My current art studio project is an 18″ x 36″ mixed media painting on cradled claybord. The initial intention was to create a large floral painting, experimenting with the techniques I use on paper and applying them on a larger scale to a harder surface with a smoother finish and more absorbancy than my regular canvas.
I soon decided, however, that of the three flowers I loved the fluidity of the flower on the right, whereas the other two…not so much. They were simply too dense and not as airy as I wanted. Knowing I could not get that quality back at this point, I first took a picture of the flower on the right to sell as a print, and then I did a 180 and–gulp–painted over my flowers.
Flower that I liked before being painted over.Now that the painting has taken a new direction, it is all about layers and texture, both adding and revealing them. I envision keeping more neutral tones, yet revealing and adding color for maximum impact.
I love the rustic look of paint that looks sanded or worn, showing layers of color beneath. I am also including elements of old dictionary pages that will be painted over and selectively shown. While I won’t necessarily choose particular words to include, I’ve discovered the importance of editing what words I DON’T want to show. For example, on the same page as the word “mastodon” is the word “matricide”. So not including that word in my art! Somehow it just doesn’t say peace, beauty, and tranquility–qualities I want my art to bring to someone’s home or work space.
Stay tuned for more on the evolution of this mixed media art.
All artwork © 2016 Catherine Jeltes, Gallery Zoo Art. All Rights Reserved.
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