Figure Drawing at ToJo Gallery

FIGURE DRAWING HAS MOVED!

2011-05-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

SESSIONS ARE NO LONGER HELD AT TOJO!!!!!!!

PLEASE JOIN ALL THE REGULAR FOLKS AT:

1821 W HUBBARD ST. SUITE 304. BUZZ 2868 FOR ENTRY.

SESSION SCHEDULE WILL REMAIN THE SAME

TUES, WEDS, THURS
7:00-9:30PM
SATURDAY MORNINGS
10:30-1:00PM

FIGURE DRAWING CANCELLED TONIGHT, WEDS, 4-20-11

2011-04-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

SORRY FOLKS! Model cancelled and we couldn't find a replacement in time. Thursday and Saturday sessions are on as scheduled.

Trevor

Final MOVE DATE

2011-04-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

OK....ONE MORE DATE CHANGE! SORRY!

We thought it would be easier to make MAY 1st the official move-in date for the new location.

So, starting MAY 3rd all figure drawing sessions will be held at the new location here:

PLATFORM STUDIOS

1821 w Hubbard St.

http://www.platformchicago.com

Drawing sessions will still be held at TOJO through April - hope to see you there!

Trevor

Figure Study no. 201

2011-03-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

Figure Study no. 201 by Aaron Miller

Oil on panel. 8" x 10". About an hour.

NEW FIGURE DRAWING DAYS ADDED!!!

2011-02-03T12:27:00.000-08:00

2 NEW DAYS of FIGURE DRAWING Are now on the schedule!

Spread the word!

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays will be held from 7:00-9:30pm
Saturdays will be held from 10:30am-1:00pm (I'll be bringing coffee and doughnuts! At least for the first few!)

See you there,
Trevor

2011-02-01T12:23:00.000-08:00

SNOW DAY!

Figure drawing is CANCELED TONIGHT, FEB 1st!

Check back for updates on Thursday's session. We may cancel then too...

Trevor

Figure Studie No.194

2011-01-22T12:23:00.001-08:00

Figure Study No.194

Oil on panel. Limited palette. Pose was for about an hour. 8"x10". Available for purchase.

NO FIGURE DRAWING TONIGHT - DEC 30th

2010-12-30T14:06:00.000-08:00

Reminder that there is no drawing session tonight! We will resume next Thursday

Happy New Year!

Figure Studies No.186 thru No.192

2010-12-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

Catching up on posting figure studies. All are about an hour or less. I used 8x10 in. panels with a limited oil palette.

Figure Study No.186 by Aaron Miller

Figure Study No.187 by Aaron Miller

Figure Study No.188 by Aaron Miller

Figure Study No.189 by Aaron Miller

Figure Study No.190 by Aaron Miller

Figure Study No.191 by Aaron Miller

Figure Study No.192 by Aaron Miller

Closed nights reminder for December

2010-12-20T07:46:00.000-08:00

We'll be closed for the holidays on these days:

December 23, 2010.

December 30, 2010.

Stay warm and safe out there. Hope to see you on any of the other days we'll be around.

NO SESSION THIS THURSDAY - 11/25

2010-11-24T07:11:00.000-08:00

Artists, Please note there will be no figure drawing this Thursday due to the holiday.

We will resume next week as usual with both Tuesday and Thursday sessions open.

Eat well and drink more,

Trevor

Figure Study No. 181

2010-10-29T07:53:00.001-07:00

oil on panel. 8x10. about an hour.

tried a new limited palette;

white
transparent red oxide
turquoise

Podcast Episode 15 - We got style

2010-10-23T08:08:00.001-07:00

One of our fan's sent us an email and it really got us thinking. So today's episode has the gang discussing, arguing, musing and pining about artistic style. Tune in to see how much Aaron Miller has to say on the subject (he has been saving up for this one) and with the information in this podcast you may be able to figure out who did all those cave paintings...
As always, feel free to listen or subscribe on iTunes. If you don't, they send someone to our houses and beat us...

Listen to the podcast here!

