Alec started art lessons last February because he wanted to get better at what he already knew about drawing and to explore other mediums like clay and photography. His first project was a painting, “A Plotting Gargoyle, “ 16” x 20,” oil on canvas. Using one of his beautiful drawings as a reference, he transferred the image to the canvas and invented a creative background for the composition. He learned how to color mix and how to vary brush strokes to create different visual effects. I like the colors he chose for this painting because they create an atmosphere and a feeling about who this “creature” might be and what he might be doing. I also like the perspective, in that the creature is almost right on top of the viewer and the “city” is far in the distance. We ask, is the creature coming, or is he going? Both the color and the perspective provide interest and diversity that make this painting most successful!

Another early project that Alec completed, “Untitled,” 17” x 9” x 4,” was a three dimensional sculpture created with wood, marbles, copper, wire, and mixed media. Here Alec displayed his interest in construction and in working with found objects to make a sculpture that would be sound, of balanced design, and fun. What is great about this sculpture is that you can enjoy both the negative and positive shapes from many view points.

Last spring we went on an outdoor photo shoot where Alec took several wonderful photos. (See “Untitled: Tree Trunk #1” and “Untitled: Tree Trunk #2” and “Leaf”). Using the photo of the later, the leaf, Alec did his second painting, “Leaf” 16” x 20” oil on canvas. With this painting Alec took a single object, up close, and created a strong and colorful work. I especially like the contrast in this painting, the strength and boldness of this leaf set against a soft and almost misty background. We clearly see the artist’s appreciation of and observation of nature in this painting.

Alec is a master printmaker, using both objects and paint and also carving his own stamps. He created a series of striking and colorful monoprints (see “The 6 Guys,” “Green” and “Red”). Again, simple and bold designs and colors come together in compositions that are balanced and interesting.

Alec returned to drawing again with “Courage,” 15” x 14 1/8,” color pencil on paper. This is a very skillfully done rendering of another “creature” and again we might well ask ourselves, is he coming or going? The expression on his face, the look in his eyes, and the posture of his body leave no doubt that this is a brave and courageous man who intends to be successful. The level of detail in this work is excellent.

Now for the surprise; Alec wanted to do a painting using an image in his mind as a reference. Alec approached this project with much confidence and strength. These qualities are most apparent in his painting, “Shooting Star,” 18” x 24”, acrylic on canvas. This is a striking painting, using the complements of yellow and purple to create a dramatic effect. The viewer does not need to know the subject of this composition, only to take in and appreciate the colors, the shapes and the brush strokes. You can look at this painting for a long time and still notice different nuances and details. This painting also demonstrates the diversity in Alec’s talents and interests as it is a departure from his realistic drawings that are his trademark.

“The Mask,” 8 1/2” x 3” x 6 2/8,” stoneware, is another example of Alec’s diversity with mediums. The front of this mask has a simple and primitive design. It is strong, compelling and demands your attention. Then you discover the tic tac toe game incised on the cheek which adds an interesting dimension, perhaps an even playful, dimension. On the back of the mask is incised the head of a character “Luvery” which seems to continue the idea of playfulness. Primitive and new are combined into another outstanding work done by Alec.

SUMMARY
In addition to the various art projects that Alec completed, he took two field trips. The first was in April 2002 to the Akron Art Museum to view the work of illustrator William Joyce and “Ohio Perspectives: Contemporary African American Artists.” The second was in September to Summit Artspace to view the Inaugural Show of local Akron artists. He has studied approximately 36 different artists during the art history portion of our weekly sessions; he has experienced how to measure and cut a mat; and has worked with several software programs to learn to create new and interesting compositions via computer image manipulation. He has learned about composition, color mixing, paint handling, and design; he has created works of art in many mediums, including oil and acrylic paint, clay, color pencil, mixed media sculpture and photography.

Alec can be very proud of his accomplishments of the past year! He has been willing to try and experiment with new things and to stick with a project till it is completed. He has demonstrated his ability to make decisions and solve problems and to create works of art that are well crafted, interesting and fun!

CONGRATULATIONS!

WAY TO GO ALEC!

