ABSTRACT PROCESS

Every artist has a process when they create work.  I've been taught different techniques in art school, but I always revert back to the way I've always created art since I was a little kid. Rarely do I create thumbnails sketches or have an idea of what I'm going to do. I simply start out by getting all my paints on a surface so I can see them... and one by one I'll apply color to the canvas. I play around with some color combinations and feel it out.  Intuitively I look to see where color, and paint stokes are needed and I take breaks to keep my mind clear. As I go back to the work I find a natural time to stop and the piece is completed.

I took pictures of the last abstract painting I did so you can see how a painting comes together. I never know how a finished artwork will turn out, but I guess that's the magic of it all.

 I started out with brown and quickly added blue paint to the canvas.

 

  In addition to paint, I used black charcoal to create lines and shape.

 

  I added some green (one of my favorite colors)

 

 Applying bright blue gave the piece a "lighter" feel.

 

 Now more shapes were introduced the painting.

 

 I liked the idea of having a "pop" of red to create more interest.

 This photo was taken after a few hours of reapplying paint in a circle-like pattern.

 

The finished piece !!!

Inspiration : Miranda Skoczek

 

 

I'm quite enamored with the work of Melbourne artist Miranda Skoczek at the moment. Her mixed media pieces (especially those with a layering of textiles) are so so fun. I love her use of color and shapes in her paintings and I think these would be fun to hang in any open space.

 

 

You can see more of her work HERE.

Lately - Bigger is Better

 

 

I made a decision a few weeks ago, that going forward, my work is going to be BIG. Why? Because it's more satisfying for me. I actually created this 60 x 60 painting in a day and it came together so easily.  Now the only issue is transporting the work.....

60 x 60 mixed media abstract painting, 2014