Subscribe to Drawn Today in iTunes

Subscribe to Drawn Today's main RSS feed

Artdepth sketch night @ Evil Olive

2010-10-22T16:57:00.001-07:00

I went to the Artdepth sketch night at Evil Olive down the street from my studio last night. On Tuesday nights I have a figure drawing session at the studio from 7-9:30pm. The Artdepth event started at 10pm. The cool things was that we were providing our drawing horses for them to use and our model was also scheduled to model there that night. Everything went really smooth.

The event was really well run. The models were dressed to play out Nursery Rhymes, the late night kind. The costumes just made the event that much more fun. While we were drawing in the front of the house there was a photo studio set up in the back for some photographers. I had planned to paint in oils but knowing this would be in a dark bar with multiple models I had a feeling the timing would not lend itself to painting and keeping things clean in someone else’s business. I decided to go with the moleskin sketchbook and some watercolor pencils. They worked out perfect for the event. The models came out in groups of two to five. And the times ranged from 10 minutes to 30.

It gave me some good ideas to possibly do with my own workshop once time permits. Here are some of the drawings I did that night;

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

Art Depth

2010-10-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

hey all!
After next Tuesday's session I'm heading over to Evil Olive, its about 3 blocks away to keep drawing and painting.

take a look at the flyer posted here and maybe I'll see you there!

Drawn Today Podcast 14

2010-10-12T12:03:00.001-07:00

On today's episode, blog members Allen Douglas, Madeline Carol Matz, Kim Kincaid and Mark Harchar discuss the 800 pound gorilla in every artist's room...how to use color. Join us as we muse about color palettes, color in movies and TV and painting the cat (honestly, it isn't a metaphor).
And when you are done listening, click on the link on the bottom left of the blog to checkout Aaron Miller's blog on artist's palettes.

And for all those listeners that tune in from iTunes, feel free to post a review of the podcast. For every review, we get a nice shiny nickel (no, not really).

Listen to the podcast here!

Subscribe to Drawn Today in iTunes

Subscribe to Drawn Today's main RSS feed

Plein air paintings and sketches from Wyoming

2010-10-11T10:43:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

While on a hiking trip to the Grand Tetons just north of Jackson, Wyoming I was able to do a few plein air paintings and a late night sketch in the lobby of our hotel. We stayed at the Snake River Resort Lodge. We both want to try camping in the mountains next time.

Over the 4 days in Wyoming we hiked over 26 miles (a marathon marker) and hiked over 9,600 ft. of elevation. The thin air makes hiking all that much harder. We saw just about all the wildlife Wyoming had to offer. Seems like early October is a great time to visit. Luckily none of the bears or moose came across our path on the long hikes or while painting.

My painting sketches took about an hour each, mostly 45-50 minutes. I'll make a second post detailing my tools and materials to go painting in the mountains.

Figure Study No. 180

2010-10-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

oil on panel. 10x8. about 1 hour.
I also tried a new limited palette.
• Titanium white
• Transparent Red Oxide
• Turquoise
* tiniest bit of Indian Yellow (mixed into the final highlight on her butt)

Figure Study No. 179

2010-10-02T06:24:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

oil on panel. 8x10. about 1 hour.

Guardians of the Desert - wrap

2010-10-01T06:47:00.001-07:00

Final cover art for the book Guardians of the Desert by Leona Wisoker. The final image is a mix of digital and traditional. I painted the main portion of the front cover in oils and created an extension to the painting for the spine and back cover, creating a wrap image.

The main character, Alyea, is portrayed as removing her veil or covering wrap. She's a new desert lord, fierce, and independent. Even the wren has some significance.

Again, I would like to thank Barbara at Mercury Retrograde Press, for this great opportunity.

Figure Study No. 178

2010-09-30T06:23:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

Oil on panel. 8x10. about 1 hour.

Drawn Today Podcast 13

2010-09-25T08:48:00.001-07:00

Aaron Miller, Lars Grant West, Marc Scheff, and Eric Deschamps talk about their experience at GenCon and what an artist needs to consider when signing up for a convention to show at.

Listen to the podcast here!

Subscribe to Drawn Today in iTunes

Subscribe to Drawn Today's main RSS feed

Figure Study No. 173

2010-09-15T05:11:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

Oil on panel. 8x10. About 1 hour.

Cityscape Workshop with Scott Tallman Powers

2010-09-11T21:54:00.000-07:00

Scott Tallman Powers will be holding another plein air cityscape workshop this October.

