Grounded

 

"Grounded"

24x24x1.5" wrapped canvas (frame shown for display purposes only)

Professional Grade Artist Materials - Acrylic Paints and Oil Sticks

This is my newest piece that really took its sweet time in coming together.  In all honesty - not really its fault, but mine.  I was at a point of burn out this summer in more than one way.

We had a very unusual summer her in Northeastern Alberta (Canada) - it was very hot for well over the usual few weeks scattered here and there over the few months of summer we get here. Instead, we had a good 10 or so weeks of hot (and humid) weather, and needless to say, painting was did not happen in about eight of those. Then not to mention  the heat, I had put a lot of pressure on myself over the past two years to really focus on my art and push myself in all aspects of it.

This piece began early July and after a two month break of absolutely zero paint to canvas I got back at it in mid September. It was a real struggle to get back into the process, but with encouragement and positive input, I was able to finish it last week.

Here are some photos to show you how it evolved. My original goal was for this to be very limited palette, it didn't take long for me to go off the rails...

 getting the paint on

coverage and markings

trying to do something different

frustrations (or what I tend to call hissy fits) and cover ups

restarting...what you didn't see was me adding 

color to get the punch I felt it needed

staying the course

almost done, just needing that punch up of colors.

The final result...

This is the perfect way for you to see all the stages in a painting and just how much you will and won't see at its completed stage. 

Many artist fret over the layers of paint they apply to a piece - I prefer to call them stages. For me, layers don't matter as long as you get to where you want to go. It is a frame of mind, don't get hung up on the numbers...after all, this isn't 'paint-by-numbers'!

Golden Paints: Quinacridone Magenta, Benzimidazolone Yellow Medium, Phthalo Green Blue Shade, Titanium White (&/or Zinc White depending on the stage I was at)

Thanks for stopping by, I look forward to seeing you again soon!

Coming back fresh...

"Mischief"

24x24x1.5" wrapped canvas

Professional Grade Artist Materials - Acrylic Paints and Oil Sticks

This piece took me on quite a ride. I struggled with it mainly due its colors. As much as I love red, it is not a color I will put in my work - ever. I wanted to really push myself out of my comfort zone and boy did I ever. 

This one really transformed within itself over an almost two week process. I went in with a vision and a plan that simply did not transfer from my brain to the canvas.  So after a lot of back and forth with my self and who I like to call my strongest mentor - Julie Prichard - I was finally able to complete it and call it done. 

Here are a few images to see how it changed along the way. This is also a great way to see what lies below and often cannot be seen online. 

Getting the paint on

 

paint coverage and markings

creating contrast with more coverage

detials

final push for contrast and color bump

I have been a student of Julie's for many years and only really started focusing on pulling more and more aspects from each of her teachings towards my own style and goals as an artist. Over this past year, it has shown. I have a better focus not to mention outcome in each and every piece I have completed. Her never ending support and nudges have made me the more confident artist I have become. Please be sure to check her site (julieprichard dot com) and social media platforms (@julie.prichard).

Golden Paints: Pyrrole Red, Benzimidazolone Yellow Medium, Phthalo Blue Green Shade, Titanium White (&/or Zinc White depending on the stage I was at).

Thanks for coming by, I look forward to seeing you back here again.

#getyourpainton (part three)

Day 6:

I made a comment in a Facebook group that I belong to and it gave me the idea to do this next color combo.  Green & Brown.  I have said it before, and I will continue to say it, I love the color green, outside...on the ground or in the trees.  I love when I see kitchens done in the old avocado green and then I melt if it has butcher block counters...just not in my house!

So today I pulled out some ready mixed craft paints and got to work.

Strathmore Series 400 Watercolor 12x18"

Gesso - Liquitex Professional (White)

Martha Stewart Crafts Acrylics - Olive Green, Granny Smith, Vanilla Bean & Grey Wolf

Brush - Princeton Catalyst Bright #10 & 8

Stabilo Woody - Lime Green, Brown, White & Silver

You will see I had yet another idea to change up the taping this time as well.  Wanting to know how a pattern within the taping would effect the outcome as well as how I applied the paint.

Here are a few close ups so you can see I did include some intended shapes with the Woody's.  I is really hard to color outside the lines when it was always instilled you stay within.  I 'color outside the lines' in so many other aspects of my life, but sure not when it is literal!

Some interesting images came out of this taping. Not sure I am liking it enough to do it again though. Thinking once they are cut I may change my mind.

Hmm, what do you think?  As much as I life the colors, I think they are too disconnected.  I wonder if this was to be done in a larger format with out the smaller grid how it would look.  That will be for another day when I am bored.

So, let's look at the elements - line, shape, value and space jump out right away to me. When you zoom in, there is definitely texture in the paint as the stroke goes across the paper and loses its strength.  The principles - I can see them all. Some of them, too many.

