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