Abstract Lines Inspired by Texas Maps
- Brenda E. Shook, Artist
- Sep 19, 2017
- 2 min read
WHY MAPS?
When I was little, my mom would make my brothers and I treasure maps taking us all around our house and the gardens. I had fun and adventure following Mom's picture clues on her maps from place to place. I have liked maps ever since.
FIRST MAPS
I created my first abstract drawings based on maps for the first faculty art show held by the school district I was teaching for. I usually draw and paint images based on real life--like portraits and gardens. At the time of the art show, I wanted to try something different without an obvious subject matter.
The faculty art show gave me an opportunity to experiment with lines, values, shape, and space verses recognizable images. I decided to see what would happen if I used maps of places important to me--like the neighborhood/town I grew up in (the mid cities area of Fort Worth) or my favorite places to go (like the Fort Worth Japanese Garden in the Botanic Gardens), as well as, other Texas cities.
MEDIA AND SURFACE
Art can be created on any surface--not just paper or canvas--and with a variety of media. I use graphite pencil on wood panels to make my abstract drawings. Graphite is a versatile medium easily controlled in abstract, expressive, and realist artwork situations. It can be used to develop a wide range of values and textures.
I like wood as a surface because it is a harder (and smooth if you sand it well) surface, the different grain patterns and subtle color changes can accent your original design, and that it accepts multiple types of media well--like graphite.
COPYRIGHT
These artworks are my creations. Please do not use them without my permission. Thank you.
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