SABRECAT » art

Illustration class

Meredith — Tue, 17 May 2011 14:47:32 +0000

I had the benefit of taking a graduate-level illustration class this quarter. My ideas about composing a picture and conceptual thinking have improved greatly through the exercises we’ve done in class. Below are two of the assignments, a music gig poster (MTB is from my hometown and one of my favorite bands) and a spot illustration for an article about mental illness. I know, I’m a bit of a style chameleon. The MTB poster is the closest drawing so far to the direction I would like to go with my artwork. I really had fun with both of these assignments though!

-MDR

Two Skulls

Meredith — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:34:23 +0000

Some sketches done while attending an event at the N.C. Aquarium. Skulls are from a crocodile (I think) and a dolphin.

I’m going to start using the new URL on my artwork, www.meredithrandazzo.com. However, www.rocarts.com still works, it’s just a redirect for now! It’s good to have your own name URL, I just wish my name was a bit shorter and simpler to spell!

MDR

Discovering African American Art

Meredith — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:30:36 +0000

Our local arts council hosts several exhibitions during the year, and for Black History Month the show is called, “The Color of Soul.” I was immediately taken by the work Conversation with the Elders by New York artist Emmett Wigglesworth, The puzzle-like quality of the shapes reminding me of one of my favorite children’s books, “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears.” And in fact his profile linked to above lists several illustrated books to his credit, though no specific titles. Unfortunately it is difficult to convey the rich colors and patterns of his work in words, and online examples are few and far between. It really drives home the need for artists to have an online space to share their work with the next generation. If you have the chance to see Mr. Wigglesworth’s art in a show near you, please take the opportunity. Whether you are a connosieur of modern art, an illustrator or graphic designer, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Links to more information:

Color of Soul Exhibition (New Bern Herald- 14 January Issue)

Inspiration Fine Art Gallery

Metrapolitan Transit Authority

MDR

Art with kids: Claymation movie

Meredith — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:00:52 +0000

My son was watching Sesame Street the other day and remarked that a claymation segment “looked like play-doh.” “It IS play-doh,” I replied, followed by a quizzical look. “Would you like to make a play-doh movie?” “YES!” was the eager reply.

Yeah, so the wow factor isn’t there, but hey for 10 minutes what do you expect? Besides, the point was just to show him how it works. It’s a super-simple project and sure beats making a macaroni painting, don’t it?

Materials needed:

“Actors” (clay figures, toys, etc.)
“Stage” (tabletop)
Still camera (cameraphone, etc.)
Tripod or other way to take photos from the same angle each time
Computer with photo software (alternatively you can print out photos and make a flipbook)

Time needed: About 10 minutes, depending on complexity. The idea is simple: Take a picture, move the actors. Take a picture, move the actors, repeat. Then simply import the photos into your computer and create a slideshow. More frames and a shorter slide duration will make for a smoother movement effect.

If you have iPhoto, here is the procedure and settings:

Import the photos and give them the same event title.
Select all of the photos you want to use and select View: Show in Toolbar: Slideshow
Settings: Play each slide for 1 second, Transition:None, Deselect Automatic Ken Burns Effect.
File: Export to create a Quicktime movie.

My son is only 3, so I let him take the pictures while I moved the actors around on the stage. Alternatively, you could let him move the actors. Other materials you can use: Sand or glitter paintings, scraps of paper, drawings, pipe cleaners, the list is truly endless. A budding animator could really get into this! We had fun so I may try this again for myself!

MDR

Peach Head Mascot

Meredith — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:23:37 +0000

I’ve been going through old boxes of drawings and sketchbooks and I came across this guy. I drew him back in ’96 as kind of an alternative for the famously scorned Atlanta Olympic Mascot, Izzy.

Paws and Reflect

Meredith — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:34:47 +0000

For lovers of dogs and art, there is a new touring art exhibition called Paws & Reflect: Art of Canines. While visiting family this weekend I was able to view part of this mixed media show that promises to be a real treat! View a sneak peek and touring schedule at the link.

Sabre in Motion

Meredith — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:03:13 +0000

An acrylic painting on canvas I did as a gift, titled “Sabre in Motion.” I tend to favor the British spelling of ‘sabre,’ because it just has more aesthetic appeal for me than ‘saber.’

MDR

Bonus art!

Meredith — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:21:44 +0000

For those of you headed to the Fencing Summer Nationals in San Jose next week. Best wishes!

Serik brought his goggles

Meredith — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:31:19 +0000

Over at Gurney Journey they have a weekly challenge called “Art By Committee,” where he takes a random quote out of a science fiction novel and people take a hack at illustrating it. This week was perfect for Serik to make an appearance! I had so much fun drawing this!

Here’s the quote that inspired it: “I was thankful I had brought goggles when the quick deadly dust storms came boiling up…” I might have to turn this one into some sort of wallpaper. As you can see, I have many more adventures in mind if the opportunity for a spinoff presents itself. The current comic is firmly set in the real world (except for the whole species thing), but I’d love to do one set in a different world. Well, that’s down the road anyway. Got to stay focused for now! Look for the post at Gurney Journey next Wednesday!

Foil pencil sketch

Meredith — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:00:21 +0000

A pencil sketch of a foilist.