Streetscapes

My friend, Tina, with excitement in her voice, was telling me how she went to an afternoon workshop to make sidewalk chalk. Tina did this so that she could participate in an event called Streetscapes in Clifton which is called the gas light district. It is located literally northwest of the University of Cincinnati campus.

Feeling her excitement, I volunteered to tag along to record the day. So, yesterday, I met Tina bright and early to head to the event. After we signed in we found Tina's spot where she was to paint her painting. The Clifton Business Association, who put on the event, had taped off the 4'x6' "canvas" aka the pavement of the street. Tina had chosen the smallest size to render because she thought she would be painting by herself for the two day event. Other sizes were 5'x5', 5'x8' and 8'x8'. The Art Academy of Cincinnati had a group of 7 and their painting was 16'x18'.

I helped Tina put down and taped brown paper around her "canvas", as well as, her sketch. Tina had poked holes along the lines of her drawing which allowed her to pounce powder, in a piece of cheesecloth, through the holes.This leaves dots on the "canvas". Once this was done she took the paper off. We then conected the dots with chalk to get the lines down. Tina had chosen to make a copy of the abstract expressionism painting The Scream by Edvard Munch (1863-1944).









It did not take long for me to go from recording the day, to jumping in and helping. Tina did the sky, lake, and the two men. I did the screaming figure and the areas on each side of him.

I have to say that I am not experienced with painting with chalk. My hands, legs, clothes were full of chalk when done. It was frustrating to have many little chalk pebbles every where and nothing to wipe it off with. Tina and I walked around and observed other participants to see what tools we should have. This was Tina's first time and other than making the chalk and signing up for the event, they did not give many tips. By lunch time we had compiled a list, such as, a large (6") brush to wisp away those pesky pebbles. :-)

 It was a long fun filled day and the Clifton Business Association was first class. They fed us breakfast and lunch, kept us in chalk, water, snacks and gave us a shirt.

We finished Tina's painting in one day and went back today for the second day to take pictures. It was a fun time and I thank Tina for letting me tag along.
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Next year we will registrar as an official team.

Gaylynn