Archive for November, 2008
Oxide Gallery
Sunday, November 30th, 2008
Four pieces will show December 2nd, 2008 through February 28th, 2009 alongside other Artists’ work at the Oxide Gallery, 501 West Hickory Street, Denton, TX . 1) Calgary In September 2) Gold In The Mountains #2 3) Mayan Bowl Chair 4) Zen Garden #8.
Join us at the Show Opening for music, refreshments, and 10% off purchases on December 2nd, 2008, 6 - 9 p.m.
Large Leaf Maple
Thursday, November 27th, 2008
Large Leaf Maple, 36 x 12 x 3 inches Muslin, glue, acrylics on wrapped canvas.
As seen here I imagined the leaves glowing in the moonlight. The piece hangs horizontally with push-lights placed in the back, outlining the sculptural sillhouette when the room is dark. Hung vertically it does not have the lights behind but is another way to switch it up when you’re looking for a change!
Large Leaf Maple
Monday, November 24th, 2008
Nov. 17th: While finishing the final stages of Sun Shower #4, at this point more study than stroke, I’ve started on the next piece… a bit of mystery thrown into this one just for fun. Hint: Step 1 - Unbleached muslin is painted with glue; place over top parchment paper and turn or lift frequently so it doesn’t stick. Nov. 18th: Step 2- When dry the muslin becomes stiff and can be crumpled, pinched and maneuvered to create 3D textures.
Nov 18th, aft. Step 3 - OK, enough guessing. I have three beautiful 36 x 12 x 3 inch canvases, hung vertically or horizontally. Each one will have a 3D design of life-sized leaves created with the stiff muslin. This one is of Large Leaf Maples, seen on salt Spring Island, B.C. On these canvases all dimensional surfaces will be considered; the front, the sides, and possibly some sticking out from the back. Everything will be primed before painting and I love Virginia’s idea to use glue as a resist for the leaf veins..or who knows what else. In these three images the design is still in planning stages.
Nov. 19th - A few thoughts before continuing work: this could be as simple as a sillhouette or painted realistically, I still haven’t decided..maybe a compromise of the two, on the abstract side of things. Putting lights in the back could be interesting too, as in the recent Zen Garden #8.
Nov.21st - Seen here, the leaves have a splotchy base coat of Hansa Yellow Deep, a color chosen because when it is so vibrant when it peeks through built up layers of other colors. Now that the entire piece has color though, I think I prefer the sculptural purity of the unpainted sillhouettes better - something to remember for similar work in the future.
I experimented with tinted primer and in other areas a very watery solution of acrylics then quickly realized that paint was smothering all the musliny goodness! The fabric went limp from the weight of the paint, meaning I pretty much had to start the creasing process all over again once it was dry. Duh, of course…it’s funny how you can know things like that, but when you are ten steps ahead with anticipation for a new project these basics are easily overlooked. Because of this I need to slow down and be more gentle with the painting process. There is going to be a lot of stopping and starting with this one, which is exactly how overlapping projects starts. It’s a good time to start on the other two 36 x 12 x 3 canvases in this series.
Also: looking forward to a day-long workshop tomorrow, learning about Encaustic painting with Deanna Wood. Encaustics is an ancient process of painting with beeswax and natural resins. Not usually a “workshop” kind of Artist because I’m too greedy with my work-time, but this is one of those things that’s best learned from an expert. Am bringing a fabric leaf to the class to see how it could be incorporated and if this entire. Large Leaf Maples piece could benefit.
(New viewer comment: Lynda’s website)
Sun Shower out again (#4)
Saturday, November 15th, 2008
Nov. 15th Above the largest thumbnail of the painting as a whole are 6 details of Sun Shower #4, 49 x 84 x 3 inches - masking medium, Acrylics, and matte glaze on wrapped canvas. Last few days worth of layering glazes, work in progress. Started May 3rd (see ‘more’)
November 10th - Left and right details, continuing to define leaves, not too much though and layering colors of rain and light. Low-light situation today, so the colors shown here are not as vibrant as they actually are.
November 7th - Mask medium has all been peeled off and now layers of matte glazing medium/acrylics color washes gradually bring things to life and into focus.
Featured Artist
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008
Googly-eyed Grandpa by Evelyn Drury, colored pencils and googly eyes from the $1 store. Says Grandpa: “Even my socks are looking back at me now!”
Evelyn has inherited the relentless Artist’s gene. Hooray, this world can use all the creative people it can get. There are so many choices available for her future as an Artist should she choose to make it her career. Creative minds are appreciated as an asset wherever a person chooses to work. Even though she’s only 4 1/2 years old, if I have any influence it will be to help guide my neice to #1 have fun learning. Her attention is so sharp, she is capable being an engineer or architect, or she may wish to start her own business. Wherever it leads you, Evelyn, sweetie, I’m there for ya!