Carmen Torbus - The Artist Unique: Discovering Your Creative Signature Through Inspiration and Techniques

the artist unique

INSPIRATION AND TECHNIQUES
TO DISCOVER YOUR creative signature

carmen
TORBUS

CINCINNATI, OHIO

The Artist Unique. Copyright 2011 by Carmen Torbus. Manufactured in China. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. Published by North Light Books, an imprint of F+W Media, Inc., 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45236. (800) 289-0963. First edition.

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ISBN 10: 1-4403-0816-0
ISBN 13: 978-1-4403-0816-1
eISBN: 978-1-44031-509-1

Edited by Stefanie Laufersweiler

Production edited by Kristy Conlin

Designed by Julie Barnett

Production coordinated by Greg Nock

Photography by Christine Polomsky and Al Parrish

Metric Conversion Chart

Acknowledgments

To my incredible editors at North Light: Tonia Davenport, Liz Casler and Stefanie Laufersweiler; photographers Christine Polomsky and Al Parrish; designer Julie Barnett for designing my vision; my awesome Support Squad: Katrina Kniep (in the very beginning, when this book was just an idea), and my biggest cheerleaders, Stacie Williams, Haley Ibrahim, Casie Rohde and Stephanie Sharp, for pulling me through; the amazing artists who contributed artwork, ideas and techniques; Dan (my love) and Morgan and Colin (my munchkins): I love you guys so, so much.

Dedication

I believe that signature style is developed through creative discovery and loads of artful play. I would like to dedicate this book to the seeker in you. Inside you is an artist with a style all your own. Trust that with a little encouragement and inspirationpaired with easy-to-learn techniques done your wayyour creative signature will emerge.

contents

Signature Artist: Rowena Murillo

introduction

A few years ago, when I discovered mixed-media art, I found myself in awe of the incredible artwork I was seeing. As I began my own artful journey, I gobbled up article after article and book after book, learning as much as I could. I loved the artwork I was creating, but something was missing: I didnt feel like it was truly mine. I was merely making pieces based on projects in books and magazines. I was great at following step-by-step instructions, but my artwork was often a replica of the project showna copy of another artists work. Something was missing in my workme.

It was then that I began taking inspiration from the techniques and materials other artists were using, and I steered away from project-based instruction. I experimented and found ways to make the techniques my own, and in doing so, my creative signature began to develop. My new artistic approach led to fresh ideas, exploration and creative self-discovery.

MODUS OPERANDI
(OR, HOW TO USE THIS BOOK)

You wont find rigid step-by-step projects with precise outcomes in this book. No siree. Instead, youll be immersed in ideas, techniques and encouragement to motivate you to create your own artful concoctions that will make you the artist unique.

Each contributing artist in this bookfifteen in allhas a recognizable style, and I asked each of them to share a favorite technique or two along with their own stories, insights and advice about coming into your own as an artist.

Feel free to skip around, try out some techniques, make a mess, get to know the contributors, take note of ideas that pop into your head, and go for it! Think of this book as your tool kit, full of ideas and practical tips and tricks to equip you to begin discovering your signature style.

I was great at following step-by-step instructions, but my artwork was often a replica of the project showna copy of another artists work. Something was missing in my workme.

The Artists Toolbox

Youre probably ready to dive in, but before we get into specific creative techniques, lets go over some art supplies you might want to add to your stash. Dont let this list overwhelm you; I dont intend for you to run out and buy all the items covered here. There really is no master list of must-have materials. It is entirely up to you which ones will factor into your artistic style. If youre like me, you may already know your faves. As each technique is introduced in the pages to come, youll find a list of everything needed for that technique. So you can be selective with which techniques you try first, based on the supplies you already have or new ones you want to try.

Something to Make Your Mark With

M ost of the artists in this book work in mixed media. You will see combinations of wax and embellishments, paint and collage, and pencil sketches turned into image transfers and then painted. Get creative when choosing mediums and try different techniques together to find your unique style. Here are some of the mediums that appear in the book.

ACRYLIC PAINTS

Acrylic paints are versatile and fast-drying. While still wet, acrylics clean up easily with soap and water; once dry, they are permanent. They can be used straight out of the tube or mixed with a medium or water to change their viscosity or consistency. Adding gel medium thickens paint; glazing medium thins it. Water will thin acrylics as well, but adding too much will break down the pigment-binder bond.

Some acrylics are thick with a high viscosity, like honey; others are thin with a low, almost watery, viscosity. They can be transparent, translucent or opaque. I prefer thin, transparent paints because I like to work quickly with drippy paint. I use thicker paint when adding texture to my paintings. I go back and forth between them as I work, depending on the results I want.

The look of the paint when dry will depend on how much it is diluted with water or modified with gels, pastes or other mediums. It may resemble a watercolor or oil painting, or have its own unique characteristics that you may not experience with other mediums. Try several brands and types until you find the acrylic paint that is just right for you.