Saturday, September 12, 2009

RESURRECTION!




Today I decided to photograph my gesso transfer process for the new book. While I was covering up old, ugly paintings with white gesso, I decided to try an idea I had from the Brommer workshop. I covered another painting with red gesso with the intention to proceed with a collage on top. I think I need to re-photograph the transfer process because the photos are at awkward angles. I guess I need to put things on the floor and shoot down or stand on a ladder and shoot down.

There is something so liberating about resurrecting a piece of good paper with a bad painting on it from the scrap heap and turning it into a painting I like. By the time I finished, I'm not sure the red base influenced anything, but I had a great time working on it. I kept remembering Jerry Brommer's words of keep layering until you like what happens. There are a number of layers in play here. I also finally played around with a new product that was given to me as a gift by Kathy McChesney when I was teaching in Solano Beach. These water soluble oil pastels are called Portfolio (found in Michael's) and made by the people who bring us Crayola. It is a student grade product but WHAT FUN! Kathy does the most amazing paintings with them. I never figured out how to combine them with what I was doing until today.

I went to the website at www.portfolioseries.com and found some wonderful student work, and interesting projects by art teachers. One project, (under acrylic), was wooden chairs painted in the style of a famous artist. The kids did amazing work. Makes me want to create an entire set for myself. If you are looking for a dynamite way to create something exciting on a budget, check it out. Oh well, must stay on task Kudos to the talented kids and their dedicated, inspirational art teachers.

11 comments:

Maggie said...

Wow.
That is gorgeous. I love the colors.

RH Carpenter said...

I wasn't sure where you were going with this one, Myrna, until I saw the final version - WOW! A great painting :) How fun and what an interesting way to turn those nags into thoroughbreds!!

Kay said...

I don't usually leave comments that simply say that I like a work, but this one moves me to do so.

I also like the fact that you have "recycled" so wonderfully... after years of dealing with wardrobes full of paintings I took similar "drastic and liberating steps" when I moved countries. This involved giving away the "OK" works, and giving to art students and schools the "under here was once a very average painting - what can you do with this base?" works.

I like to ask myself the question "How will I feel if I lose this completely?" Almost inevitably the answer is "OK, a new start is the better option" and that liberates the hidden mixed media artist in me.

debco said...

Beautiful. Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your "discoveries" and techniques.

teri said...

This is spectacular... so rich in colors ... thank you for sharing. I have to get back to the studio and create something ... ANYTHING!

Mike said...

Ahem! Have you seen the title on my most recent post??

Nice job on this painting!

Cynthia said...

This turned out to be a fantastic work! Your work is so inspiring and moving. This is winner. Thanks for showing us how it came about.

Karen Lewis Reimer said...

This is great... so what I really want to invest time in refining .. keep posting ...You are generous to share with us..
TKS

Chris Beck said...

A fabulous painting, Myrna!! Fascinating to see the progression too. I love your willingness to experiment and use all sorts of media. Very inspirational!!

Unknown said...

Dynamic! Thanks for a thorough and informative explanation of your process.

Nava said...

Been out of the blogosphere for a while. That's one inspiring piece!!

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