October 21-24.
There is a 10 student limit. I'm sure the workshop will fill up fast.
Cost: $425.

I took his workshop earlier this summer and I had a blast and learned a ton. I only wish I could get out and paint more often!

Email Scott if interested.

scottpowersfineart@yahoo.com

Figure Study No. 172

2010-09-07T06:40:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

6x8. Oil on panel. about 60 minutes. Maybe less.

Figure Study No. 171

2010-09-02T07:18:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

Oil on panel. About 25 minutes. 8x10.

Figure Study No. 170

2010-08-20T17:45:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

8x10
oil on panel.
about 60 min.

Figure Study No. 169

2010-08-16T16:38:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

6x8

oil on panel.

about 45-50 minutes.

the tan lines were fun to paint.

Drawn Today Podcast 10!

2010-08-13T15:38:00.001-07:00

Episode 10 has been introduced to the wilds of the internet.

Derek, Marc, Mark, Grant, and Eric talk about a bunch of stuff. But I wasn't able to make it on the show (that'd be me--->Aaron) so, you'll just have to miss out on all the cool stuff I would have said. I will hand it to these guys though, they did one hell of a show and covered a ton of topics; like sketchbooks, wacom tablets, studios, painting digital and traditional. I had a great time listening while editing this show so I know you're going to love this one. So, if you're not already downloading it in iTunes (and leaving us some feedback) you must be downloading it from the link on the home page.

Listen to Episode 10

And checkout our new podcast extras page in the right pane.

Subscribe to Drawn Today in iTunes

Subscribe to Drawn Today's main RSS feed

Plein Air Painters of Chicago Exhibition 2010

2010-08-03T06:33:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

oil on panel. 12x9.

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

oil on panel. 9x12.

These paintings will be part of the Plein Air Painters of Chicago Exhibition 2010.

The opening reception at the esteemed Palette and Chisel Gallery is Friday August 6 from 5-8pm.

The show will hang from August 6-15. Gallery hours are 11-5 weekdays and 11-3 on the weekends.

If you're in the area stop in to see some amazing work by the Plein Air Painters of Chicago.

Ren Faire plein air painting to help a charity

2010-08-01T18:13:00.001-07:00

I spent most of this weekend at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. I had a blast painting in the crowds of people. All the artists that were asked to participate had the work go to auction today. The auction was to help a charity; Variety; The Children's Charity of Wisconsin. It was to help kids with disabilities. Amazingly all 3 of my paintings sold and the book store went through a slight bidding war! Sweet! I would love to do this again.

Tuscany Tavern

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

I bought the wizard a drink to pose for me.

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

I saw some of Jim Pavelec's books in the shop there.

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

Shoddy Lynn DJ Booth

2010-07-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd chime in an post a pic of my latest. This was my last commission for San Fransisco-based DJ Shoddy Lynn.

Also, as a note to all TOJO figure drawing artists...please contact us if you would like to post your work to this blog. We want to see what you're doing. Figure drawing or otherwise.

Peace,
Trevor

Apple Seeds

2010-07-16T06:27:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

Oil on panel. about 6x6.

When painting anything remember "the seeds". Keep in mind that objects you are painting have an interior. That it is not a flat shape with a dark and a light side with a highlight somewhere. try to keep in mind the three dimensional space the object takes up.

Figure Study No. 167 and 168

2010-07-15T06:55:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

These two quick studies were from the Illustration Master Class. The first was a 10 minute study and the second was about 30 minutes. Both oil on gessoed panel.

Plein Air City Painting Workshop - Day Two and Three

2010-07-11T06:08:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

Day Two:

We spent day two at the busy, busy six corners area of Wicker Park. The area has a six corners intersection, an el stop and a park with the block. Very much a deep end of the pool to paint in environment wise. Scott did a demo across from the park painting down a shady street. After the demo and a quick bite to eat at Sultan's Market for some falafel sandwiches I choose a spot under the el tracks in a very high traffic area. If you are not used to painting in public this can be very overwhelming. I quickly became more involved with trying to capture the scene in front of me rather than worry about people looking over my shoulder. I scrapped down 3-4 panels though that day. It was all about the learning process for me but Scott kept wanting me to keep my failed attempts.

