Sunday, September 2, 2012

Trying something different...


 "Ribbons, Cherry and Petunia"  Oil on 6x8 canvas panel


I'm always trying different painting surfaces, to see what feels best to me.  I had a package of canvas panels, that I didn't think I'd use because I don't like the heavy woven texture.  I've tried adding more layers of gesso on to smooth the surface out.   I don't care for painting directly onto white though and usually do a thin wash of turp. and raw umber over the dry white gesso.  But,  it occurred  to me that I could just tint the gesso.  So, I added some acrylic raw umber to the gesso, until it was a nice gray and applied 2 or 3 coats.  It was a perfect color, almost like a tinted drawing paper might be, and very inviting to paint on.  I did a little test painting with a piece of ribbon (below), and loved how the paint felt on the surface.  I wiped it off... and started again with a piece of ribbon, added a flower.. and then changed the position of the ribbon and painted it again, and so on.  Even though it started out as a sort of random test painting, the more I look at it, the more I like it!
Thanks for stopping by for a look at my artwork :-)



9 comments:

  1. Wonderful, like to see an artist at play
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nice post. I like hoe you show your setup.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful piece! Thanks for the in progress photos!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is SO beautifully painted, Debbie!! Love it.!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you all for stopping by a leaving me such nice comments!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I really enjoyed reading about your process. The finished painting is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have really enjoyed following your blog and painting progress. I seem to always struggle with what light to use on my still life set-ups. Can you tell me how you illuminate your still life box and what kind of light you use?

    thanks,
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Brenda, Thanks for the comments and question... I am always changing things around, especially the lighting. I have a standing floor lamp that I use to light my subject. I have recently put a compact florescent bulb in it.. those new curly kind.. a daylight 5000 K bulb with cool light. It's great!

      Delete

Thanks for leaving a comment!