art Fair.

Here is a checklist of items to keep in mind when prepping to sell your prints at an art show. (Disclaimer - This is basic list of the most important things to consider.  There are likely other factors to consider, however, these suggestions should give you a great starting point.)  If you have experience holding a table at art fairs or shows, or arts and crafts fairs, share your experience in the comments.  What worked for you?  What didn't?

THE ART

Consider printing Giclee prints.  Giclee prints are high quality, archival, fade resistant art reproductions.  Keep in mind that the quality of your print (especially if enlarging) will largely depend on the quality of the scan.  Scan your original art at 300dpi. or higher.  Make any necessary adjustments to the scan file to ensure that your reproductions represent the original artwork as closely as possible.  Work with your printer to chose a paper that emulates the paper used in the original sketch, or that best compliments the sketch.  (Ex. If the original is a watercolor, consider printing on a textured paper that emulates the original watercolor paper.)

PACKAGING

Factors to consider: branding, preservation/protection of your art, cost

Backing Board - Backing boards keep your art from bending or getting damaged.  I like to use 1/8" acid free foam core.  I purchase large sheets (32"x40") and cut them down to size.  Acid free products are more expensive than non acid free products, however, will give you the confidence to stand behind your product.  Over extended time, contact with non acid free materials (corregated cardboard, chip board, non acid free foam core etc...) can cause damage (fading, discoloration etc...) to your art. We do not know how long a customer may keep the art in the packaging, so, using acid free materials gives both you and the customer freedom to preserve the art.

Art Bag/Document Bag - Slip you art print and backing board into a clear, acid free bag.  Many bags come with a self-sealing sticker to close up the bag once the art is inside.  Once again, consider going with an acid free option to preserve integrity of your art.

Branding -  Add some personal touch to the packaged print.  If you have a business logo, consider adding small stickers to the back side of the packaging, to help distinguish your print from others. You may also have business cards.  Consider including a business card with each print.  How can your packaging compliment your art while maintaining consistency in your brand as an artist or sketcher?

PAYMENT
How will you accept payment?

Credit/Debit - Consider getting a reader such as the Square reader.  Square readers (or similar systems) connect to your smartphone, and allow payments to be transferred directly to your bank account.  Keep in mind that fees will apply for each time a card is swiped, and consider factoring this into the price of your product.

Cash - If accepting cash payments, make sure to bring enough cash to give change to your customers. Consider setting the price of your prints at even dollar amounts, or in increments of $5 for ease of giving change.

Receipts - Don't forget to provide your customers with a receipt.  Payment readers like Square are able to email or text receipts.  However, for cash transactions, make sure to write up simple receipts, and keep a copy for you own records.

PRICING
Display your pricing so it is easy for customers to read.  Whether it is with a sticker on the back of each print, with a small sign next to each print, or all listed in one place on a sheet of paper, make it easy for your customer to shop, without having to ask for the pricing of each different item.

Don't forget to factor Sales Tax into the cost of your prints.

TABLE LAYOUT
How much "stuff" will you have, and will you have enough room for it all.  Consider doing a mock set up of all of the items you plan to bring with you.  Will you lay your prints flat?Displayed on an easel?  In a box/bin?

Aside from the art, what "extras" do you want to display?  This is a great opportunity to share an artist statement.  Print out half sheets with a paragraph or two, describing your art, your process and what inspires you and pass these out.

If you have business cards, this is perfect opportunity to pass them out.

SPECIALS?
Do you want to run any specials to encourage sales?  Buy two, get one free?  Buy one, get one half off?

INTERACT
Be ready to talk about your work.  Rather than sitting down or stepping away from your work, be ready to tell customers what it special about your work, and what excites you about it.  Is there a story behind a particular piece that brings some meaning to the piece?  Do you recommend a particular frame size or matting color to compliment the print?

HAVE FUN!
Don't forget to have fun!  Remember to be true to yourself, and your art.  Be proud of your work, and remember that your work is unique!  Ask yourself how the way you are presenting your work reflects your personality, your art, and sketching style.

REMINDERS
***-Art submissions due by Nov. 15th, 2015***
-Show hanging  - Nov. 19th - Dec. 12th, 2015
-Plein Air Art Fair - Nov. 21st, 12pm-5pm.  Reception to follow from 5pm-7pm.  Light refreshments will be served.

