I really loved this newsletter about going to museums to draw. I’m planning on going to the Albright-Knox-Gundlach ,AKG Art Museum in Buffalo, New York. In 2016, the museum was given a $42.5 million donation by Jeffrey Gundlach, which increased the museum’s campaign to $125 million. A few months ago, it has finally was re-opened to the public after an expansion and renovations. I always loved that museum and spent a lot of time there during college. It is right across the street from Buffalo State College. There are a lot of events planned for this year that I hope to attend. I’ve been practicing drawing hands, so I’ll take your suggestion and use the sculptures as my models. I saw the video of the Degas ballerina on Instagram, too, it was very interesting.
Hi Samantha, thanks for the great newsletter and wonderful suggestion of taking a sketchbook along to a museum or art gallery. I take mine many places but for some reason have never thought of taking it along on one of those outings. Thanks too for introducing me to ‘The Sneaky Artist’. I live on a remote island about a days travel to Vancouver, but manage to make it to Vancouver every month or so. Hopefully, I may cross paths with him some day, maybe at the Vancouver Art Gallery!
Usually museums don't like artists pulling out paints in the galleries, so I add color later on. It really depends. The last time I was at The Met I painted on the spot and nobody bothered me. But typically I take photos to reference or add color from memory.
That makes sense. I wear two work hats--academic curator and painting professor--and wet paint (one of my fave things) in the gallery would make me pretty nervous. The color adds so much though!
I remember this live demo at The Met store! I went in person to watch and it was lovely. I remember you saying that you were nervous about talking and drawing at the same time, but the audience didn't care! It was just hypnotic to watch you draw live. I avoid drawing faces because I don't practice enough - good tip about doing it at museums.
High praise for the article. The actions and subsequent challenge you offered is the dawn of establishing ( better yet re-establishing) a connective tissue of viewer and art. The matter of being able to capture beauty through replication by hand drawing is something that will preserve curiosity, intellect and creativity.
Hi Karla, oh I’m not exactly sure but maybe you can cancel and then resubscribe? I think the code from the email has expired but I am happy to give you another one if you send me an email! Thanks so much, so happy to have you ❤️
I sketched at our museum a few times with classmates. I was so intimidated and insecure but later I really liked what I had done. I haven’t been back, maybe it’s time! Love your work.
Love this! My artistic abilities (if you can call them that) are limited to collage. It's not uncommon for me to bring a small amount of materials with me to a coffee shop on a saturday, to see what I can do with limited resources and a change of scenery. There's something cathartic about making art in public spaces. I wonder if the drafting priactice here could be adapted to collage. It's something I'll have to ponder upon.
Collage can be applied of course, just not as easy with glue and papers/ephemera, etc. more logistical issue in museum settings, but definitely possible.
This was a such a thought provoking post for me that I signed on as a paid subscriber. I like to draw anything and everything but for some reason never thought about a museum setting. It's just a great suggestion for dreary winter days. Thank you!
Hi Sheri, thanks so much for the support. I hope you enjoy being a part of this community. I will be hosting a challenge with paid subscribers in the new year!
My mother was a wiz at faces. Me? LOL, I can draw a bug, bird, plant but people? LOL, they always end up looking unlike what is there. But practice makes for a learning process...great idea going to museums to do that. Learning from the Masters is a great idea. Thanks. As I plan my artist dates for 2024, this will be on my list.
You can definitely ease into the faces if they intimidate! So many other things to look at and draw. I hope you make time for many artist/museum dates in 2024.
I love this, I don't do as much as I should at Museums but I'm going to start! Thanks for mentioning our class.
Lets go together!
Soon!
This inspires me, Sam!
Becky, check my Instagram stories if you can, I shares a peek at a drawing of someone with the most beautiful hair looking at the art at the LOH!
I really loved this newsletter about going to museums to draw. I’m planning on going to the Albright-Knox-Gundlach ,AKG Art Museum in Buffalo, New York. In 2016, the museum was given a $42.5 million donation by Jeffrey Gundlach, which increased the museum’s campaign to $125 million. A few months ago, it has finally was re-opened to the public after an expansion and renovations. I always loved that museum and spent a lot of time there during college. It is right across the street from Buffalo State College. There are a lot of events planned for this year that I hope to attend. I’ve been practicing drawing hands, so I’ll take your suggestion and use the sculptures as my models. I saw the video of the Degas ballerina on Instagram, too, it was very interesting.
