I was invited by Kelly Dombrowski to take part in a blog hop. Kelly is a friend from Michigan in the United States, who I met through our mutual love of art. Kelly is colourful, energetic and fun, full of creative ideas and talent - check out her work here.
Here are the other Blog-hoppers this week, visit them for more arty goss:
What am I working on?
Right now, I'm at the tail-end of a study period at uni, so I'm madly trying to get all of my painting assignments and essays completed. Here is my most recent painting, where I was required to use paint pouring and staining techniques and only three colours to investigate the theme of "imperfection". I chose to look at scars, and used the colours red, white and flesh tone.
Pouring paint is difficult to control, so I did loads of experiments and worked out the best ways to achieve the effects that I wanted.
How do I create what I do?
This process involved diluting paint with various mediums, such as water, PVA glue, gel and binder medium, then pouring onto canvas and allowing it to move in various ways. The results are unpredictable and fun, at one point I walked away from the painting and when I came back the paint had started to run off the canvas. This actually created some great textures, so I realised that happy accidents are part of the process.
Here are some close-ups of the finished colours textures:
Here are some further experiments I've done using pouring and staining, looking forward to adding more layers to these and seeing what happens:
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I think that every artist has his or her own unique style. It is difficult for me to stand back from my work and analyse it. I know that I tend towards vibrant colour as I believe one of the functions of art is to create an emotional response, and to me beautiful colours bring a sense of nature and joy.
How does my creating process work?
I look around me, for interesting colours, textures, the interplay of objects. Sometimes I look at photos I've taken while travelling or around the neighbourhood, as I often record things that catch my eye. Sometimes I start with a colour in mind, for example if I'm feeling a bit cranky or anxious I might want to work with calming blues and greens.
One of the best ways to work is experimenting in my visual diary to try out ideas. I find that my first idea might lead to another, better idea. And sometimes I just dive in and see what happens.
One of the best ways to work is experimenting in my visual diary to try out ideas. I find that my first idea might lead to another, better idea. And sometimes I just dive in and see what happens.
Thank you! And the next blog-hoppers are ...
Next Monday, head over to these amazing blogs for more blog-hopping fun!
Michelle from Shells in the Bush:
"Hi, I'm Michelle Reynolds, an acrylic and mixed media artist who lives on several acres of natural bush in the Perth hills, Western Australia, with my hubby, two sons and kangaroos. My passion at the moment is creating Gelli Plate monoprints and using them to create mixed-media girls and collages."
Michelle is a dynamic and creative artist and I know you'll love to see what she has in store.
Michelle from Shells in the Bush:
"Hi, I'm Michelle Reynolds, an acrylic and mixed media artist who lives on several acres of natural bush in the Perth hills, Western Australia, with my hubby, two sons and kangaroos. My passion at the moment is creating Gelli Plate monoprints and using them to create mixed-media girls and collages."
Michelle is a dynamic and creative artist and I know you'll love to see what she has in store.
Jennifer McIntosh is a fine artist and photographer from the beautiful South Coast of NSW, Australia. We met through study and she is such a gorgeous and positive person. Her work is stunning and she moves with ease between drawing, painting and photography. She is in the early stages of setting up her website, and you can find her blog here from next week.
Tracie Grace-Gallagher is a contemporary artist who I met through our study group a couple of years ago. She is one of the most supportive and genuine people I know, and her art is extraordinarily expressive. She is just about to complete her degree and have a well-earned rest! You can find her tumblr blog here.
Thanks for joining me!