Earth and Water

2 March 2016

 I've posted this painting earlier, but I thought I would repost with a better photograph and a different room!
"Earth and Water"
Mixed Media, Abstract painting. 
Canvas 20x16
Acrylic, handmade collage paper, water soluble pastels, metal, texture paste, texture gel, cheese cloth
SOLD
 
 
I began a series of paintings exploring textures and colours of the earth and it's layers. This painting was created to symbolize the relationship between the earth and water. It is highly textured and implements an under painting collage of my handmade papers. 
 
 
 

The Golden Cross

2 March 2016

Many of my paintings start off with an underpainting of handmade or hand painted/stained papers. I normally do not have a pre conceived idea of composition and like to allow the painting to become what it wants to be. In other words, I like to paint intuitively. "The Golden Cross" started out with monochromatic shades of hand painted papers in cerulean blue. I wanted to do a complimentary colour pallet so I used papers in shades of quinacridone gold as the complimentary colour. I tend to use the quinacridone gold as an yellow-orange and I love the way it makes the cerulean blue pop!
      
 
"The Golden Cross"
Mixed Media Abstract
Canvas, 20x20
Acrylic, hand painted paper, metal, texture paste, watercolour, ink
SOLD

  I also used an acrylic skin to create the circular, coin shaped emblem. I don't use acrylic skins a lot, but in this case, I wanted something to offset the grid composition that seemed to be appearing. As I was letting the layers dry, I noticed a cross had appeared. I decided to play on that and let the cross become the focal point. I also added some design and visual interest using handmade stamps and stencils. Over all, I am very pleased with the end result and think it turned out great!


New Work

1 March 2016

I love texture.  I love both visual and physical texture.  But, I do have to admit that paintings with lots of physical texture really sparks my interest. I think it is the sculptor in me!  I've recently been exploring both texture and colour.  I've never been one who followed colour theory.  Partly because it bored me and also because I didn't completely grasp it.  As I am growing in my art and as an artist, I wanted to change that.  So, I began a series where I explored texture and colour.  The painting below is a reflection of this exploration.    


"Earth and Water"
Mixed Media Abstract
Canvas - 16"x20"
Sold
 
I need to work on my photography!  But I really love this painting.  I noticed that I tend to gravitate towards darker, muted, earthy colours.  I love the splash of metallic turquoise and I love the way the painting is subtle but speaks strongly the story I was trying to tell.  
 

 
On a personal note - today is my last radiation treatment for a few weeks!  I am so excited!  I am doing pretty good and I feel very optimistic!
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