Day Three:

We met at another six corners location at Grand, Milwaukee and Halsted. People from Chicago might know that's where the Funky Budah Lounge is. After the mornings demo I found a great spot near some overhead train tracks and an unexpected view of the Sears (Willis) Tower. After three days I was able to put everything into action and I managed to not scrape this one down.

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

There are some interesting things that you pretty much do for any painting you approach but that are really key for painting on location. Really locking in your composition really is key. Once you start painting the world keeps spinning and the light moves. So, once you've locked some stuff in you can still capture the original scene. And repeating patterns is really key as well. We're talking about things that keep moving, like people and cars. But, they will keep showing in in the spots you want them to! The car for instance is 2-3 cars over the course of the painting. I was bummed the first time it moved and I only had a few details painted. But 10 minutes later another similar car took it's place, and another an hour later.

Painting in the city is fun but its one of the most challenging things as a painter you can do.

Podcast Episode 7 - The Interviews

2010-07-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

Episode 7 is LIVE!

Music Zoe Keating: Listen to her music here.

This week, we have a supersized interview spectacular, with Illustration Masterclass instructors and students alike as well as an illustrator turned author. Want to hear about Julie Bell's new artist venture? Or how about Wizards of the Coast's Jeremy Jarvis' "magic pencil"? Tune in right here.

Listen to Episode 7

Illustration MasterClass 2010

Subscribe to Drawn Today in iTunes

Subscribe to Drawn Today's main RSS feed

Plein Air City Painting Workshop - Day One

2010-07-09T05:44:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I started a 4 day workshop with my friend and former classmate Scott Tallman Powers. We spent the morning in Uptown watching a few demos and went over some key tips specific to painting in the city outdoors. Even covering how to deal with people.

After we broke for lunch I got started on a few value studies pieces. A great way to break into the comfort zone of painting outside and getting a longer painting session started off right. You can either use an umber or black for the two color value study.

Photo of Scott during his demo.

Podcast Episode 6

2010-07-04T07:48:00.001-07:00

Episode 6 is live!

Music again from Bluetech: Listen to his music here.

This week, we discuss how to stay sharp, and motivated. Great tips for people breaking in, and great perspective to keep you moving!

Listen to Episode 6

Subscribe to Drawn Today in iTunes

Subscribe to Drawn Today's main RSS feed

Laurie Reading at the Rookery

2010-07-04T07:46:00.001-07:00

From Drawn Today

after a total fail at a landscape pencil/watercolor i decided to just do a little sketch of Laurie. The Rookery at Lincoln Park Zoo is a Chicago Geode. On of those place that 99% of the people just walk past and don't even know it's there. It's a lilly pond attached to the zoo.

As for the "fail", I simply needed more time to mess around with the pencils than time would allow for light conditions. I was wishing I had my oils to paint with.

aaronbmiller.com

Tarzan and La of Opar commission - Thumbnail phase

2010-07-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

I am working on a new Tarzan painting and I thought I'd share the process. Here are the submitted thumbnails. The large one on the bottom os the one we are going with. I will be presenting the painting to the buyer at Illuxcon. I'm really looking forward to finally getting to this. I've listened to about 4 of the Tarzan books to really get a feel for the Burroughs' Tarzan. And its quite a bit different than the Tarzan most have been presented with. I really like a few of the other thumbnails. Enough that they will end up as paintings of one sort or another.

aaronbmiller.com

Figure Study No. 164

2010-06-30T09:33:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

Oil on panel. long pose about 1 hour. 8x10.
Limited palette

Viridian
Trans. Red Oxide
Titanium White

Figure Study No. 163

2010-06-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

oil on panel. 8x10. long pose of about one hour.
Limited palette:
French Ultramarine blue
Transparent red oxide
Titanium White

I would also like to quickly mention that tipping the model after a session is OK! Similar to tipping your waitress or bar tender. And honestly they aren't working as hard for you as these models do.

Muse - Raven Queen

2010-05-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

Oil on panel. 24x48.

This is a piece for the Art Order Muse Challenge. It was a lot of fun to work on. I might work on some similar pieces in the future.

Also would like to mention the muse; Veronika Kotlajic

Figure Study No. 158 & 159

2010-05-23T12:28:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

oil on panel. 9x12. about an hour.

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

pastel on panel. 8x10. 30 min.

