Fearless Friday, Abstract Garden
During this stressful time,
turn to something you love to do, as often as you can
For me, it is art…
Drawing, painting, sketching, doodling…
it is an instant trip to another place and keeps me calm and distracted
This painting was done in a recent “self therapy session”
I took a previous painting that I didn’t like
and painted over the entire canvas with black gesso
The canvas did have places which had paint build up from the previous painting
My plan was to do a thick application of paint overall
with more ridges and dimension
so ultimately it wasn’t going to matter
The previous strokes would just blend in
I actually used a large house painting brush to rapidly cover the background areas
I used a mixture of Heavy body Titanium white and Titan Buff acrylic*
*You can also use house paint or less expensive craft paint for large background areas to save $ and use the pricier artist grade acrylics for final finishing layers
Flowers were added near the bottom with large strokes
of Quinacridone Magenta, Cad Red Med and Alizarin Crimson
The background was still wet so the strokes picked up some white
I decided to add some very pale blue around the edges for sky
Blending it in with the still wet white and off white
Note: When working with acrylic there are several ways to keep the paint from drying too fast
1. Use a spray bottle and finely mist the paint on your palette frequently
2. Mix a retarder into each color on your palette to extend drying time
3. Use a Stay Wet Palette. This is a great way to really extend your paint overnight or longer
4. Use Open acrylics, specially formulated for a longer drying time
For this painting I was working very fast so I just misted my palette {option 1}
I added several more blooms with touches of Cad Yellow Med
The blooms got some drippy stems
I used Golden Fluid Acrylics for this
They come in squeeze bottles so you can squeeze the bottle
and let the paint drip down the canvas
I keep Gold Fluid Acrylic on hand, it’s a wonderful way to add a highlight or pop of color
This painting came together very quickly, an hour or so
I didn’t over think or plan, just painted with abandon,
and it was very satisfying
It is currently hanging in the dining room
It looks wonderful with the black and white walls
Below are more free and loose acrylic abstracts painted in a similar fashion
Be Fearless and try a fast and loose abstract
Keep calm and paint on!!
🎨 🎨 🎨
I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:
Meal Plan Monday Love Your Creativity What’s for Dinner?
Between Naps on the Porch, Make it Pretty Monday
Turn About Tuesday Celebrate Your Story, You’re the Star
All About Home/ Common Ground Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Tasty Tuesday Oh My Heartsie Girl Full Plate Thursday
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I am such a newbie to creating art. I love how you took something you didn’t like and turned it into a beautiful new piece. Also thank you for the tips you include. I would not have known that a leftover house paint could substitute in part for expensive artist paint. This is perfect for a fearless Friday post.
Thanks! Yes for large canvases it is much more economical to use house paint for the under layers, acrylic paint is pricey!
I have been leaving comments on your posts, but they don’t seem to be publishing, I hope you’re getting them! I’ve been enjoying your reviews so much and am currently reading one of the series you recently posted about…
Fearless!
Hi Jenna, yes this is a crazy time for all of us and art is a great escape. You made a beautiful flower painting and I love how you painted over the other painting you didn’t like. I plan on doing some drawing later today. Yesterday I some crocheting on a new scarf I’m making. I hope you stay safe and be well. Julie xo
Crocheting is great therapy too! I have some needlepoint projects I can escape into and the Hallmark channel is a great diversion from harsh reality also…
Jenna, you are so talented! The colors in that first floral painting are so striking and beautiful. I also love the summer bloom painting. I hope you enjoy your day and weekend, sweet friend! Take care!
Thank you Shannon, those are favorites of mine and are hanging in my house, the rest were commissions, it’s hard to part with paintings I like 🙂
Jenna, you are fearless with your paintbrush! I love that you just painted over something that you didn’t like. This is beautiful in your dining room. Take care!
Thank you Pam 🙂
Self-therapy is a very good thing. And when you get results like that, productive to the max!
thanks Jeanie, my best paintings are the ones I do quickly 🙂
Jenna, I understand this would be a wonderful therapy and wow, just look at your stunning painting. Hope you are well and safe………..
thank you Emily, it did make me feel better 🙂 !
All so beautiful, Jenna!Peacock Dreams is absolutely gorgeous!! 😊💙
Thanks Patty Anne, Peacock Dreams and a similar painting were commissions, one is in Florida and one in Wisconsin!
You are fearless! Really like them all, but the “Breaking Waves” is really awesome. Yes, stay calm and take it one day at a time! Thanks Jenna
Thanks Cyndi, Breaking Waves is in my daughter’s home, her color scheme is gray and white which is why I painted the water in gray tones…
I like it a lot!
Enjoy your paint therapy Jenna! Stay safe ♥
thank you, you too Mary…
Yes! They do look great against the black and white walls! I also love the thick texture
Annie- House and Home Painting
Thank you Jasmine!