Hi Shirley, I havent been to this museum, but I will add to my list the next time we drive up to Canada.
Hi Samantha, thanks for the great newsletter and wonderful suggestion of taking a sketchbook along to a museum or art gallery. I take mine many places but for some reason have never thought of taking it along on one of those outings. Thanks too for introducing me to ‘The Sneaky Artist’. I live on a remote island about a days travel to Vancouver, but manage to make it to Vancouver every month or so. Hopefully, I may cross paths with him some day, maybe at the Vancouver Art Gallery!
Oh, yes, definitely bring a sketchbook along on your museum outings!
And you might be able to take one of Nishant's workshops in Vancouver. He is such a nice guy and a great teacher.
Love this post. You’ve inspired me to get back in my sketchbook this winter. Do you add color on site or afterwards?
Usually museums don't like artists pulling out paints in the galleries, so I add color later on. It really depends. The last time I was at The Met I painted on the spot and nobody bothered me. But typically I take photos to reference or add color from memory.
That makes sense. I wear two work hats--academic curator and painting professor--and wet paint (one of my fave things) in the gallery would make me pretty nervous. The color adds so much though!
That Degas dancer spread ❤️💕 so in love. Lovely read and a good reminder to get to a museum in coming days.
I will always think of you and our drawins session when I pass by the When Harry Met Sally room at the Met!
the john singer sargent. love!
I love this idea and practice. Great way to also get children interested in the museum.
I remember this live demo at The Met store! I went in person to watch and it was lovely. I remember you saying that you were nervous about talking and drawing at the same time, but the audience didn't care! It was just hypnotic to watch you draw live. I avoid drawing faces because I don't practice enough - good tip about doing it at museums.
Love that you were there, Elizabeth!
High praise for the article. The actions and subsequent challenge you offered is the dawn of establishing ( better yet re-establishing) a connective tissue of viewer and art. The matter of being able to capture beauty through replication by hand drawing is something that will preserve curiosity, intellect and creativity.
Thank you, agreed ❤️
Hi - I see that the year membership is on sale- I am monthly but wondering how I switch over to yearly?? Thanks
Hi Karla, oh I’m not exactly sure but maybe you can cancel and then resubscribe? I think the code from the email has expired but I am happy to give you another one if you send me an email! Thanks so much, so happy to have you ❤️
I sketched at our museum a few times with classmates. I was so intimidated and insecure but later I really liked what I had done. I haven’t been back, maybe it’s time! Love your work.
The more you do it, the easier it will be!
Love this! My artistic abilities (if you can call them that) are limited to collage. It's not uncommon for me to bring a small amount of materials with me to a coffee shop on a saturday, to see what I can do with limited resources and a change of scenery. There's something cathartic about making art in public spaces. I wonder if the drafting priactice here could be adapted to collage. It's something I'll have to ponder upon.
Collage can be applied of course, just not as easy with glue and papers/ephemera, etc. more logistical issue in museum settings, but definitely possible.
Definitely something to think about. Thanks for sharing this!
LOVE all these sketchbook pages so much, thanks for sharing and inspiring us so.
Merry creative December!
This was a such a thought provoking post for me that I signed on as a paid subscriber. I like to draw anything and everything but for some reason never thought about a museum setting. It's just a great suggestion for dreary winter days. Thank you!
Hi Sheri, thanks so much for the support. I hope you enjoy being a part of this community. I will be hosting a challenge with paid subscribers in the new year!
My mother was a wiz at faces. Me? LOL, I can draw a bug, bird, plant but people? LOL, they always end up looking unlike what is there. But practice makes for a learning process...great idea going to museums to do that. Learning from the Masters is a great idea. Thanks. As I plan my artist dates for 2024, this will be on my list.
You can definitely ease into the faces if they intimidate! So many other things to look at and draw. I hope you make time for many artist/museum dates in 2024.