Friday, June 1, 2012

"Plum Pair" 8" X 6" Oil on linen panel SOLD

I have been following lately the wonderful (and colorful) blog of Julie Ford Oliver. She has been experimenting with a fracturing technique in her paintings. I would love to see her work in person; better yet, take a workshop from her, but traveling for me is difficult. So, I've been trying to glean as much as I can from her blog on her insights into this technique as well as her decisions with regards to color, tools and texture.

I like her blog for not only the beautiful work but how she describes her process and discoveries. She calls them her "Artist's Notes," and you can sense her enthusiasm for her work. At one point she describes and shows with photos a particular tool she uses for the fracturing process, and she made it herself. It does some really neat things with the oil paint. She says the tool takes some getting used to, and that is definitely true. Above is my first attempt using it, but I feel it can do so much more than I gave effort to this time. I can't wait to explore some more. The process is just plain fun!                                                                            
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/carol-flatt-1045

14 comments:

  1. c.dingmanJune 1, 2012 at 3:50 PM

    Love the color and the style used in this one. Beautiful.

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    1. Carol FlattJune 1, 2012 at 4:21 PM

      Thank you, Carlene! I'm so anxious to try again and perhaps be braver with the technique. I appreciate you commenting.

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  2. Libby FifeJune 2, 2012 at 4:14 AM

    I like her work too, carol, and she is really generous with her information isn't she?

    It's a great concept and technique here-I love your results, especially all of the colors that you found in the shadows, the fruit and the background. It sounds almost like using a palette knife to scrape away to the under painting or base. I know you are interested too in somehow "loosening" your strokes. This seems like a super way to do it.

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    1. Carol FlattJune 2, 2012 at 8:49 AM

      Yes, it has been so nice to read about her explorations, and I appreciate her willingness to share. She's able to include in her paintings much texture and color variation. Hope I can discover how to do that. Thank you, Libby, for your kind words!

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  3. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comJune 2, 2012 at 6:00 AM

    I think you did an amazing job. I love this.
    I thank you for giving me credit with the blog and technique. You have a generous spirit.

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    1. Carol FlattJune 2, 2012 at 8:54 AM

      Thank YOU, Julie, for all the information you provide all of us about your process. I appreciate people with an adventurous nature such as yourself. I look forward to more exploration.

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  4. hmuxoJune 2, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    Carol, this is lovely...I agree with you ...in wishing I can see Julie's process in person...she's amazing!! but you did an amazing job on these plums as well! Congratulations! Hope to see more!!

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    1. Carol FlattJune 2, 2012 at 5:04 PM

      Thanks so much, Hilda. You're very kind to give me motivation and support!

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  5. UnknownJune 3, 2012 at 7:36 AM

    This is a beautiful and interesting painting. I do love how Julie's technique helps many of us loosen up. You can be very proud of this work.

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    1. Carol FlattJune 3, 2012 at 7:50 AM

      I thank you, Helen, for your kind words. I agree with you that Julie's technique is a great avenue for "looser" work. I hope as I gain more experience with it I'll feel braver and more experimental.

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  6. JaneJune 3, 2012 at 10:59 PM

    When I saw this I immediately thought it was Julie - inspired , you are a very good pupil, I love Julie's blog , too.

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    1. Carol FlattJune 4, 2012 at 8:39 AM

      Thank you, Jane. I consider that the highest of compliments!

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  7. Lorraine ShirkusJune 7, 2012 at 7:34 AM

    It's so much fun to catch up with your blog and see what you're up to! I had to cut back on my blog- visiting because it had become too time-consuming and I've missed so much. I recognized Julie's influence when I saw the plums. Love the background color you paired them with! Very dynamic. Also love the yucca blossoms—such beautiful light. You have an innate genius with color.

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    1. Carol FlattJune 7, 2012 at 7:49 AM

      Lorraine, you are very generous with such kind words, and I appreciate them so much. I, too, have been much too lapse in my blogging. My heart wants to do more, but there sometimes is a shortage of time in a day. Thank you for your supportive comments.

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