Sunday, December 6, 2009

MORE PHOTO PAPER PAINTINGS





The above images are the result of todays efforts. They are in the order of my happiness with the results, not in the order they were created. I usually spare you the disasters but I thought I would show some today.

A comment from my last post by Ginny asked me to go into more detail about the paper I am using. That request made we want to share a little more about how I work and what I hope to inspire in those of you who want to explore a little more beyond what you are already doing.

I, too, want to know all the details about techniques and processes, but the truth is I do my most inventive work when I know next to nothing! I feel that too much detailed information often stifles exploration. Many times exciting discoveries happen because we don't know we can't do something. Most of the time all we need is a seed of an idea. Then each of us will take that seed and water it with questions that pop into our minds and fertilize it with our own special mix.

Years ago, I read just one line in an article that stated they used the microwave to dye fabric. At the time I was working with dyes and fabric but had never thought about using a microwave. I had no instructions, only the seed of an idea and basic knowledge about a microwave. I eventually developed some wonderful techniques and some unique results through trial and error. Any disasters? Well, I did set some one's microwave on fire! Turns out wet embroidery thread will get hot enough to have spontaneous combustion. No serious damage. Anyway, if I had had detailed instructions, I probably would not have come up with unique ideas of my own.

So, now I am exploring photo paper. I am trying different kinds and applying combinations of techniques and art products I have used on other papers. I started with the photo paper I had on hand. Cheap Costco glossy 8.5 x 11 sheets. Some of the ideas I think I can apply to YUPO if I want to work larger. It looks like cheaper is better for my purposes. Large format sizes only come in high end quality glossy photo paper. Turns out the coating on these papers aren't suitable for watercolor.

I have tried watercolor sticks, Dr. Martin's Hydrus Watercolor, drawing with wc pencils, dip pen, sharpened match stick, stamping, collage, splattering, blotting, washing off, and spraying. I have over stamped, over worked and over splattered. I have made some exciting discoveries and I'm just getting started. Some of these experiments I like and some I don't but I'm having a ball in the process. Oh, yes, and I didn't even start a fire in the microwave!

19 comments:

hw (hallie) farber said...

All of your work is wonderful, and the use of photo paper is exciting. I have paper that is aged--I'll try something new. Thanks.

Chris Beck said...

Your constant experimenting is such an inspiration!! We all need permission to go forward and explore without a detailed map and your results are so exciting!! Glad you didn't have to call 911 on this one!!

Annaquarel.les said...

Your work and constant experimenting are a great source of inspiration for me. Thank you very much for your explanations about the process. They are of a great help. Love your blog!

Liz said...

Very exciting! I really like some of the effects you are getting. I am curious about the white patch over your right shoulder in the last painting. It looks like a stamped stencil. How did you do that?

jgr said...

Yes! Your work is amazing and your experiments always inspire me. Thank you for the information and the idea.

Unknown said...

Myrna, you'll have to write a book on the alchemy of painting! Your experiments are mind-expanding and inspiring. I like the image posted at the top best :)

RH Carpenter said...

I like all of these for different reasons and I keep thinking you should explore that final painting of the lady with the clothespins fingers! Now that would be a statement - and I like the swirled stencils behind her, too.

jane.w.ferguson@gmail.com said...

My fav is the yellow one.

Myrna Wacknov said...

Thank you all for your kind comments. Glad everyone is getting juiced to keep their brushes wet,

Liz, I rubbed a wet watercolor stick over a stamp and put it on white tissue paper then collaged the paper.

hilda said...

I did one on cheap dollar store photo paper and I like the way it turned out. I enjoyed doing it and plan on doing many more, Thanks for the great tip.

Cynthia said...

I too love all your experimenting,,,that in and of itself really inspires me. Of course, I love that you show us your examples. They are all very motivating and give me a push I need to go into my "laboratory" and hopefully not blow anything up.
I just love your blog!!! I am really drawn to the example with yellow.

Anonymous said...

Hi Myrna, I like your description of how one line can give you an idea to follow. I think those are magical moments, especially when you can act on them.

I like your constant exploration! Great work.

Kathy McChesney said...

Hi Myrna -

Interesting. Coincidentally, I threw a sheet of photo paper into my drawing bag last week, but didn't get around to trying it. Tomorrow is drawing group again - think I'll give it a try. I absolutely agree that finding my own messy way thru things is often surprisingly rewarding.

I did want to mention that translucent Yupo is too cool to paint/draw on, if you haven't tried it yet. It comes in a pad of 15 11x14 sheets & I think I got it from Cheap Joes. It's a yummy surface to work on.

Sue J said...

I love to see what you are doing, and I also love your unbounded enthusiasm for what you do. It's very inspiring. Thank you.

Billie Crain said...

In this instance, the best advice you gave was none. Exploring on one's own is always the best, IMO. I've done some of my best work starting out with no plan or no clue what I was doing.:D

Jeanette Jobson said...

You're right. The less you know, the braver you are in experimenting. You can't break the 'rules' if you don't know them!

You are an inspiration to me always and I grabbed a sheet of that same Costco photographic paper tonight and tried my own version. http://illustratedlife.blogspot.com/2009/12/experiments-and-snow.html

Thanks for taking time share your thoughts and experiments. They are treasured.

Dan Kent said...

You are my creativity guru!

M said...

I just dropped by from Illustrated Life but I see several friends already commenting. I love the effect you get on the photo paper. I must be the odd one out; I love your last one because it shows so many layers and would probably lead to new exciting experiments.

I'm with you on experimenting and bringing your own personal slant to what you are doing. All you need is a spark to get you going. My best results are often never planned.

Unknown said...

Those paintings really looks great. I just love them. You are very talented. Keep it up.

discounted photo paper

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