For more information about the event, see the full CALL FOR ART.

Questions?  Email andrew@andrewbanksillustration.com

Lastly, many many thanks to Blick Art Materials and Blick Art Materials of Lincoln Park for sponsoring this event and for their continued support of and generosity to Urban Sketchers Chicago!



 

Time for Details

TIPS AND TRICKS TUESDAY - By Angie Hauch

In my urban sketching practice, there is one common theme to almost every drawing I make...

I didn't have enough time to put in all the details! 

Sound familiar? That unfinished feeling can steal the fulfillment of flipping back through your sketches and cause you to dwell on the anxiety of incompletion, instead of remembering the moment in time or the scene you chose to record.  Here's a couple of hacks I use to cheat time and use details sparingly in order to get a finished look, because let's be real, will we ever allow ourselves enough time to draw? I hope so, but in the meantime...

1.  Contours for the Complicated

Contours, or outlines, are a great hack for complicated things you don't have time to draw (i.e. leaves, trees, blades of grass, strands of hair etc). Suggest what is happening in one area by adding details. I find it effective to do this in the immediate area surrounding your focal point, and then hint at it as you work your way away from the subject.

In this drawing I knew it would take me all day to draw those trees so I worked in just a few details by the house, 

and with a quick contour, added a fully wooded dune in the background. Presto woods-o!

2.  Contours for Composition

Another tricky way to use contours, is to accentuate your composition.  Before you start to draw, ask yourself what (or who) is most important. Build in detail from the inside out.  In this setting there were 3 women drinking coffee and computing... I was really limited on time, and I could tell the farthest woman was already packing up. I chose to focus on the central character whose face I could study the closest, and used contours to capture the other characters.

The contours of the other women become a frame, and force our eyes right to the focal point.

Are you an urban sketcher over achiever?  I definitely was in this drawing and was far from finishing,
I decided a quick contoured skyline is so much nicer than a floating building.

3.  When all else fails... sign your name and turn the page.

When this couple got up and left mid-sketch, and then a waiter moved all the chairs, and then someone sat right in front of me... I figured this sketch was doomed.  Perspective is my enemy, and faking four chairs and table legs was simply not happening.  I tried the contour trick but even then, some lines and a big blank spot under the table left that bitter unfinished taste in my mouth. It was time to move on. I blocked out some boxes big enough to "finish" the drawing, and used what was left on my palette to date, initial and plug Panera. Try it! And then tell everyone it was intentional ;)

How Urban Sketching and Plein Air Painting Compare and Contrast

TUESDAY TIPS & TRICKS, by Ted Gordon

How are the Urban Sketchers and Plein Air Painting movements related?

As an artist with a hand in both and with our upcoming combined show, the Urban Sketchers Chicago Holiday Showcase, with Featured Guests, Plein Air Painters of Chicago 11/21-12/13/2015, let’s examine similarities and differences.

HISTORY

Technology had something to do with the formation of both. Plein Air means "in the open air" or simply, “outdoors.” The technological advance of paint in tubes allowed artists in the mid 1800s to explore nature and capture the effects of sunlight in the moment. Urban Sketchers is about drawing on location, in a supportive, global community. The internet was key to its formation and is integral to the global sharing aspect.

Plein Air: Elephant Vigil at Showmen's Rest, A Plein Air painting in a limited palette of Richeson casein

SIMILARITIES

Both groups create images on location, in the moment.

With some exceptions, the size of our drawings and paintings tend to be small, for reasons of both portability and time.

We travel with our materials. Watermedia (watercolor, gouache, and casein) and digital tools are used in either. Of all of these, watercolor is the most popular crossover medium in my experience.

We’re both interested in capturing the Truth of a place and time, exploring the world around us.

Fountain of the Muses, Rio De Janeiro, in Winsor & Newton watercolor

DIFFERENCES

There are exceptions to all of these items, however, in general, the differences tend to be about time and materials. Plein Air Painting tends to take much more time per image and is painted with paint or pastels. Urban Sketches can be created in much less time and may use any material.