Day 7:

This one is way out in left field as I was looking for a book earlier and came across my Tracy Verdugo "Paint Mojo" and it got me to thinking how she using Acrylic Inks...here we go again, down another rabbit hole!

Strathmore Series 400 Watercolor 12x18"

Daler Rowney FW Artist Acrylic Inks - White, Prussian Blue, Flame Orange, Yellow Ochre & Red Earth

Wooden Skewer

Water Spritzer

Mitsubishi Dermatograph Pencils - yellow, green, orange, teal, white & navy.

No gesso this time, no pre-wetting. Simply using the dropper of the inks, got the ink to the paper is the same process I would have applied paint with a brush.  when I got near the end of the process, I would simply squirt out the ink onto the surface and let it fall where it may.  I then spritzed with water to get the inks to spread and or blend.  When it was still good and wet, I used my skewer to 'draw' shapes and marks often dragging the inks into each other.  When I had excess, I use a paper towel edge lightly dipped to the pool of inks to lift it up. Then I hit it will the heat tool to dry it fully before going at it with the pencils.

One thing to note when using inks in this format, you need to make extra sure that your burnish good and hard.  I really focused on where the tape intersected and gave it even more pressure.  I did pretty good with very little seepage.  I believe I had two small areas towards the left center. Doing this, you will also risk the chance of the tape lifting the paper when you peel back.  I again, did limited noticeable damage.

When there is this much water & ink, you have the opportunity for it to go a few different ways - muddy or some pretty amazing results.  I had some of both.

I do really enjoy pulling the inks away from the puddles and making interesting shapes, designs and such.  Mine tend to be botanical for some reason, although hard to tell in the images.

When you dry, the true colors are revealed - some better than others!

Once again, I neglected to take a photo of the pencil stage. It always seems to help in my opinion. I can add the lighter marks to bring out the colors and then use the darker ones to push back the lighter.

The cut. These are interesting, but definitely not one of my faves.  It is fine though as this is a study and needless to say, you are not going to have success with each and every one.  

Looking at these one for elements and principles is for sure a bit strange for me as there is a total different feel to them. When you are used to seeing strokes and now you are seeing a totally different shape as a whole, almost blob like.

A simple evaluation of these - does it have: line, shape, space, form, value, color &/or texture? Did these elements create unity, variety, contrast, emphasis, balance, movement, pattern or rhythm? Once you can look at your art objectively and honestly, you will be able to pick what works and what doesn't easily. You will trust your instinct.

Once you are at this stage, there is a good chance you will have found your 'style' or at least where you are most comfortable. If not, there is nothing wrong with trying new things, it aids you in finding where you (want) to belong in YOUR space.  Just don't compare yourself to anyone else. You are the only you out there, you are truly a one of a kind...like it or not!  You'll find you, I did.

I have a great stash built up now, each one will be used eventually. Whether I use them as business cards, note cards, future studies, framed pieces....your guess is as good as mine.  They have served their purpose as of right now.  No wastage, I used paint, I used my mind, I created something and I learned along the way. Sounds like a good use of my time.

The study end...

Hope you were able to get something out of this. I try to translate many of the technical aspects of art in a simpler form as I tend to over analyze a process simply because I get hung up on a word. With all the research and readings I have done, I have tried to put it in simple words that I won't end up going down yet another preverbal rabbit hole. This self study has allowed me to move on when it comes to composition, if it helps you great, if not...good luck and enjoy your ride!

#getyourpainton (part two)

Day 4:

For this days palette, I was inspired by colors of an image on Instagram. I am not by any means a 'blue' kind of person, but I always seem to be attracted to art on Instagram in this palette - weird, I know. My home is decorated in a neutral palette, the thought of putting a color on my wall sends me in a tail spin.

Anyhoo - today's juice...

Strathmore Series 400 Watercolor 12x18"

Gesso - Liquitex Professional (White)

Golden Fluid Acrylics - Paynes Gray, Anthraquinone Blue, Titanium White & Carbon Black.

Brush - Royal SG700 3/4", SG3010 #8

Stabilo Woody - Royal Blue, Black & White.

When I taped this time, I wanted to have more smaller ones as small is where I struggle the most. Looks like I neglected to take a shot of it, but you can see it better in the third photo after the peel.

I applied the paints again in varying strokes, long and short. I tried to add direction in the way of marks/shapes - circles (also half circles) and oddly shaped squares/rectangles. I am trying to get in some interesting marks using the brushes for a change verses the Woody's. I am also using the paints more to mix to get my contrasts and values as I have the limited palette of colors.

When it came time to add the Woody's, I really tried hard not to look at the taped areas and really let my hand run free across the surface. I pressed hard and made sure to have the Woody turn regularly in my hand so it would not look too contrived.