INTERVIEW WITH ARTIST, ALEC
MARCH, 2003

1. Describe in your own words, what is the art experience like for you?

I have learned many new things about line, direction, shape, etc. I have experienced new goals and I enjoy art work better than the initial drawing that I used to do. I enjoy learning about artists from many years ago and how they became famous. Art is just fun!

2. What are some of the things that you like about creating art?

With painting, I like to color mix and paint what is on my mind. With sculpting, I enjoy making anything with what materials are at my disposal. I just like art, anything and everything about it

3. When did you first start making art?

In pre-school. And I have been drawing since I was around 8 years old. Everything else I learned in school and in art lessons.

4. Who is your favorite artist and why?

I like Rodin because anatomy is interesting; cool, muscular stuff I like. I think it would be fun to sculpt something like Rodin has done.

5. What is your favorite medium?

I like clay because you can make a lot of it, focus on everyday objects you can use at your house, and it is just fun, and it makes me feel like a real artist.

6. What kinds of subjects do you like to paint, draw, sculpt?

Paint, abstract from my head; drawing, I enjoy people the most; sculpting, whatever and anything that is solid.

7. What is your favorite color and why?

It used to be green but it changes; blue, light blue don’t know why, just like it.

8. What is the most important thing that you have learned about art?

That there are no limits.

9. What have you learned from your art, about yourself, art techniques, etc.?

I found out that people like my art! I have learned about color mixing, composition, design, elements of art, different mediums and how to use them best.

10. Of all your works of art, which is your favorite and why?

I have two favorites; “Shooting Star,” because it is a burst of energy, and “Courage” because I like that kind of drawing and he is brave.

11. What advise—what words—would you share with other artists with regard to making art?

Use your abilities, and with whatever kind of medium you use, there are no limits to what you can do.

12. What advise would you give to parents whose children are interested in making art?

Find a good teacher and learn. Practice with different mediums to see which ones you like the best.

13. What are some of your other hobbies and interests?

I collect magic cards, I like action and comedy movies, and I like throwing shot put and discus.

14. What would you choose for a career when you are older?

I might be a medical doctor; I don’t really know yet, my future is sorta like a blurr to me right now.

15. How could what you have learned about art be helpful to your career?

As a medical doctor, I could use my drawing skills to draw a pedigree chart (inherited traits, parents and children).

16. Tell me why the arts are so important to you and to your life.

The arts entertain me, if there were no art, I would be the most boring person I know. If there were no arts there would be no sense of living.

17. What would be missing from your life if the arts were not part of it?

A lot of things—TV shows, my favorite music would not exist, and there would not be a lot of color.

18. What question do you wish I would have asked you and didn’t?

I don’t really know!

19. What is the answer to that question.

(he grins)

20. Anything that you would like to say in closing our interview?

It was a good interview, I enjoyed answering your questions, I actually found out some new stuff about myself.

And what was that?

Like, what would happen if there were no art, I had not thought about that before.

ALEC
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: FEBRUARY 2, 2002 THROUGH FEBRUARY 22, 2003

1. " A Plotting Gargoyle" 16" x 20" acrylic on canvas
2. “Untitled” 17” x 9” x 4” Wood, marbles, copper, wire and mixed media
3. Field Trip to Akron Art Museum
4. Outdoor photo shoot
5. "Untitled" 16” x 20” Oil on canvas (Painting of leaf)
6. Printmaking carved 3 stamps, did 7 monoprints, matted the red one 13” x 14” and “The 6 Guys”
   • “The 6 Guys” 13” x 14” Monoprint
   • “Green” 16” x 20” Monoprint
   • How to measure and cut a matt
7. “Courage” 15” x 14 1/8”, color pencil on paper
8. Computer image and manipulation
9. “Shooting Star” 18” x 24” acrylic on canvas
10. "Untitled" 7” x 51/2” x 2 1/2” stoneware, dish/sculpture
11. "Untitled" 3 1/2” x 3 3/8” x 2 3/4” stoneware, head
12. “The Mask” 8 1/2” x 3” x 6 2/8” stoneware, mask
13. Title 26 1/2” x 27 1/2” x 7/8 acrylic paint on wood (Picket Fence)
14. Study of master artists, approx. three per month = 36

You can view artwork created by Alec by clicking here now!