Figure Study No. 155

2010-05-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

Oil on panel with charcoal. 12x9. about 45 min.

Figure Study No. 154

2010-05-19T08:10:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

Oil on panel. 9x12. about 1 hour.

Drawn Today Podcast - Episode 1 - Part 1

2010-05-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

The guys/gals at Drawn Today started a Podcast! Download, listen, and tell your friends! Every other week we'll be bringing you an episode bulging with illustration based content.

Episode One - Part One

In the first Episode we cover the origins of Drawn Today, Illuxcon, and the Illustration Master Class. Episode one will will finish up in a second part with school, life drawing, and our parting thoughts and feelings about Frazetta.

If you have any questions or comments, email us at drawntoday@gmail.com.

Thanks!

The Drawn Today Crew

Personal Summer School

2010-04-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

TG LD 1h 30m by ~Gamerhomie on deviant ART

Adam Nowak stopped in last night. We talked about the idea that as an art student (Adam is currently enrolled at the American Academy of Art) there really shouldn't be a "summer break." With so much ground to cover since the 4 years is not nearly enough time, he's thinking about making the most of the time between classes. Attending figure drawing is a great idea. Getting out and doing some plein air should be high on the list. You could also get friends and family to pose for portraits. You could also try contacting a local artist in the field you're looking into to perhaps intern, or have a studio visit. Summer jobs aside, there is a lot you can do between classes to be better prepared for the next session and after graduation.

Poison Ivy

2010-04-30T06:11:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

The night before C2E2 I had our model in costume. She came as Poison Ivy. Everyone that showed up had a great time. These were done within 30 minute sessions. Oil on panel.

Figure Study No. 150 and 151

2010-04-29T05:52:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

oil on panel. each about an hour. 9x12.

Catching up with some figure studies

2010-04-24T20:04:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

here are a few studies from the last few weeks that I've been able to scan some in.

Enjoy!

Costumed Hero Night - April 15

2010-04-07T00:16:00.000-07:00

C2E2 (Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo) will be coming to Chicago this April 16-18. I'll have a table at artist alley. Come on by and say hi if you're going to the event.

The night before, Thursday, April 15, ToJo Gallery Figure Drawing will be hosting a Superhero Night.

We'll have a costumed heroine (though she might be posing as a villainess!) posing from 7-10pm, just $10.

There will be short gesture poses and some longer poses. Our scheduled model is awesome and very excited about the night and really gets into character.

We'll have easels, tables, and drawing horses. If it gets really crowded, we always have the floor and chairs.

Should be fun. Come in and draw a hero!

Figure Study No. 143

2010-04-05T09:08:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

Speed paint. Oil on panel. Limited palette. about 75 minutes.

DJ from Thursday Night

2010-04-03T16:50:00.000-07:00

This was the long pose at the end. Prisma and graphite with a little touch of oil pastel at the end.

Figure Study No. 140

2010-03-16T03:19:00.001-07:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

About 75 minutes. Oil on panel.

Figure Study No. 139

2010-03-12T23:57:00.001-08:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

About an hour, maybe an hour and a half. Hard to remember with breaks. Oil on panel. 9x12.

Figure Study No. 136

2010-02-27T08:47:00.001-08:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

6x6. oil on panel.

Figure Study No. 135

2010-02-26T07:30:00.001-08:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

6x6. oil on panel. A quick 10 minute study.

Figure Study No. 133-134

2010-02-25T08:35:00.001-08:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

For fun I clamped 2 panels together to paint on. Oil on Panel. Each is 6x6. I had just enough time to get the heart tattoo in.

Figure Study No. 132

2010-02-24T14:57:00.001-08:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

6x8 oil on panel.

Figure Drawing

2010-02-14T22:37:00.000-08:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

I decided to draw for the hour and a half during last Thursday session. I left my white pencils at home and used pastel for the highlights. i wasn't very pleased because of the time limit. But overall i had a blast.

We saw plenty of new faces last week. Even during the blizzard on Tuesday. Keep up the good work everyone!

Dance of the Demented

2010-02-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

I'll be heading out Saturday night to sketch the models at the Dance of the Demented benefit

Come on out to have some fun and draw. It should be a blast! There will be some awesome artists set up there to draw for the event.

