Saturday, October 25, 2008

Drawing the best stick figures

In the upcoming semesters, I will probably start taking art-related courses in school. I've always had an interest in drawing with pastels, but this interest never fully materialized as anything significant. While these courses may involve handling several materials, I cannot let the opportunity to work with pastels pass me by.

I've been thinking about this for quite some time, and, after evaluating my motives, I've concluded that this is not just a passing fancy that will fade away over time. Needless to say, this hobby will inevitably expose me to other types of media, so this sphere of interest will probably increase to include oil paints, acrylics, charcoals, graphites, etc. But one thing at a time.

Recently, I purchased the Sennelier 120 count Oil Pastel box. These are some of the best pastels in the market, and are recognized for the rich colors and smooth textures, albeit difficult to work with. I'm also eyeing the Holbien pastels, which many prefer over the Sennelier. This is the Sennelier box:

Do any of you use pastels or other types of media? I'd love to hear - even SEE! - some of the stuff you've done. Again, this is just a hobby for me, and I've no intentions of becoming the next Picasso, Matisse, or Terry Nelson.

On a different note, I'm changing the title of this dump - my blog. Let's face it, folks, there is very little discussion about science here since most you, my blogger friends, don't care for it. So, I have to come up with a different name that incorporates the many things I babble about, while at the same time implying the religious component of my personal interests. While I haven't come up with anything yet, I've decided that the new blog title should be twice as long as the current one (just kidding!).

13 comments:

Shirley said...

Yay Tom! Have fun with your new venture! Do we get to see some of your work in future posts? I like to use pencil, pen and ink, and when I venture into colour, I use acrylics.

Adrienne said...

I'm horrible with pastels but adore oils (love the smell). I'm trying to learn to work with acrylics (because of the oil smell I love).

I love the picture of your new pastels. Reminds me of the new crayons we got at the beginning of each school year.

Change your blog name from thereallylongblognamethatican'tspell? Great idea!! May I suggest "Tom in Vegas". That's how everyone refers to you anyway. It has "brand recognition". It beats "That really sweet guy that lives in Vegas and loves his grandma and is the treasured cyber-nephew of Auntie A" - doncha know!

paramedicgirl said...

Tom in Vegas might not be such a bad idea for a name. At least everyone will know right away they have the right blog after your name change.

Shirley said...

I vote for Tom in Vegas! That's how we know you! And when you move to more scenic climes, you can call it Tom in Paradise!

Tom in Vegas said...

A big THANK YOU to all of you for your kind suggestions. Tom in Vegas is concise and already in use, so it might be the safest route to take. I'll get back to you:0)

Chris said...

WOW Tom, I can't wait to see some of your work! I am an artist wannabe- I used to love drawing when I was little; now I do mostly digital stuff. But man, that bok of 120 pastels looks like a LOT of fun!

Tracy said...

Good luck in your new adventure.. I also vote for Tom in Vegas:)

Katie Alender said...

How weird! I dreamed about an art class last night (I was painting winston twice, side by side, in cool colors and warm colors... not exactly fine art).

"Tom In Vegas" works for me!

Adrienne said...

The masses respond loudly, "Tom in Vegas, Tom in Vegas"

(I think I may have some old pastels. Maybe I'll drag them out...)

Melody K said...

I totally have pastel envy now. Mine are bits and pieces and stub ends, and nowhere near 120 of them.
Maybe I'll hint for Santa to bring me a Dick Blick gift certificate!

Rita said...

I'm a charcoal or chalk pastel girl, oil pastels are hard work and very unforgiving.

Don't completely drop the "science" Tom, there are few enough of us nerds about as it is. I can still count on you as a fellow nerd, can't I?

Melody K said...

I agree with Rita, I enjoy science.

Terry Nelson said...

I only worked with oil pastels for a short time - I like the chalk type - which I have been using lately. If I had your complete set I would have fun with it though. If you do a new title - start out with a word that begins with "A" and you will always be at the top of every blogroll.