Urban Sketches tend to be even smaller than a typical plein air painting. When you consider that an Urban Sketch might be drawn on a pocket-sized sketchbook while waiting in line, as opposed to being created on an easel set up for several hours, you can understand why.

Urban Sketches, without question, can also be drawn indoors. Cafes, museums, and concert venues are all typical Urban Sketchers venues. Exceptions prove how similar these efforts are. In both Plein Air Painting and Urban Sketchers, the world is our studio.

Based in its journalistic roots, Urban Sketchers aims to tell the story of our surroundings. Urban Sketches are far more likely to contain text within the work than in a Plein Air painting.

The story of a Plein Air painting can be much less literally narrative. For instance, the story could be about what the sunlight is doing during your painting or how intensely blue that boat is.

Plein Air is almost always done on an easel. Urban Sketching sometimes is, but often isn’t, for mobility and quickness.

While Plein Air paintings are made with paint or pastels, Urban Sketchers draw with any kind of media and wildly individual styles. Plein Air styles, while they can be quite varied, aren’t as divergent as the Urban Sketchers styles can be, in my opinion.

Urban Sketchers tends to be more casual, mobile, and quick. Urban Sketchers’ subjects are more likely to have a person or an action as the subject. In contrast, plein air paintings often take much more time to complete and are more likely to contain natural environmental or architectural subjects.

Plein Air painters are more likely to edit an environment for aesthetic purposes. A tree might move or wires might be omitted without feeling that the truth of the place had been compromised in plein air.

Lindberg Park, painted in Winsor & Newton watercolor on location. Are these Plein Air or Urban Sketches? Yes!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, I think that some of the differences are superficial, while others are very strong. Which you are doing at a given time may have more to do with your equipment and intention than anything else. There are definitely times when the lines are blurred. To be clear, I don't make a value judgement between the two and there's no reason you can't do each in the same day.

For artists that like to experiment, I encourage you to try both!

You can see more of my work, Urban Sketches and Plein Air Paintings here:

http://www.tedgordonart.com/

http://instagram.com/motionimpossible

What do you think? In what other ways are Urban Sketchers and Plein Air Painting similar or different?

Ten Reasons to Draw and More

#inktober

Tuesday Tips & Tricks:

Everything Old is New Again

Did you know that until the late 1920s - early 1930s drawing was part of the regular school curriculum? While not one of the 3 Rs, it was considered an important tool for developing concepts, sharpening thought, and sharing ideas. What happened? One of the major factors was the development of photography made drawing seem like an unnecessary skill. In more recent years, computer advancements in the visual communication field made drawing appear to be unimportant even unnecessary but things are changing. Whether it’s called drawing, sketching, or doodling, today, we’re rediscovering the benefits of drawing. If you're an experienced artist looking to reboot or a newbie looking for kindred spirits, this is for you.

Why Draw?

1. Improves eye-hand coordination
2. Improves memory
3. Improves communication skills
4. Relieves stress (Have you seen all the coloring books for grown-ups that are in the stores?)
5. Increases creativity
6. Increases observational skills
7. Increases attention to detail
8. Increases positive emotions (Why do you think restaurants give crayons an paper to children?)
9. The more you draw the better your drawing skill
10. It's fun

And this is just a partial list!

Drawing relieves stress, preserves a memory, and conveys ideas.

Draw More

We know the benefits of drawing; it only makes sense to draw more. Want to draw more but need a nudge? It’s funny that two of the causes for drawing less are big helps to start drawing more – the computer and the internet. There’s an internet group out there made just for you and your sketching needs. FaceBook offers an almost endless list of groups that unite like-minded sketchers for encouragement, inspiration, to share information and sketches. There are drawing quests issued on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to challenge you to draw more. Post your work, add the proper # and join in the fun. 

Here’s a small sampling of groups to get you started. Don't hesitate to explore others, too. Be sure to read the groups’ guidelines and join those that are a good fit for you.