Dave Dorman (Aliens/Star Wars)

Tony Akins (Jack of Fables/House of Mystery)

J Anthony Kosar (Avatar/Buckaroo Bonzai)

Ray Frenden (Burton Snowboards/Wired/Misfits)

Jessica Joy (smART Show)

Alex Wald (Ultraman/Shaolin Cowboy)

Charlie Athanas (WildClaw Poster Artist)

Horse Head Study

2010-02-11T00:20:00.001-08:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

Fun horse head study.

New Times for a New Year -7PM - 9:30PM

2010-01-21T15:05:00.000-08:00

We'll be starting at a new time on Tuesdays and Thursday from now on. The same time for each day.

Figure Study No. 129

2010-01-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

a 10 minute head study.

REMINDER: Figure drawing is from 7:00 - 9:30.

Figure Study No. 128

2010-01-18T14:55:00.001-08:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

Oil on panel. about 60 minutes.

Since I've been working on a ton of images in black and white I kept at it on figure drawing night.

Collection of studies by Oliver

2010-01-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

One of our regular attendees, Oliver, has an awesome gallery to share from his work with us. Take a look!

Figure Drawing Sessions 2010

2010-01-05T13:10:00.000-08:00

Today will begin the new year for Figure Drawing at ToJo Gallery. Julia will be our model tonight. And don't forget that Thursday nights start this week as well.

Looking forward to seeing our friends and new folks alike!

Quick Studies Year in Review

2009-12-30T08:55:00.001-08:00

From Aaron Miller | Illustrator | Designer

Happy New Year Everyone!

Tuesday December 29

2009-12-27T16:03:00.000-08:00

I'll be canceling the drawing session for the night. See everyone in 2010!

Figure Study No. 126

2009-12-22T07:23:00.001-08:00

Figure Study No.126 by *aaronmiller on deviant ART

Embedded DA images. Thumbs up or down?

Figure Study No. 125

2009-12-21T10:39:00.001-08:00

Figure Study No.125 by *aaronmiller on deviant ART

6x6. Oil on Panel. Semi limited palette.

All-Day-Figure-Drawing-Jam

2009-12-20T17:19:00.000-08:00

I'm considering this as an event for 2010. Basically an all day drawing session with multiple models rotating throughout the day. I'd like to hear some ideas and if you'd be interested in attending. Just putting it out there and keep your eyes peeled for it. I might want to do it in April around the excitement of C2E2, maybe after.

Figure Study No. 124

2009-12-20T09:58:00.001-08:00

Figure Study No.124 by *aaronmiller on deviant ART

Oil on panel. About 40 minutes. 12x9.

2 color palette of Burnt Umber and White.

one of our regulars put together this awesome promo video

2009-12-18T12:56:00.001-08:00

The Flyers Among Us from Stanley Von Medvey on Vimeo.

Shelby

2009-12-14T20:35:00.001-08:00

Shelby by *aaronmiller on deviant ART

while I'm not hosting the life drawing sessions i do as much work in the studio as i can (if I'm not there I'm working on the computer at home). and I've just finished up a commission portrait of a cat that I thought I would share.

Collection of images from one of our attendees.

2009-12-02T10:16:00.001-08:00

Thanks Terrie!

Figure Study No. 122

2009-12-02T08:30:00.001-08:00

Figure Study No.122 by *aaronmiller on deviant ART

For some of the short poses I really like to break out the paints, I keep it to a limited palette so I can move quickly.

Important Reminder

2009-11-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

Thursday night figure drawing session are on hold until January 2010. Tuesday nights are still a go.

Keep drawing!

Figure Study No. 114

2009-11-12T03:31:00.001-08:00

Figure Study No.114 by *aaronmiller on deviant ART

A quick 20 minute study in oils.

Up too late

2009-11-09T00:08:00.001-08:00

Spear Maiden by *aaronmiller on deviant ART

Figure Study No. 111

2009-11-08T10:58:00.001-08:00

Figure Study No.111 by *aaronmiller on deviant ART

10 min is not enough time.

Illuxcon Prep In Full Swing

2009-11-07T13:42:00.001-08:00

In hi gear for Illuxcon. November 12-15.

http://www.illuxcon.com/

I'll have a booth at the Saturday night collectors event at the Ramada. That's where everyone stays anyway. If you're into fantasy/sci-fi art this is the not-to-miss con. period.

