Life Drawing/Misc.

This year I've been in a Life Drawing class, something I haven't done before. It's something I've really come to love, I really enjoy using expression in the human figure while still trying to create accurate shadows and proportions and whatnot. Here's a few things I've been doing:

Charcoal 

Conte Crayon:

So that's been that. I still have half a semester to learn and improve so I'll post stuff as that improves. Also, just found an artist that I've always admired but never really delved into. Eyvind Earle is his name, he did a lot of the background artwork on Sleeping Beauty. While in San Francisco recently I saw some of his painting in person at the Walt Disney museum and was inspired, so I looked up the rest of his art. It is truly unique and fantastic, and has inspired me in a way that hasn't happened in a while. You can see all of his work here: http://www.eyvindearle.com/ Here are a few of my favorite pieces...

After seeing some of Earle's artwork in the museum I took this picture in the Presidio. I hope to soon do a painting of this photo and try to emulate his style. Tell me what you think:

We'll see what happens!! And as for a bit of personal news, today I send in my official "Yes I'm coming to your school" letter to the University of the Arts London. So, looks like I'll be going, and tentatively leaving on August 19th.... GAH!!

-Liam

Let's Review...

I thought that before I start getting into the things I'm doing now and how I'm progressing I should do a post showcasing what my portfolio consists of as of now. This is a combination of school work and personal work.

Self Portrait:

London collage:




Tolouse painting:



Abstract painting and detail:







Experimental Donut Painting project:



Brick painting:



I have some other pieces that I'll probably post another time but there's a general idea of what I've done so far. Obviously I really enjoy painting, but ultimately I hope to get into graphic design. I'd like to keep painting as a hobby and design as my career... Anyway, hope you are all having a lovely day and I'll try and post some newer stuff soon, but seeing as it's Spring Break this upcoming week I will be hard pressed to do anything too productive. ;)

-Liam

Introduction

So, I've decided to start a blog. With all the things going on in my life and the changes I'm going through both in my work and myself, I thought keeping a blog could keep me focused and updated on the progress I'm making. So, first, a little about myself.

I'm Liam Moore, an 18 year old living in Valencia, California. I'm an art student at Pasadena City College with hopes to going to the University of Arts London in the fall semester. I feel that passion is something that needs to be fueled into more people's lives, as I have much of it. At times it comes off as obsessive or anger or intensity, but I feel that without passion in one's life there is no point. I am passionate about art, music, relationships, traveling, film, food, etc.

At the moment I'm taking three art classes at Pasadena City College, and much of the work that I will be posting is from these classes. The classes are Sketching for Design, Concepts in Drawing and Life Drawing. I'm enjoying myself thus far, and am making quite a bit of progress. It's amazing what observation and concentration can do. If I've learned one thing from being focused on primarily art for almost a year, it's that observation is key. From observing the world around you as a whole to focusing on the most minute of details, everything is important. I've realized art is not just an arbitrary means of something looking pleasant, it needs to release an emotional response from the observer. All art forms should be used to evoke an emotion in the viewer, whether maybe sparking a memory or a feeling that otherwise can not be revealed. It's a fascinating field and I'm so happy that I've found my way into the arts and am pursuing an eventual career within it.

Now, my blog title. It comes from a song by my favorite band, The Killers. The song is On Top, and the lyrics go:

"And you know
That I've been down across a road or two
But now I've found the velvet sun

That shines on me and you"

The line has always stuck out to me, and I feel that it's a beautiful image that sums up quite a bit. I'll let you fill in what it means to you.

And that's it! My plan is to post past work, work I'm doing now and work that I plan to do in the future. Eventually I will also use it as a blog about my experience at university in London. Now is an exciting time for me, and I hope that you'll enjoy the ride as much as I hope to.

-Liam