Friday, 27 February 2015

Layer#31 Contrast in Pink!

I have been a bit stuck with the way things have been going in the last few layers. So I decided that it was time for another transformation. What better way to go than to go fresh and bright so as a contrast to the dark blues I have chosen a beautiful bold bright pink.

Sometimes it's nice not to think too much when you're painting so this layer literally took about 2 minutes. Letting the paint and brayer action take centre stage and quickly produce a gorgeous textured paint effect. The stencils from the previous layer peak through in areas which as a rich dimensions to the canvas.

Saturday, 21 February 2015

Lush Layer Love!!! ♡

So after being brave and pushing myself with my painted layering process I'm putting this new found love into practice.  By repeating the process I hope that it will make it easier each time and help to grow my creative confidence as I go, striving onward into the unknown!

Here I have started with some intuitive abstract painting.

Then adding a layer of stencilling in contrasting colours.
One of my favourite layers is then to go back in with blocks of paint that I smudge into the paper with my finger. This layer really helps to tie the previous layers together. 
Lastly I love to add in details with fine line pens, adding in doodles and decorative shapes that give a focal point. 

Thursday, 19 February 2015

Layer#30 Embracing Fear

I find it really tough to layer sometimes. I think it's the control freak in me. Sometimes it's hard to let go. Your brain overrides your heart and wants to know where you are going? What's going to happen? What are you trying to achieve and even sometimes what is the point?

I find when I am faced with a massive hurdle like this its because I'm on the cusp of something big. I'm about to realise something or discover something that is going to propel my work forwards.

At times like these I know I need to push on. Sometimes just getting something on the page,  anything is a start. And it's also the beginning of overcoming this great hurdle and overriding my inner critic.

Today feels like one of those days!

Being brave with layers

Sometimes it's hard to take the next step with a painting. To be bold and throw yourself in headfirst with the next layer, moving the painting forward into unknown territory.  But this is the learning curve. This is where the real magic happens, the surprises, the new direction. This is what helps build the story of the painting and create something special.

Tuesday, 17 February 2015

Layer#29 Transforming Light to dark!

So after the last layer I was inspired to begin a whole new body of work surrounding boats and waves. I have left my Journey canvas for a few days wondering what to do next so have come to a decision that in times of confusion and indecision it's time for another complete transformation. So here we go: from so much light and white foreground let's embrace the dark!