On location sketching:

• Urban Sketchers       Click here for Regional Chapters  (edited 10.24.15)
• Urban Sketchers-Chicago
• Plein Air Artists Group
• SketchCrawl
• Urban Watercolorist Group

Sketchbook work:

• Everyday Matters
• Artist’s Journal Workshop
• Inside Your Sketchbook
• In the Artist’s Studio: Daily Practices and Procedures

Hashtags:

The challenges vary and crop up seasonally. Search these hashtags for ideas:

• #inktober
• #everydayinmay

Enjoy and share sketching online communities – Sketchbook Work, Urban Sketching, #EDM2015

Working for years as a graphic designer, I reached a point when I felt handcuffed by the computer and missed the creative boost of sketching by hand. That's when I discovered Urban Sketchers and Everyday Matters. They were the beginning. There was no turning back! I found I didn't need  an excuse to draw, I had reasons to draw. How about you, why do you draw? Do you have a favorite group?

CALL FOR ART!

Urban Sketchers Chicago Partners with Blick Art Materials for November Art Showcase

Have you ever wanted to enter your urban sketches into an art show?  Here is your opportunity!  Blick Art Materials of Lincoln Park has generously offered to host a Holiday Plein Air Art Fair and Holiday Showcase for the members of Urban Sketchers Chicago and the Plein Air Painters of Chicago.
First, submit your artwork for a chance to be featured in a special Holiday Showcase, running 11/19-12/13, with participation prizes for all artists submitting*.

On 11/21/15 from 12pm-5pm artists are invited to display prints and original artwork for sale to the public during the Plein Air Art Fair**. To apply, email (3) images or website, group affiliation, and contact info to 600@dickblick.com 

A reception for all artists to follow from 5-7pm, including door prizes.Artwork must be submitted ready to hang, framed as necessary. Artwork must be at least
12”x12”, reproductions accepted. Urban Sketchers and Plein Air Painters create their work on location. All art submissions for showcase must have been created on location.
No studio work allowed. Limit (3) entries per person, as space allows. All pieces to be
shown must be received in-store no later than 11/15/15.

* Submissions accepted as space allows and at management discretion. Participation
prizes available while supplies last.
** As space allows. 10 total slots offered, distributed evenly between group affiliations.
First come, first served. Artists must provide all necessary display equipment and payment
options. Store cannot participate in artwork transactions. Artists need not be part of art
show to participate in art fair. See store management for full details.SEE FULL CALL FOR ART HERE:
 http://www.dickblick.com/stores/coupons/2227USKHoliday2015

Questions?  Email Andrew Banks at Andrew@AndrewBanksIllustration.com

First time preparing for a show?  Read Alex Zonis's TTT post "Showing Your Sketches at an Exhibition."

Showing your sketches at an exhibition

Preparing for the show

Preparing for a show of sketches is surprisingly more involved than a show of paintings! Things to consider are:

• Does the show call for individual sketches or sketchbooks?

• Does the show plan to display sketches flat in display tables or hanging vertically on a wall?

• Does the show call for original work or printed copies are accepted?

Individual, original sketches and prints on paper can be displayed flat in glassed display cases without major preparation. If the original work has reasonable margins, it is good to go. If the image is developed to the edge of the paper, it will look more professional if attached to a bigger sheet with an inch of border showing. Attach the original work with framer tape or low adhesive drafting tape, positioning it at the back of the work hidden from view. I prefer not to use glue, but if you want to go this route, spray adhesive and a brayer tool will work well.

Alex Zonis with her sketches in a display case

If the original work will be printed, it is a good idea to use paper that resembles the paper of the original. I prefer my prints of sketches to be on matte paper. Leave at least one inch border on all sides.

If the show calls for the work to be hung on walls, then we get into matting and framing. The expense of framing can rise rapidly, but it does not have to. There are a lot of good possibilities that will not break the bank. First, consider using a standard frame, not a custom built one - standard are more affordable. For pen, pencil, marker, or watercolor work, simple narrow frames with clean geometric profile work best. Don’t even think of metal frames! While less expensive, metal frames look tacky! Narrow wooden frames in natural colors - white, black, light wood - are probably the best because you can reuse them for the next show. Colored frames are an interesting approach if the color works with the image. I’ve seen watercolors in red and yellow frames that looked very good. Still, I prefer neutrals.

