A Must Read...

I have been reading through some blogs lately, looking at art and getting some much needed summer inspiration, when I came across one in particular that will stay with me forever. This blog houses a story of a life interrupted and a life gained,  a triumph of love and spirit, and the support of family and friends where "giving" is a natural action and not ever a conscious thought. I have found the inspiration I needed here, please read:

http://www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/ 

Another layer of paint...

This picture shows the next step which is a little bit of red paint added to the bottom. This will be smoothed out later in the process blending the colors better.

Next...

Next, I added a layer of white glaze to the entire canvas. 

Third Layer of Paint

Now, I have muted the two colors a bit by adding a layer of brown glaze. This will blend the colors a little better as well as help to define the lines made by the texture medium.

The Second Layer of Paint

I wanted to incorporate some yellow into the painting and so added a second layer of paint with the color yellow oxide. I wanted to leave some of the grey exposed and will blend the colors at a later time. I love yellow and grey together.

The First layer of Paint

I decided to go with a layer of grey paint for the under color. This layer of paint is starting to make visible the lines made by the texture medium underneath.

From Start To End

I am working on a new painting and thought it would be a great idea to share with you my process from start to end. I have an idea of how I would like this piece to turn out, but, my plan is to just go with the flow. I am going to paint with each step of the process leading me into the next. This is fun for me, because I may end up with something entirely different than what I had in mind originally. I sometimes like to paint this way, a sort of creative brainstorming documented in a finished work of art on canvas.

This first picture is of a plain white canvas on which I have layered a texture medium.

Some Information...

I was approached recently by some people interested in purchasing art with questions as to what certain descriptions mean when a painting is listed for sale. I thought that these were good questions and that some of you may have also wondered about these same things. So, I have decided to post these questions and their answers.

1. What is Gallery Wrapped Canvas? - gallery wrapped canvas simply means that the canvas is pulled around the sides with the staples holding it in place positioned in the back so as not to be seen. The type of canvas with the staples showing on the sides is what is known as "student grade"canvas.
2. What is a varnish? - a varnish is a final layer of paint that is applied to a finished piece of art work to protect it from dust and pollutants as well as sun exposure. The varnish enables a painting to be wiped clean with a very damp cloth removing any dust that has collected on the surface.
3. What is "professional grade" paint? - professional grade paint is a paint that contains more pigments and less fillers than student grade paint. More pigments means a more stable and richer color while maintaining the specific color's brightness or opaqueness. Professional grade paints are more expensive than student grade.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!