Here's the rundown of the panels that I want to hit.

Round Table: The Art of Self-Promotion

Donato Giancola, Ruth Sanderson, Caniglia, Boris Vallejo, Julie Bell

(OMG! look at the rundown)

Collaborative Sculpting Demonstration

Jordu Schell (this guy just cracks me up!) & Tom Kuebler

Round Table: Working in the Video Game Industry

Robh Ruppel, Ben Thompson, Jeremy Cranford, Daren Bader (just got his book at SDCC!)

Painting the Portrait: An Oil Demonstration

Donato Giancola

Round Table: Art Director FAQ

Jon Schindehette, Robh Ruppel, Ben Thompson, Jeremy Cranford, Lou Anders

Inside the Skull

Brom (!!!!!)

Collaborative Oil Painting Demonstration

Don Maitz, Jeff Easley, Volkan Baga, Dan Dos Santos

I won't need any sugary drinks for a week!

I'm generating a bunch of 13 x 19 prints. If you want to order one for yourself let me know. I'm using this awesome MOAB Entrada paper.

N.A.I.L.S. Holiday art Show December 5-6.

http://nailslogansquare.com/nails/index.html

Neighborhood Artists in Logan Square. Be there or be square. [ok! moving on]

I'll be there with a lot of original oils and prints. And informing everyone about my life drawing sessions.

2009-10-20T16:17:00.001-07:00

Ink Figure Study No. 002 by *aaronmiller on deviant ART

i usually work in oils for the long pose. But i really want to break it up and work in ink. Its been great to shake things up a bit if you keep using the same materials all the time.

Figure Study No. 100

2009-09-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

Figure Study No. 100 by *aaronmiller on deviant ART

I'm sure I've really painted more, but this is the 100th I've documented.
Come on in a start creating your own collection.

Typical Study

2009-09-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

Figure Study No.98 by *aaronmiller on deviant ART

I usually try and do a 9x12 study for our long pose during class. I should post more of them here. And I'd love to post more of the other artist work. Artists in our sessions are encouraged to send in their work to be submitted here. And give us a link to your website as well.

wedding ceremony - Nikki&Nick

2009-08-30T20:30:00.001-07:00

wedding ceremony - Nikki&Nick, originally uploaded by Aaron B. Miller.

I was asked to paint a couple getting married on Saturday. I had about 15 minutes to paint them standing there with all the guests and wedding party, etc.. I stayed about 10 minutes longer to paint a little background in. All they asked for was 20 minutes. I had a great time. I wish Nick and Nikki all the best.

Figure Drawing 8/25

2009-08-25T23:44:00.001-07:00

Here is my ink & brush on Bristol board piece from the long pose tonight!

Canceled for tonight 8/13

2009-08-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry folks our model canceled tonight. We are always at the mercy of the model's availability.

Karen Solem Gallery

2009-08-05T04:49:00.000-07:00

Aaron here, I will have 3 paintings hanging at this show that opens this Friday.

They are having a great wine tasting as well.

Aaron Miller in a recent magazine article for Imagine FX

2009-07-27T12:34:00.001-07:00

This just hit the newsstands and I thought I would share this with you guys.

FIGURE DRAWING CANCELED - 7/23!!!

2009-07-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE NO MODEL TONIGHT! CLASS IS CANCELLED! CHECK BACK WITH US NEXT WEEK!

Paper supplies to bring to the session

2009-07-18T13:54:00.001-07:00

Figure Study #70, originally uploaded by Double A Design.

For the last few weeks I've been taking note on what people are bringing to the session to draw on. Everything from a sketchbook to a computer.

We've had a few situations where I've noticed that the artist just didn't know what to expect and didn't bring enough paper to work on.

I want to go over a typical session for someone who is working in a dry medium such as charcoal, pencil or pastel.

The first half of the session is quick studies and gestures. You'll be going through quite a bit of paper here. depending on how large you draw or the size of the paper you're working on you should go through anywhere from 8-12 pieces of paper, newsprint or what have you.

The long pose should be 1 pieces but you may want to start over or move around half way through.

