Pastel Demos

"Basquiat Bears" 18x12" pastel

As of late, it seems that the less I care, the more fun I’ve been having with these demos. And by “not caring” I mean ignoring the fear, bypassing that little voice inside that says “you suck,” which doesn’t mean stop learning, stop trying to improve, but don’t be shy about putting up a signpost by which to measure your progress. Another way of saying it is “first make it exist, then make it better.”

First time in looong time trying to use oil pastels (+ colored chalk, and mix-media w/wash, marker) and experimenting on black paper and also charcoal + pastel papers. These were largely from some donated supplies, playing in different media than I used to, so some fun & unexpected results. Like most artists who sometimes eventually plateau, I tend to “stay in my (art) lane” which can eventually turn into “stuck in a rut.” Picking up and playing with new toys, and staying humble – if not outright amused by your own attempts - is the meta lesson learned from years of observation + personal experience.

"Moosehead demo" 11x17" oil pastel

Have always loved pastels by other people, and it seems every year there’s at least one rising star art major in our department that creates stunning work with them, so I get to cheer students on when they go where I can’t lead – or even follow. As a medium I absolutely hate using them, one practical reason being I’m so damn ham-handed I inevitably bust up every one after a few minutes of use.

"Demo Salmon" 11x17" oil pastel

Another is I simply know for a fact that I haven’t spent any time developing my skills with them. As is the case with every single thing you pick up in the studio, you’ll need to practice. A lot, if you want to get any better at it. And teachers in general are somewhat comparatively constrained by the volume of work they have to do when school is in session. It’s a matter of routine now that I will feel the frustration at having to stop/suspend working on my own stuff, and instead take the time and energy to critique, advise, demonstrate, and any number of other departmental and professorial tasks. Note: Worth it, and damn lucky to have such opportunities.

Office door notes

And I deal with that observable, demonstratable fact almost every day with students in the classroom, anxiously gripping their pencils or pens or charcoal and tackling exercises, assignments and critique pieces. I am competing with a wide range of other priorities; life in general (eating, working, relationships, taking time off and spending it on entertainment, reading, recreational activities etc.) + other classwork. It’s why I relate more to Beginning students than anyone, as I face the very same inner critic, nomatter how long I’ve been doing it. And at the other extreme, seeing professional artists hit that plateau and never color outside their lines again, once they’ve reached their respective pinnacles. And to be honest, fucking up in front of people comes with the territory too.

"Muzzle Nuzzle" museum demo w/Sharpie + Watercolor

And as has been mentioned many a time before on this blog, if they can’t learn from my example as to how to do a good job, then they’ll get to learn from my mistakes. And those are the equally valuable lessons: showing how important it is to not take yourself so seriously, to fail, and remember to keep playing anyways. The discipline and practice is the same with sports, sans teamwork (though the support network of encouragement from peers is invaluable).

Sméagol