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Saturday, August 14, 2010

WIP




Have you noticed that I changed the name of my blog? Well, my sister, with whom I started the blog, has had her own blog for some time now, and there's really only one "muse" left here, so I thought a change of name was overdue. You really should treat yourself and check out my sister's blog here and Flickr page here for some stunning photography and great writing, when you have a chance.

Because from a very early age I loved to experiment with paint and texture and make my own art materials, my mother said that what I did was more of a "creative fit" than anything else (hence the new name of the blog). I haven't changed very much, and I still love to try new things and get my hands dirty, so I thought it might be fun to show you a work in progress and give you a step-by-step description of what I did. First, I rummaged around for some "texture," and I found some old book pages, ticket stubbs, and a doily which I glued on a canvas. Then, I added some patterned and textured papers which I further altered with acrylic paint. I "sculpted" a vase from white tissue paper and then painted over it with Golden Heavy Body white for a sort of porcelain effect. Next, I brushed cobalt teal over the background, and, when that was dry, I drybrushed on some white paint. Then, I did some stamping and glued on more patterned paper for thicker layers. I fingerpainted a little with light olive green acrylic and did the stems of the flowers with the same shade. Next, I sanded the white checkerboard and went over that with gray distressing ink. Last, I brushed on phthalo turquoise stripes and a tabletop and went over the white vase with the edge of a charcoal stick. Can you tell I was having fun?




While all that was drying, I made some acrylic flower "skins" on recycled Chinese take-out trays. The flowers will have to dry overnight before I can peel them off and adhere them to my painting. When that's done, I'll add some more details and layers with inks, oil sticks, and charcoal. Hopefully, I'll be able to work on this one tomorrow and show you the finished product tomorrow night, so stay tuned!

11 comments:

Janet Ghio said...

I can see from your wall color and your painting how much you like that color of blue!! Me too. Love your color choices and those acrylic skin flowers are so interesting!!

peggy gatto said...

Charming painting!
I really love it!!!

Anonymous said...

love the colors here and the layers in the background that to me suggest a quilt. A happy piece.
Pam

PS fun name for your blog

Diane said...

Thank you SO much for explaining the process--I love it!! For the acrylic skins, did you just apply heavy acrylics on the trays in the shapes that you wanted?--I'd love to try this.

Marit said...

It's so nice to learn how you "build" your painting! LOVE all the textures but it gets even more "body" as I know what is in there and underneath... I'll be back to see the finished canvas! Have a great day my muse (you still are that to me you know!)

Terri Kahrs said...

Ohhhh A new name, but still wonderful blog content and art! Congrats on your new title, Kathy!

Thanks for sharing your process. I especially love the way you've show those little flowers drying on trays - soooo clever1 Hugs, Terri xoxo

sara said...

I love the blue background and the flower skin idea :)

BlueRidgeLady said...

Love this WIP piece, the colors and textures! I know you were having fun and it shows! The blog name change is great, and your Mom was right! Perfect my friend! xox

Leslie said...

Wow! I just finished reading the process for the finished work I commented on above. Now I'm even more impressed!

Delphyne said...

Your artwork is so happy! And I love your sense of color and shape....

Taluula said...

Oh no, I never noticed the name change, but then that is because when I enter your blog I can't wait to see what new painting you have made! I love it when you explain your process and especially when the end result is as beautiful as this.

Happy new blog name Kathy.