Method

Artist methods by Joe Babat

My initial introduction to the world of art was in the Chicago public school system. A conscientious teacher took her free time to take students to the Art Institute of Chicago. Much later in my career while apprenticing for my license as an architect, I began to experiment with various media. At that time I worked in oil as well as casein and chalk. Entering art shows for the next three year, I began to sell my works.

For the next ten years my career as an architect took precedence over art. It was not until the fall of 1998 that thoughts of painting entered my mind. After establishing my architectural firm in late 1970s, I had a new interest in painting. After taking several art course at the College of Lake County I began to paint exclusively in watercolors.

My technique of painting or simply method of painting was to use, no superficial aids in painting, no block-outs, salts, paper softener or any of the many other artificial aids. I would paint with paper, brush, color and water. My approach is to select a subject of interest to me at the time and sketch it out on newsprint. With a composition that appeals to my sense of proportions, I transfer the sketches to a clean sheet of water color paper (usually 150 lb. paper, rough).

The brushes I am most comfortable with are the flats (1/4”, ½” and no.10). My first strokes are usually to establish the sky. I like the ¾” flat or a pointed no. 10 or 14 to do a quick wash or the sky section. From here I like to use the flat bushes to establish the square elements in the painting. From this point on I uses almost any of my many brushes to trim in the final enhancements of the painting. I will leave a painting once complete on its hard board mount until I have determine the drawing is done. I like to keep new paintings in my view until I until I decide to frame them. I like to paint a variety of subject as my portfolio will show. See Gallery
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