BYLINE:
Michael Barnes, American-Statesman Arts Critic
DATE: 01-31-2002
PUBLICATION: The Austin American-Statesman
PAGE: E3
Once onboard, how do you scope out the house and decide on the best way to portray it?
Many of my clients allow me some artistic license. But mostly I just take what I see. Either from a photo or actually sitting out in front of their homes, depending on the weather. We agree on the perspective and the objects they may want to include, i.e. cars, dogs. They supply the photos.
Do you return to the house several times or do you get what you need in one visit?
Depends. I could get a good sketch in eight hours and just make one visit, but if color is needed I will have to complete the watercolor in my studio with a photo. I try to make only one visit.
Do your clients ask to include certain emotional content in these portraits?
I believe they are grateful for my unique form of expression in addition to my basic architectural skill. I have never had a problem with any clients. Unlike facial portraits where people are sooo sensitive.
You work with mostly ink and watercolors, right? Do you use any other materials?
Mostly pencil, not ink, although I do add depth with ink later. I sometimes add acrylic for specific effects. I love to use the pencil, it's definitely my favorite. I start with it because it's just easy for me, simple. Since I can remember I have carried a No. 2 pencil with me. I have advanced to using a black Paper Mate pen also but nothing compares to "the pencil." But unfortunately it dulls down the final piece when I add watercolor to the lead on the paper. The shading of pencil makes the color "not as pure or bright." Sometimes my clients just want my pencil sketches because of the detail. I really want to add more vibrancy to my renderings, so sometimes I add inks and acrylic paints which totally cover up the pencil and detail but help with highlights. It is a process that I haven't quite figured out yet.
You seem to have a special relationship with homes.
I was raised in the house my father, grandfather and uncle built together. It must have been an inspiring event and to me it has brought meaning. I think this may be a reason I started drawing beautiful homes, it is a way to create my own home.
You may contact Michael Barnes at (512) 445-3647 or mbarnes@statesman.com.
Portrait of an Artisan
Illustrations/Photos: COLOR PHOTO; Photo: Larry Kolvoord/American-Statesman; To create a portrait, Kathi Nordone sometimes works from homeowner photos or visits the house to sketch. If color is needed, she completes the watercolor in her studio.