Sunday, November 26, 2006


Finding the Image

Today I wanted to use a drawing from my sketchbook, and loosen up and get messy. I started with this old drawing which was meant for a quilt, but never got made. I made a new sketch using watercolor paper and pencil, carbon pencil and a pen to make a smudged and careless (I'm trying!) initial drawing.
Then I applied acrylic paint, mixing my grays and browns from the primaries and using a lot of white.

Orbits
14x10" Mixed Media
I mixed the paint on the surface, and tried to clean up the smudges, while keeping the brushwork loose. Then I worked back into the surface with more ink pen, making marks to emphasize the movement. Finally I added some red colored pencil for some emphasis.
I got a very masculine and powerful image, for me, I think. I showed Dave and he liked it! I am amazed. Perhaps showing him the drawing first helped. Anyway, I know that putting it on the blog changes everything, so I shot some pictures and then started cropping the details.

Detail #1



Detail #2

Detail #3. This one has real possibilities, enlarged.


Playing around with computer generated color.

10 comments:

  1. I like this one. It is really letting the viewer into the process. Carry on!

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  2. Anonymous1:48 PM

    Nice to get away from the carnival once and while isn't it.

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  3. This would be a starting point for a cool series... of any type of media.

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  4. Oh Melody, I am loving your paintings and THIS one is my favourite so far. My sort of colours I suppose.

    I really appreciate that you are sharing this journey with us.

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  5. It's very cool, I mean cold. The colors you used are very unusual for you. And yet, it is easily YOUR work. It's also very intriguing to look at. It draws the viewer in.

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  6. Anonymous8:12 PM

    POW!! Loved it immediately! It has facinating detail and it's powerful. The greys and browns with a schtickle of red makes it complete. I feel it would make a great huge piece.

    Sherrill

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  7. Anonymous10:27 PM

    This is fabulous! I love the neutral color palette and the contrast. A very 'cool' piece.
    Is it for sale? :)
    Becky

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  8. O Becky, you are a tease. Anyone who knows me knows EVERYTHING is for sale.

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  9. Anonymous11:59 AM

    Very, very interesting. The first thing that popped into my head when I saw the initial sketch and second one was "eyes" so orbits does work for me.

    You never cease to amaze me.....

    teri

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  10. Anonymous12:34 PM

    Wow! This one is soooo... artsy! I like the colors...the tiny touch of red. Thanks for showing your sketch and then the progression to a painting. It's both inspiring and educational. And of very fun to read.

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Hello,
So nice of you to drop by. I love your comments, and if you would really like a reply, please email me at fibermania at g mail dot com