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Sunday, June 07, 2009

Show and Tell: An Artist's Inspiration

Well, thanks to Kristin, I have a topic for show and tell. She commented on the post before this one (Crazy Eights Meme) where I list list under things I'm looking forward to doing:

6. Unwrapping my blank canvas and getting messy with my paint.
She asked if I paint in watercolour or oil. Actually, it's neither. I'm an acrylic addict. I love that it dries fairly quickly. It gives you the ability to build layer upon layer, mixing and playing as you go along. And then there are mediums. The sheer number of different mediums you can mix into the paint is insane. And with them you can create the most amazing effects. I have so many things I want to try my little apartment is not big enough to hold the canvasses I will need.

A couple of years ago I finally settled into a style and method of painting that speaks to me. It's a physical process and a little messy. I often just drop paint right onto the canvas and go at it with pallet knives.

Before I show you a couple of samples of my art, I should explain how these particular pieces came into being.

The first is a dark piece. I painted it in the middle of a fibro flare-up. And it was a bad one. The depression, anxiety and panic attacks I had while in flare were awful. Going off meds and into remission not only allowed us to start trying for a baby, but it also gave me my life back. Seriously.

This first one is from when I was in flare. When I said they were dark periods in my life, I wasn't kidding. But oddly, I really like this one. It says so much and I keep finding new things in it every time I really look at it.




Then there is this next painting. I did this after I came out of a flare. It was a few months before our wedding and I was feeling truly happy. I've dubbed this one Joy. It's actually quite large and hangs on our living room wall.






So there you have it, my first true foray into soulful painting. Now go over to our class Gallery and see what everyone else is showing...

13 comments:

areyoukiddingme said...

I like the first one a lot. The second one is very happy and bright. But, the first one, as you say, has lots of depths. Nice work!

Lori Lavender Luz said...

It's amazing how you put words and emotions onto a canvas.

What talent!

Mrs. Gamgee said...

both are stunning! I imagine it's quite something to watch when you're painting...

Kristin said...

They are both gorgeous. You truly speak through your paintings.

Anonymous said...

it is amazing how mood are reflected in art.

Lollipop Goldstein said...

The second one reminds me of fish leaping out of the water. It literally makes my heart jump to look at it.

JuliaS said...

I have a hard time deciding which I like best - the colors on the second piece are so bright and I love the "swirl" to it - it does look "joyful". The first appeals to me on a deeper emotional level - it's amazing how some of your feelings come through in the pieces and are conveyed to those of us looking at them.

Delenn said...

I am always taken with people who can turn their emotions into works of art. The first painting is wonderful.

Anonymous said...

i really love both of them, but the first one has to be my fav. you described it as dark, but to me it looks like the lights trying to shine through in the yellow paint. you have a wonderful talent, can't wait to see what you create next.

AnotherDreamer said...

Those are wonderful! I absolutely love them.

I'm also a fan of acrylic painting too. In addition to the things you listed, it's also cheaper than Oil paining ;) That was my selling point, LOL. And it truly is a good way to release emotions.

Jamie said...

I certainly can't pick one over the other. I love the colors and well, I guess freedom is the word that comes to mind when I look at the second one. But the first one has such depth.

You have an amazing talent!

Cara said...

Beautiful - both your dark days and light ones. Have you thought of submitting one for the cover of an upcoming Exhale issue? They would inspire and affirm many's current 'place'.

Baby Smiling In Back Seat said...

My dad paints in acrylics, so I tried a few canvases of my own growing up. Much more forgiving than watercolor -- and less icky than oils. Plus, as you say, the textures are wonderful.