The reveal on this one I will admit was pretty epic.  I turned out so good. I was able to achieve an amazing balance of color, value and space.

I am trying hard not to force any of this, but I know for a fact that I. I am always aware of making sure that I have each of the colors used in each section, often more than once.

I once again really watched the directions and how I thought they would look best with the framing when I cut. I am in awe on how much I like this palette- I may have to break down and try this on a larger surface.

Need a refresh of my Elements and Principles? Here's a quick refresh...

Elements are visual building blocks to influence your design process. Principles are the tools for arrangements that influence the design.  Their end result is to achieve unity in the composition of your art.

Now let's break it down a bit more (but simply)...

Elements:

• Line - can be literal or implied. It can produce shape.
• Shape - an area that stands out from space due to a boundary, color or texture.

• Space - is a feeling, can be 2D, 3D or 4D; negative or positive; proportion, scale; overlapping space.
• Form - is referring to volume or mass (3D)

• Texture - visual or literal
• Value - light verses dark
• Color - most complex; light, primary, harmony & intensity.

I tend to group them as I have above as this way I feel they work together and can become even more cohesive as a whole.

Principles:

• Contrast - values, colors, textures, shapes, sizes & even color temperatures
• Emphasis - focal point
• Unity/Variety - all the elements fit together in unity, but there needs to be variety. However, too much variety creates a havoc as your eye needs a place to rest.
• Movement - repetition of an element that creates movement
• Pattern - a unique repetition of a shape (or element) in different areas which will then create a pattern
• Rhythm - creating movement that is implied by the repetition of  elements 
• Balance - visual weight

Your art will be successful with Unity, Variety, Contrast & Emphasis. If it is visually balanced and moves the eye around the painting, you will have good composition.

Are you still with me?  

How about Day 5:

Strathmore Series 400 Watercolor 12x18"

Gesso - Liquitex Professional (White)

Golden Fluid Acrylics - Phthalo Green (Blue Shade), Green Gold, Anthraquinone Blue & Titan Buff 

Brush - Royal SG700 3/4", SG3010 #8

Stabilo Woody - Royal Blue, Dark Green, Lime Green & White.

Today was yet another big challenge for me - green...ugh! Love it as a color, outside, on the ground and in the trees! 

I again made sure when I taped it off, I had several smaller areas to force me to keep my strokes to a minimum. I have to really work at it not to allow myself to go over the strokes that 'ran out of paint' - I want to see how the paint reacts wet on wet and dry on dry. Limit my brush strokes and add more colored pencils marks.

It is always interesting to note that even with all those scribbles (above), they really are not as obvious in the image below.  I have found that in most of the studies so far.

The cuts as usual, are planned out after the tape peel.  I look at all the angles to see what I think is the best composition according the my earlier notes and cut accordingly.

I am adding these to my ever growing stack. What am I going to do with them? You'll see....tomorrow!  Thanks for stopping by!

#getyourpainton (part one)

I have been doing a somewhat of a deep dive on composition in art for well over a year now, but really sat down this past month and went through my notes, looked at past paintings (mine and on the net) to see if I could finally comprehend it all.  Good new...I did and I do!

I have a journal full of notes, a binder full of printed pages for reference. So I planned out a week long self study on seeing how I could get paint to paper using what I hoped would now be more natural habits that I have instilled in myself after all the 'studying' and practice.  

I decided on a practice used by many instructors over the years where you take a sheet of paper and divide it off in sections using masking tape. I chose to use a quality Watercolor Paper as I knew it would handle what I was about to do to it. I also wanted to use different color palettes each day, mix up my brushes and at the end, I even changed up my paints for Inks.

I stayed with Golden Acrylics for the most part, but one day I did use some of my craft paint stash (Martha Stewart Crafts - seriously, I need to use this stuff up) and the final day was Daler Rowney FW Artist Acrylic Inks.

Here we go....

Day 1:

Strathmore Series 400 Watercolor 12x18"

Gesso - Liquitex Professional (White)

Golden Fluid Acrylics - Titanium White, Carbon Black, Transparent Red Iron Oxide, Titan Buff, Iridescent Stainless Steel (Coarse) and Iridescent Bright Gold (Fine).

Brush - Princeton Catalyst Bright #12 & #8

Stabilo Woody - Black

This was a palette I was using on another piece and I had a good amount out so thought why not start here. I decided to start off just making 6 squares (approx 6x6") and simply used limited strokes and tried my best to only stroke one at a time. I either would go in a single swoop or short swipe.  The more I added, the longer and larger my strokes seemed to get.  I also found that I got over zealous and was getting too much paint on the piece. 