Framed sketches on a wall from Observational Drawing blog

If your image is not a standard size, you can still use a standard frame, but have your mat cut to a custom size opening for the the drawing. It is cheaper to customize the mat than to have a custom frame made. A different way of using the mat is to not cut an opening, but place a drawing on the uncut mat, on a correct spot, secure it unobtrusively with a piece of framing tape on a back and set it in the frame behind glass or plexi.

Framed sketches (uncut mat) from Urban Sketches Kuching exhibition

Any framed work on paper has to go behind a glass or plexiglas. Glass looks better, but is more expensive, heavier, and requires more care in delivering and shipping. Plexi is lighter, cheaper, easier to handle, but you can tell that it is not glass. As a rule of thumb, consider this:

If it is an important, invitational, or career-making show, then splurge and frame with glass.

If it is a local show or a pop-up gallery or a cafe show, plexi is probably a better way. Besides they do plexi very well now, it is very clear.

It is a good idea to learn basic framing and do it yourself. I have a framing point driver and a small power drill and do a lot of my framing tasks myself. I do not build frames, that’s a different level entirely and requires expensive equipment. But I buy frames online and set my pieces in them myself, switch work from frame to frame, in and out for different shows. This is simple to do and saves a lot of money.

Framing point driver, power drill, box of framing points

Delivering or shipping work

Packing work for delivery or shipping is rather straight forward. Avoid using crumpled paper for padding and protection. Many galleries ask for no packing peanuts - too much cleanup. Once you start showing, you will find yourself on a constant look-out for cardboard boxes suitable for framed work. Better to find and re-use a box than to buy new and waste more paper resources. A tip for box-hunting: if two dimensions - length and width - are suited for your piece, you can cut down the height with a box cutter. Another tip: Amazon has great boxes!

Galleries are lately beginning to ask for a specific type of box. As a precaution against shipping damages, they may ask for Airfloat box or StrongBox - airfloatsys.com. It is a great reusable box with foam cushioning, but expensive. Something to think about.

Artwork packed into an AirFloat box and ready to ship

Be sure to have your work signed on the back before packing it. Put your name on the box in big letters using a wide Sharpie. The gallery will thank you when packing your work to send back to you.

If the show is local, you are in luck. Even a long drive is better and more reliable than shipping. I have driven 50-60 miles to deliver work, and I know artists who drove 100-120 miles to avoid shipping. If you can, do it.

But if the show is in Italy or South Africa, then the work must be shipped. Choosing a carrier for your shipment is always an agony.  USPS is the most affordable option and also most unreliable. USPS works well for domestic shipping, it is the international delivery where things can go haywire. They have never actually lost my work, but have often been very late delivering it. Case in point: I’ve been promised 10-14 business days to deliver an envelope with drawings to Cape Town SA. It is now 4 weeks later, the show already started, no sign of my package. Allow ample time!

UPS and Fedex are good and reliable carriers. They get high marks for delivering on time, but they are expensive!!

Galleries also ask for prepaid return shipping label to be included with your work. The cost of doing business….

Attending the opening

Do attend your openings as much as you can! It is a great opportunity to connect with other artists and perhaps establish business connections.

Bring your business cards and give them out liberally! If you are an introvert, brace yourself and make the effort.

Visit your showing gallery early, before the opening, and meet gallery director/owner, introduce yourself and chat. Do not engage the gallery staff in a chat during the opening, leave them to do their job promoting and selling your art. Have your portfolio handy, but not in an obvious way. If the opportunity presents itself, you will be glad you had it.

Do your research before traveling to the opening - are there other galleries in that city that could be of interest to you? If yes, make an appointment to visit. That portfolio will be useful again.

Most important - enjoy!

Selling work

Most of the time the gallery is doing sales, you pay them with a percentage of sales. 50-50 split with a gallery is customary, if the gallery asked for less - it’s great, more is considered gouging. Pricing work is a whole another topic, better addressed separately.

Smaller venues and art fairs require you to be responsible for your own sales. The easiest way is to accept cash and checks. But art browsing public likes to pay with a credit card. This used to be difficult and require an awful gadget that would always get stuck at the worst moment, but not any more. Get PayPal Here app on your smart phone, with or without a swiping device, and you are in business!

See you at your next show!!

Urban Sketches exhibition in London