So stock up on the paper you need. If you want to leave a large pad of newsprint feel free. If you give me enough time I could always pick up a pad for all of you bike riders who come. We'll keep them safe and put your name on it.

See you on Tuesday or Thursday nights.

–Aaron

Upcoming Show at National Pastime Theater

2009-07-08T21:38:00.001-07:00

Figure Study #67, originally uploaded by Double A Design.

20 of my pieces will grace the walls of the National Pastime Theater for the rest of the month of July. If you are going to a show there (http://www.npt2.com/) maybe you'll just have to pick one up!
The show is part of their Naked July festival. I'm glad to be a part of it.

– Aaron

TOJO Gallery in the news!

2009-07-06T21:35:00.001-07:00

062908_IMC-final_0024.jpg, originally uploaded by Double A Design.

The recent show we had at TOJO featuring the studio artists was written up the in CAC News.
The image posted was the one printed along with the article.
Below is a transcript of the article:
"VOOM Exhibit,

TOJO Gallery,
1418 W Division St.,
June 5-30, 2009.

Furniture designer and sculptor Trevor 0'Neils "Bistro Chair," looks like something you'd find in a kitchen or outride ot the numerous fast food haunts in a city famous for them. It's like a picnic bench, but still designer enough to have in your home.

The VOOM exhibit at the TOJO Gallery (1418 W Division St.) features new work by local artists O'Neil, Mark Verwoerdt. Michael O'Briant and Aaron Miller. Their individual specialties range from furniture design to conventional painting.

This group exhibition explores the relationship between raw material, the elements, illustration, fantasy and design-forward green furniture. O'Neil's furniture piece was created using discarded materials. Constantly on die look-out for anything that can be used to mike functional furniture in a way that is environmentally responsible, O'Neil creates tables, dining collections, DJ turntables, wall sculptures and benches.

Illustrator Aaron Miller's pieces are the best of the exhibition. Miller's "Coming in Hot" is like a panel out of a post-apocalyptic graphic novel. The colorful piece features a woman firing a massive, futuristic weapon amid a backdrop of a red sky, smoke, explosions and massive tank-like vehicle. Miller's other pieces follow an almost medieval theme of winged warriors and deformed creatures existing in a time not of your own. On his website (www.aaronbmiller.com), he states that his interest in fantasy art began as a kid and he couldn't stop collecting and painting Dungeon and Dragon miniatures. Miller admits he "just loved the minis and the art from the books."

O'Briant's work shows that he is an artist who relies heavily on his memory and earlier observations. His pieces in this exhibition are images that attempt to create and capture emotions. O'Briant uses his own brand of painting methods, such as freezing and dry brushing, to achieve this.

Verwoerdt's "Bow" is an example of his focus on layering drawings and paintings with an emphasis on figurative work. Physicality, materiality and age are important components of his life-like images. Verwoerdt's work has been influenced by a deep study of classical Italian art and inspired by Robert Longo and Lucien Freud among others. Always expansive, Verwoerdt's work beckons appreciation for the physicality of his drawings. The time signatures and layers of mark-making are evident in his work.

—Anthony Hoffman"

Yonaly

2009-07-03T05:49:00.001-07:00

_MG_8486, originally uploaded by Double A Design.

A quick sketch from Tuesday night. We had a great turnout as usual.

Sketched on newsprint with a china marker.

Friday Night 6/12/09 - VOOM!

2009-06-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

We'll be around tonight from 4-10. Stop by, check out the art. There are also prints available for cheap.

Did you miss the big opening?

2009-06-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

We'll be at the gallery this Friday as well from 4-10pm. If you want another look or couldn't make it the first time come on by. Our neighbors at the Verto Salon are having their Grand Opening as well.

VOOM!!

2009-06-05T07:13:00.001-07:00

TONIGHT 6/5 VOOM group art exhibition at tojo gallery. new work by verwoerdt, o’neil, o’briant and aaron miller. 6:00p -10:00p 1418 west division st. (between cleaver & noble) chicago. complimentary food & bar. sound art by dj lomax, dj artaru & dj l-des. tojogallery.com.

Pre-Opening "construction"

2009-06-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

We have to postpone our Thursday class until next week. We need the day and night to prepare the space for the show opening Friday.

VOOM opens at 6 on Friday night. Hope you all can stop by.

–Aaron