30x30" This one's a substantial size.This new painting changes depending on the time of day and the lighting. In the morning the golds really pop. It feels energized. At night the black gets richer. It feels cosy. I tried to give you an idea of the changes by taking a photo in shadow and a photo in sunlight, but it won't be quite as noticeable.
The piece has about fifteen layers of paint, maybe more. I lost count after a bit. It started out white and gold and very light. While poking around Jeane's blog I found this post showing all the layers that she put on, rubbed off, sprayed and all the amazing patinas she came up with. At one point she covered over her painting completely with a layer of black. Wow. Now to me that was brave. As soon as I thought of doing it myself, my heart went up into my throat in excitement. It would be breaking one of the 'rules' of this routine I've made for myself. A little thing, just choosing a different value pattern, but breaking the rules is so exciting.
My heart was still throbbing up in my throat while I worked. I broke into a worried sweat thinking, "should I have done this?" and then it started to pull together and I felt like I was riding the wind.
19 comments:
I'd love to see this in person because before I even read the post, I could tell it was rich with layers. Isn't it fun when we dare ourselves to take the leap into the unknown? So glad this leap worked out so well for you.
You're right, Regina. There's nothing quite like that "leap into the unknown."
Shayla! I love how you describe how you felt during the process and 'to fly like the wind!' -That's it! the piece is gorgeous and just feels juicy! - can't wipe the smile off my face! - hope this inspires some one else!
ps - excuse me - 'ride the wind' - not 'fly like the wind' - alas
I would love to view this for real as well...I'm captivated by all the golden tones! Such an "alive" feeling here...Sometimes are bravest, boldest creations happen when we think we are making a "mistake"...I admire you for for jumping in and see where the path would take you! :o) Thanks for sharing your art and your story...Happy Day ((HUGS))
Jeane, so glad you're smiling and thanks for the inspiration. Always figured as a kid it was only because adults were so serious that they couldn't fly. I attempted it several times in complete faith. On the couch, off a tree... Glad to find out adults can fly after all.
Thanks Tracy. I wish you guys could see it too :) Posting art on a site, especially the large pieces, can look so underwhelming compared to the live version, but I guess that makes a good case for enjoying live art.
Shayla - lol - ya, adults can fly - I studied with this amazing woman artist for about 5 years and finally had to stop because she would go ballistic everytime I started to deconstruct a piece - I finally realized that deconstruction is part of my personal process and once I let myself go there, my work just took off in directions I couldn't even have imagined - obviously this is not for everyone, but for people like myself it is crucial. When I get back from vacation, I will be doing a little thingy on my blog about deconstructing a very big piece that I worked on for years and now I'm going to take it to a very different place - I've very excited about it.
Very cool, Jeane. Hearing of deconstruction as part of your process clicks for me. Helps a lot with the whole 'do I redo it, or will I regret it' loop some of us have when we're secretly dying to make a great, fun mess out of an older piece.
Can't wait to see the developments on your blog :)
oo, i loved the way you described your heart in your throat and then riding the wind. i so know that feeling! it's fabulous! xoxox
wonderful paintings and blog!
I;m glad i visited
This is great, and I love the two different photos. It sounds like the perfect picture that changes subtly with its surroundings
: )
Hi Shayla, tkis is a pretty painting. tks for your kind wishes, I am much better. here's wishing you a good weekend, much love and hugs!!
hi Shayla - I have something for you over at my place - no strings attached
Leah, once I was with a group of artists and we were all talking about art, of course. One of the men said something about being so lucky, after all, how many people 'cry tears of joy' to be in their profession. I thought he was laying it on a little thick, but yes it is possible, isn't it?
Sukhada Gokhale, nice to meet you :)
Thanks, Picciolo.
Mary Kate, so good to hear from you and glad you're doing better. Hope you're feeling even better very soon.
Shayla, this is such an interesting post. Your painting is so rich and mysterious. I love that high one gets when daring to stray from the comfort zone and then being thrilled with the results.
By the way I have tagged you...if you're up to it.
Glad to hear you are flying Shayla :-) I'd love to learn more about your process, what materials you use etc. Its totally fascinating!
this is beautiful. That is a technique i'd like to try...I am sure I will have the same feelings of my heart in my throat too! But good things always come from exploration and just jumping in. This painting is evidence of that.
Robyn, thanks. I wanted to give it a mysterious feel.
Wildcherry, I agree. Other artist's processes intrest me. This piece is acrylic paint only. I used a stamp I carved myself to make the border. I just stamped it into the wet paint. The trees were done with a palette knife, the background trees are drips from a spraybottle that took off a layer of paint and the dotted texture was made by stamping with bubble wrap.
Thank you, Bridgette :D Yes, good always comes from exploring. Perhaps it keeps play from turning into work.
Fantastic. So many layers and such a powerful composition. I am loving the texture around the border too.
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