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Art Workshop By Cy: Include the Animals name?

January 21, 2013 by
"Tanner" Pet Portraits In Charcoal

“Tanner” Pet Portraits In Charcoal

 

 Why do you write the animals name on your Charcoal pieces but not on your Paintings Cy ?

I always include the animals name, or its breed (In a Wildlife piece), on every one of my Pet Portraits in Charcoal.   I do this for the following reasons:

First, It is a simple way to honor the subject by putting a name to the face. Most of my Charcoal Portraits are head and shoulder portrayals focusing on the animals face, eyes and facial expression that best shows its true demeanor. I believe when you view all of this with a name right there it personalizes the animal and better connects her to the viewer.

Secondly the  information that the written name provides the viewer helps to tell the story of the piece. My Charcoal Portraits are Illustrative in that they focus mainly on the animals face without much else as far as composition goes. This is the purpose of this style, so a name helps “fill out”  and complete this  story.

Lastly I just love pet names and I think the name adds cuteness and fun to the artwork. This reason actually relates to both the previous ones.

Paintings do not include the animals name?

I do not paint the animals name on my Acrylic Portraits (unless asked to) for one main reason:

My Acrylic Pet Portraits contain much more information. Color for one thing, but along with the illustrative component that a Charcoal Portrait has, a painting also includes the total composition.  A background is always present  sometimes containing more subjects or perhaps a  landscape.  A lot of the time the whole animal is painted  or even maybe a person is included. All of this tells the complete story, This total visual story is the goal of my paintings.  Any writing, other than my signature (Covered in the previous Blog Post) I feel would take away from the story, looking out of place and creating clutter.

The animals name is still very important to the piece however, and is always written along with the finish date on the rear of the Paintings support. Also many folks include a small name plate on the frame (if they choose to frame their piece), which proudly states the animals name.

In finality and put very simply, In a Charcoal, the Animals name is part of the piece itself.  In a painting, the name is the pieces title and is displayed in its traditional place.

Thank you for reading my Art Workshop Blog.  Check back soon for more instructive and informative posts. And of course, please Pet Your Pets for us!  Tanner and Cy

 

Filed Under: Art Workshop With Cy

Art Workshop By Cy: Signatures

January 6, 2013 by
Art Workshop with Cy: Signatures

Art Workshop with Cy: Signatures

Why, When, How and Where does a fine artist sign his or her artwork?

“By any chance are you left handed?  An observant friend of mine made the comment that most painters sign on the right side of the portrait because they are right handed.  You, however, signed it on the left corner leaving us debating whether you were right or left handed:)” – Owner of Whimsey, above right.
This is the Question that inspired me to write the first, in this series of Blog Posts titled “Art Workshop By Cy”.

WHY:

There are 3 main reasons why we sign a piece of art (and I will say now that EVERY piece of art created by anyone should be signed).

#1 The signing by me, of one of my Pet Portraits or any work of art that anyone completes, indicates that the piece has been finished, work has stopped.  Simple as that. collectors, critics the public etc… want a finished piece. This signature tells everyone that no more work or revision is necessary in the eyes of the artist.
#2 Pride, yes pride! Being proud of what you do is a must. ANY art ANYONE creates is unique, special and important.  Art moves people, someone out there will always be moved by what you do, and they want to know that you approve of what you do as well!  Stand up and shout it out with your signature! This is very important.
#3 The signature on a piece of art shows everyone who owns it. Once anything is created and is signed it is protected under copyright law and cannot be used by others without the signers permission. Now this is simply put, and copyright issues can take up another whole Blog post, but for now just realize that your signature protects your ownership of the images you create.

WHEN: 

Sign your piece when it is finished. When you are done revising and touching up.  I know sometimes this part of a painting is never ending but when the time comes…Sign it! Then move on!!

HOW: 

I believe in finding a signature that is unique, readable and recognizable. I use my full last name (Unique), I print it very simply,(Readable)  and it is ALWAYS the same (Recognized). People know there is only one “Hundley”  That was created by me.

WHERE:

This is my response to the initial question leading to this Blog Post: 
“Interesting observation. I am right handed.  The location of my signature on a piece is dependent on where it best suits the composition of the artwork. If you look at former paintings or especially charcoals of mine you will see I have signed them in many different places. And in some cases at an angle. I believe my signature is important but should not stick out to much. To put it simply I sign every piece where it fits in the best. I do not concern myself as to where I will sign, until I am finished. The piece itself will let me know the appropriate spot.   The signature however, basically has remained unchanged since the late 1980’s
 In Whimsey’s Portrait we had that space to the left …The perfect spot to sign, which in fact works with the rest of the  composition to balance out the darkness and shadow on the right.”
Sign your piece where ever you want, just do not let it take away from what you are trying to say with your art work. Maybe where you sign can be the “Uniqueness” in your signature!
I hope this has been informative, interesting and useful to you.  Do you
have more Questions?  Is there another Art Workshop subject you would like me to Blog about? Please comment here, You do not need to fill any info out,  just start Commenting! Or check out this Post on my Facebook  fan page  and comment there. And as usual, please feel free to email me anytime! Check back soon for more Art Workshop with Cy!
Thank you , Cy

 

Filed Under: Art Workshop With Cy