I think many artists (I include myself in this group) frequently tighten up and get stingy with the paint. It seems to be natural to do so when trying to reach some ideal image. I finally decided to get bolder with my use of paint and be generous when applying it to the support.
To shake things up a bit (ie, get myself out of old habits) I used a palette knife for my most recent work. I also put a lot of paint on the palette and on the paintings. Oils were applied with minimal amounts of liquin or straight out of the tube. Acrylics where thickened with Golden High Solid Gel Gloss. Only the most rudimentary guide lines where painted on the canvas so that I would be forced to develop the image by manipulating the paint. The resulting paintings were much looser, more spontaneous and fresher.
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Copyright Mona Vivar, Jackson Square Splendor, 10 inches by 8 inches, oil on panel
Now available on Etsy at Mona Vivar Fine Art
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Detail of Jackson Square Splendor
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Copyright Mona Vivar, Race Day, 10 inches by 10 inches, acrylic on canvas
Now available on Ebay at Mona Vivar Fine Art
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Detail of Race Day
I really enjoy watching the progress of the triptych. This is such a magnificent process, like pieces falling into place. Wonderful work.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much John. Yesterday I worked on it, took more photos, and decided that yes, it will come together.
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