Pretty interesting how by simply taping off a sheet a paper, the drastic change it can make.  I find it allows you to see everything in a whole new light.  It is like using a random viewfinder on your piece and then when you cut them into their individual pieces - is when the fun can really start.  If you look at the first image, you can see how I covered almost the entire 6" section, the white spaces really are not really visible until I remove the tape. The strokes are thick and somewhat random, but look at their direction. Color placement is there to give each one a nice focal point, but really noticeable until they are cut and standing on their own.

Here are a couple interesting points I have discovered to help simplify wanting to evaluate and understand my work. These are simply my translations and work for me and my thought process.  You may not think the same way, that's okay.

Elements are visual, look for them in your art. You don't need to have them all, but odd numbers are best. Principles are feelings. It is often how the artist uses the elements to create an effect and then in turn aid with the visualization of their intent. Principles are your tools of arrangement of the various elements. Elements are your building blocks that will influence your process. Their end result is to achieve unity in the composition of your art.

A quick check of the elements - does it have Line, Shape, Space, Form, Color, Value or Texture?  It doesn't need to have them all, but should have at least three.

A quick check on the principles - does is feel Balanced, is there Contrast (in color, value & texture), is there emphasis (focal point), is there Unity/Variety (in the elements), is there Movement (think line), is there pattern (marks, shapes, etc that create a pattern), or Rhythm (implied by repetition of elements)?

A painting does not need to have all the principles, but a successful one will have Unity, Variety, Contrast & Emphasis.  It will also be visually Balanced and will Move(ment) the eye around. This is good composition.

So back to my #getyourpainton study...

Looking at the last photo, you can definitely see line, shape, (visual) texture, value & color. You can also see emphasis on most, contrast, variety and balance. The other principles could be included as well depending on your interpretations of course.

Let's move on to Day 2:

Strathmore Series 400 Watercolor 12x18"

Gesso - Liquitex Professional (White)

Amsterdam Standard Acrylics - Yellow Green, Permanent Violet Light, Primary Cyan & Primary Magenta

Liquitex Basics - Neutral Gray Value 5 and Mars Black

Brush - Princeton Catalyst Bright #12 

Catalyst Wedge No.6

Stabilo Woody - Black, White & Lime Green

I wanted to challenge myself with the colors as these are not ones I use often at all. I will happily use them in my journals, just not in something I would 'paint'.  But since this was a study, why not.  I also decided to change up the taping this time.  I much prefer to paint large, so this is a great way to push my boundaries and push me even more outside my comfort zone. The main application of paint was by use of the Catalyst Wedge.  I love this tool and use it often on my larger pieces.  So using it here really provides some bold movement and impact.

I had a lot of fun with this one.  I found myself being aware of the tape. But I do feel that many of my placements are habits due to my many years of simply playing to see what happens - thus becoming intuitive/instinctive....for me. You will also note that I did my cuts a little different as well.  There were a few that I thought could use the addition of some extra white.  It almost gives them a mock polaroid look, which I am really liking.

Now - let's look for the elements. I see line, shape, space, color & texture for sure. As for the principles - movement for sure, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance.

Day 3:

Strathmore Series 400 Watercolor 12x18"

Gesso - Liquitex Professional (White)

Golden Fluid Acrylics - Transparent Pyrrole Orange, Titan Buff, Naphthol Red Medium & Anthraquinone Blue

Brush - Royal SG700 3/4" & SG3010 #8

Stabilo Woody - Navy Blue, Orange & Pink

The one thing I haven't mentioned before is that I always gesso after I put the tape on.  I do this as I prefer the raw look of the paper after the tape has been peeled. The one other thing to note is the 'tearing' of paper when the tape is removed. It is dependant on a few things - the tape you use. Buy the good stuff, it is worth it. I prefer the Blue 3M Painters tape. Also, I have found in the past that if you tape on the smoother side of the paper (cold press), I never get tears/lifts.  Also, how hard you burnish makes a difference too.  I tend to simply rub my fingers along the inside edges and of course across the center intersections. I also do not load my brush up too much with paint.

I also neglected to take a photo of the sheet before I did the peel off, but I'm sure it doesn't make that much of difference to you aside from just not being able to see the comparison.

As I have done these for three days now, I am finding myself more and more aware of  the tape placement and look for the color variations within each section - after I have put the initial stroke(s) down. I was oddly excited about this one and did forget to do my woody scribbles before taking the tape off.  So I was more conscious of my marks and their placements as I did not want to go on my white borders. I am once again strategically cutting these to eye pleasing directions.

Let's check for the elements. I see line, shape, space, color & texture.  As for the principles - contrast, variety, emphasis, movement and balance. Always note, not every one will be a master piece, but the purpose it to just get your paint on the paper, practice your brush strokes, color combinations and compositions.

I will end it here today for part one of the series. Come back tomorrow for part two.