Saturday, February 6, 2016

Yes, I want to paint....but...

Yes, watercolour is difficult... but so are other mediums.  Sorry, but I feel it just takes time to settle into using the different mediums.  If I only used one medium, perhaps I wouldn't think that way....but, there is that funny little word again!!... I have this innate compulsion to not do the same thing over and over and that means I haven't really "settled" into a specific method, subject matter, or medium when it comes to art.

Is that much different than writing?  Some people prefer to write poems, articles and books... Others stick to one. I have only every done one of each!

Perhaps it is a seasonal thing as well.  I love the changing seasons and I guess I love change.  Even though I do wish for regular schedule I know that I also welcome changes to it. Being a bit of a strategist I am always thinking of ways to doing things quicker, easier and differently! But - like the winter season, every so often I simply want to settle into the quiet and do a meditative painting like the roses.

Michelle, you asked about acrylic.  Remember, I am a beginner in all of the mediums I use in art so what I say is simply what I am learning.  I started watercolours in 2005, began using acrylics in 2009, and oils in October 2015.  I tend to 'fight' with acrylics.  First off, it is for me, more "free hand" and not being great at drawing that sometimes creates problems. However, it has proven to be a better medium for me when it comes to landscapes.  With acrylics you can adjust and change things.  To be economical in time and paints however, you might prefer to have a set plan.  The first class I took in acrylics, which was an afternoon class, was very 'step by step' and for someone who can stick to the steps that is great.  Occasionally I think things through but mostly I just get started.  Not the best way but I am working on being more thoughtful and systematic.

The biggest draw back I have for acrylics Michelle is that they are 'messy' and they dry too quickly.

If you want to dabble and 'have fun' doing it you might like to try liquid acrylics using a pouring medium.  These are great for more abstract work and I have included one here. You see that it is very different from the watercolour rose I am working on which was shown in the last post. It has taken time - I've worked on it 5 or 6 different times and have one more adjustment to make.  It created a huge mess in my studio, then I moved it outside and tackled it during the summer, let it sit through the fall and will have it finished for the upcoming show in March.


2 comments:

  1. I'm the opposite with acrylics. I like how I don't have to use a whole lot of paint and how quickly they dry (I was much too impatient for oils). I'm like you in that I always like to try new things. Mixed media has always had an appeal for me and drawing is another love I have. It's fun trying new things. xoxo Silke

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  2. I love the way you paint - it is like no other I have seen! It is fun and colourful, delightful. The painting above is poured but totally different than the way you pour... I use more medium and less water. But I am thinking of a new painting which may be more along your line - but I know it will also be distinctly me. But you have inspired me to be more adventurous. Easy to get in a rut - much more fun when we get out of it.

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