Fearless Friday, Abstract Painting with Gold Leaf
“I could do that…shoot, I could have done that in kindergarten…”
Well maybe, but abstract art is more complicated than people think
Composition, color, focal point, light, all these things are just as important in abstract paintings as they are in more traditional painting
In the painting above the focal point is basically in the center of the canvas.
Generally a big no no
You want the eye to travel into, around or across the painting, which adds interest. If the focal point is in the center, the eye is drawn to it like a target and doesn’t see anything else
In the finished painting of “Falling Gold,” you can see that I changed the dark horizontal line, toned down some of the gold and added more darks to the lower right
Now the eye is drawn into the gold but then travels “over the waterfall,” down through the painting
This was the first time I used gold leaf in a painting, I was being fearless 😅
You can use gold leaf adhesive or Mod Podge. See the finished Gold Leaf Glasses here
Next time you see an abstract painting, take a moment to study it closely…you might be surprised to discover lots of layers, colors and tones have combined to create interest, a feeling, or an emotion
Check to see if the painting has a title, it’s often a hint as to what the artist is trying to convey
This painting is called “Multitasking”
Doesn’t it make you feel like you’re going in many directions at once?
Be fearless!
You can keep up with all the Fearless Friday posts on Pinterest here
Juicy Details
All paintings are my originals
Painting titles, medium and owner:
“On the Coast” / acrylic / JM
“Water Bottles” / acrylic / private commission
“Falling Gold” / acrylic and gold leaf / private commission
“Multitasking” / acrylic and pastel / JM
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I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs
Celebrate and Decorate, Rustic and Refined,
Between Naps on the Porch, Coastal Charm, Cooking and Crafting with J&J, The Scoop, Something to Talk About, A Stroll Thru Life Inspire Me Monday
Crafty Staci, Tickle My Tastebuds, Wow Us Wednesday
Full Plate Thursday, Work it Wednesday
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Love your artistic addition of the gold leaf on your canvas Jenna! I would have to be fearless to use it and not think about the price 🙂 Enjoy your weekend!
Good morning Jenna! I have been creating more abstract art lately and adding gold leaf too. I have used the adhesive but find it hard to control. I will try mod podge. I apply the gold last so it is interesting to me to see it applied first. Loved seeing the creation of your painting which is absolutely breathtaking. I love the watery colors and loose brushstrokes.
Thanks Johanne, most of the gold leaf was applied towards the end of the painting, but then I ended up painting over some of it to improve the composition. I want to try using it in a more traditional painting soon, as part of the highlighted areas. I appreciate your kind words, painting can be scary as you know- Happy creating! >
BRILLLLLLIANT jenna! LOVE your art!!!!! You are so right about abstract and I am so drawn to it lately! Love love love this post!
Thanks so much Jodi, you always inspire! >
and you me! 🙂
Jenna, I have cultivated a genuine love of abstracts. I use to think (uneducated) that all you had to do was throw paint on a canvas, but obviously not true! I love your art and the gold leaf is stunning! Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you Pam, I love the fact that abstracts can become whatever you think them to be 🙂 >
Such an interesting post, Jenna. I am not an artist, and you definitely made abstract painting more interesting and understandable with your explanations. I have always loved your glassware and tableware creations, but now I see your talent extends well beyond that. Love, love, love your “Falling Gold”, but also appreciate your knowledge and ability to explain the process. You know the adage: “those who can, do; those who can’t do, teach.”? You, my friend, do both.. very well!
Thank you for sharing. Rosie
So beautiful Jenna…I find studying an abstract is so thought provoking…Love your abstract…gorgeous!!
Thank you Shirley, I think abstracts are hardest of all! >
Jenna, thanks for explaining a little about abstract art, it has always been a mystery to me. It is so unlike a landscape or still life.
I really like all of them, but I think the “Falling Gold” is my favorite. I like the colors in “Water Bottles” but the motion in the other what eyes kept going to.
Have a great weekend.
thank you Marigene, painting is so subjective and personal, it is very scary for me to share some of my paintings, so your words are much appreciated. I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! >