We're moving into the last week of Urban Art Binge's first sketching intensive for 2013. Can I tell you, it has been WONDERFUL. It is usually towards the end of these workshop blocks that the eyes really begin to open and let the magic in. Though I must say, that with this group, those magic moments have been arriving consistently since week 1. Using drawing as a way of engaging with the world is a very powerful and emotional way to move through life & I absolutely love sharing this passion of mine. Please enjoy the following drawings from the Brunswick Street & Chinatown Malls in Fortitude Valley last Saturday. The focus was on panorama sketching. We have seen various takes on the classical panorama amongst the group and also flirted with a de-constructed/ fractured pano as a means of capturing moments. YUMMY! See us in the City Botanic Gardens this Saturday from 9am-1pm. If you'll be in the area and would like to come and say hello, you're more than welcome!

Emily Fong

We've been having some interesting conversations at UAB about the nature of learning and the risk involved in having a go. Especially when it comes to art there is a certain vulnerability that surrounds the unknown. It is exactly this realm of the unknown that we enjoy discovering and uncovering at Urban Art Binge... as a creative community we can all stand on the edge together and feel very comfortable in our uncomfortability. This week at New Farm Park we tried some sketching with watercolour and the outcomes were surprising and beautiful. We've  chosen the following sample of images to illustrate this notion of risk and the joy that comes from learning new skills. Here's to life & here's to personal growth. 

Let's face it! Brisbane at the minute is very WET! Conditions are not ideal for outdoor sketching, but perfect for gentle indoor reflective creativity. This weekend we treaded lightly and wandered through the layers of the APT7 Asia Pacific Triennial within the walls of GoMA. Binge tool of choice this week is BUTTER PAPER! Also known as non-waxed baking paper. $2 a roll from the supermarket and wonderful for drawing with layers. 

Week 3 of the first Big Binge for 2013 and this group is coming along in leaps and bounds. The techniques we discovered this week were definitely in contrast to last week and our sketchers are stretching themselves with grace. Below is a recap of what we worked through. The results of which were sublime. 

Techniques we focused on:

Positive & Negative Space 

• Thinking about depth & tone we were seeking out the boldest contrasts in light inside and outside of the Cathedral. Positive and negative space is a very powerful and dramatic tool that involves a certain level of imagination and careful observation. One trick we found is that when using this technique it is best bitten off in chunks. Sketch out your subject first in light (but confident) lines and then take the time to observe where your light source is. Adding depth through tone can be achieved in a manner of ways. So far we've looked at soft shading and different hatching techniques. Choose your technique according to what you want to say. Lines are expressive. Lines are your language. Lines are your tools for constructing your visual comment about the world around you.

Composition

The Cathedral is a very grand space. With the subject being so vertical in height, it is necessary to consider the elements of composition in order to make the best use of your page. 

• Rule of thirds 
• Sketching your composition in the corner of your page takes 10 seconds and may save you much time.
• Is your image dynamic or static? This is determined by whether your composition is symmetrical or asymmetrical. An asymmetrical composition allows the eye to dart around the page with ease. 

* Thanks to the people of the St Johns Cathedral for your hospitality and warm understanding of our need to Binge within your amazing place. 

Despite the drizzle present on Saturday morning, the UAB sketchers were out in full force, capturing the magic of Anzac Square in Brisbane. The focus this week was on depth of field & and choice of line. 

Thank you Alee Lee for sharing this link. An inspiring TED talk and very true. Be an artist.. JUST DO IT!

Below are the works created through curious exploration in 2012, led in studio by mixed media master, Joannah Underhill. The images speak for themselves and we are immensely proud of the achievements of our bingers. The pieces have been derived from inspiration drawn from sites around Brisbane, spontaneous studio play, and from deep within the imagination. We believe that each and every person has a wealth of creative resources within, layered with experience and memory. Listen to that, when you're ready. Enjoy the feast! 

Emily.