Tag Archives: art

Creating Meaningful Art: Lenten Season Subject Ideas for Artists

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For artists, the Lenten Season can be a source of inspiration and a time to reflect on themes of sacrifice, redemption, and spiritual renewal. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, photographer, or any other type of artist, there are many artwork subjects related to the Lenten Season that you can explore and create.

Image by Raheel Shakeel from Pixabay

Crucifixion and Resurrection. Perhaps the most iconic and recognizable subject related to the Lenten Season is the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. You can explore this theme in a variety of mediums, from paintings and sculptures to photographs and mixed media.

Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross are a series of 14 artistic representations of events that occurred during Jesus’ final hours, from his condemnation to his burial. Each station depicts a specific moment in the narrative, and can be a powerful subject for artists to explore.

Symbols of Faith. There are many symbols of faith that are associated with the Lenten Season, such as the cross, the crown of thorns, and the dove. These symbols can be incorporated into artwork in a variety of ways, such as through abstract designs, mixed media, or traditional religious art.

Nature and Renewal. The Lenten Season is also a time of spiritual renewal and growth, and artists can explore this theme through depictions of nature and the changing of the seasons. Spring is a particularly evocative time of year, with its themes of rebirth, growth, and renewal.

Reflection and Contemplation. Another aspect of the Lenten Season is reflection and contemplation, as individuals reflect on their own lives and spiritual journeys. Artists can explore this theme through abstract art, self-portraits, or other introspective works.

The Last Supper. The Last Supper is another powerful subject for artists, depicting the final meal that Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. Artists can explore this theme through paintings, sculptures, or other mediums that capture the emotion and drama of this pivotal moment.

The Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary is an important figure in the Christian faith, and can be a powerful subject for artists to explore. Whether through paintings, sculptures, or other mediums, artists can depict Mary in a variety of ways, from serene and contemplative to mournful and grief-stricken.

In conclusion, the Lenten Season can be a rich source of inspiration for artists of all mediums and styles. Whether exploring themes of sacrifice, redemption, spiritual renewal, or other aspects of the season, artists can create powerful and evocative works that reflect the deep meaning and significance of this time of year. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, consider exploring some of these subjects and themes as you create your own artwork inspired by the Lenten Season.

Young Filipino Digital Artists Talk About Their Creative Journey

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Listen to young digital artists Naomi and Denice talk about their creative journey and keeping it going despite the competitive field. Interview conducted by their friend Lian, a professional photographer.

They discuss about the difference between digital and traditional arts and provide fresh tips on aspiring artists out there based on their experiences.

“Practice, experiment and enjoy the process.” — Naomi

“Always pursue passion projects, always practice, and share your work (to others) to inspire.” — Denice

Credit: Lian Palado

Artist Tool Feature: Drawing Lightbox

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A drawing lightbox is a very handy tool for artists as it helps draw with precision, particularly when tracing.

However, it can also be extremely useful for a variety of artists (or aspiring artists) and helps create better-looking pieces.

That being said, today I want to break down how lightboxes are used and how to pick the right one for your needs.

What is a drawing lightbox?

Drawing lightboxes are just like their name implies: a box with a glass surface that is backlit by LED lights.

It’s mostly used by illustrators to trace drawings and designs into paper, particularly for animations or preliminary drawings.

What are drawing lightboxes used for?

  • To trace images or patterns
  • To transfer your own sketches
  • To transfer elements from resource materials
  • Crafts like calligraphy and stained glass techniques

Tracing images saves time over drawing everything freehand. If you need your images to look similar or even the same, freehand is a risky path.

Plus, it ensures you’re able to catch details and make consistent artwork.

What to consider when buying your drawing lightbox

Brightness

In order to trace well, you need high quality LED lighting within your drawing lightbox with a maximum brightness of 4000 lux. It should be bright enough to shine through 2 sheets of thick paper.

If you need the lightbox for a different purpose (like photography or drawing without tracing), 1500-4000 lux should suffice.

Also, make sure your lightbox has adjustable brightness so you can adjust it as necessary and comfortable for your project.

Dimensions

Drawing lightboxes come in regular paper dimensions, like A4, A3 and A2. So consider what sized paper you want to work with.

If you need a more portable device, A4 is the better choice. Otherwise, go for the larger devices.

Price

Drawing lightboxes are very affordable. They go for anything between $20 – $100, depending on the size, brightness and power supply.

The non-dimmable options tend to be much cheaper, so if price is a strong consideration, you can save by selecting a lightbox without adjustable brightness.