The progression of a painting is always popular it seems. I’ve seen other artists doing it too and I know I love to see how a painting comes together. Like maybe you can learn some secrets and magic to put into your own work. 🙂
This is a painting for Week 4 of Wyanne’s Paint Free class. You start by writing something on the plain canvas – a letter, a quote, some love – I went for a prayer I found online recently that I just love.
I usually put text into my paintings, between the layers. As Wyanne says, it can affect the whole energy of the painting. I love the thought of sending a painting out into the world that radiates joy or peace or love.
Then we build up the painting, layer by layer.
Oh yes, and also do about thirty seconds of drawing – either a scribble or something recognisable. I of course had to get some circles in there. I did a scribble really but it ended up looking like some kind of flower.
You can also use media like masking fluid (as above). I love that stuff, but man does it stink! It’s so fun to use though, and deeply satisfying to remove. I used quite a bit and it dripped down – a happy accident.
You could also use gesso (white or clear) and gel medium. I did use gel medium – it’s good for a different kind of texture – initially I was a bit ‘ew’, but actually it’s come out lovely.
You can’t see it but it gives a kind of smooth clear matte coating, with lots of texture options if you mash it about a bit while it’s wet. Check out the drips from the masking fluid too!
And here (above) we have the ugly phase! (Mind you, I’d call this uncomfortable rather than ugly.) Those straight lines were SO not working, and the purple was too dark.
Hooray for white paint! And circles.
Here is the final piece.
It’s quite possible that I’ll do more to this, but I’m happy to call it done for now.
I love the poem/prayer that you included and really just love the whole idea of doing this and covering it up like burried treasure within the piece. Thank you for sharing this beautiful painting and technique with us. 🙂
The thought of having something like that written beneath the layers of paint and stuff is beautiful. Your painting turned out lovely, I like the design and the colours. It seems to match your prayer perfectly.
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I love this! I am actually just reading about the energy in words (Dr Emotos The Miracle of Water) and LOVE the idea of putting words into my paintings.
I think your painting is very beautiful! Fabulous inspiring post!
I'm so glad it's been something inspiring! Michele I literally just read that book! Actually that's a lie; it was lent to me and I've looked at all the pictures! But it's really an amazing concept and has so many possible uses don't you think!
Hi, your pictures are very beautiful. I love your blog very much. Kisses from Spain
Love this Tara–I need to to do this more–I have a problem with that "ugly" stage–I get upset when it's "ugly"–but it most times ends up soooo good. Love the process-showing too.
What a wonderful idea to write something meaningful behind your art. I love that idea.
Your ugly stage never looks ugly to me – I so enjoy watching the process.
Fab piece of art. Love the white!
Your painting is GORGEOUS! I am so proud of you for taking the process and making it your own. You did an incredible job. BRAVO!