As a change of pace I worked on a surface I haven't tried before. I used a sheet of watercolor paper and drew my design. I loosely painted it with watercolor to get the colors set. When dry, I coated the sheet with a clear gesso - just one coat - brushing my strokes in many different directions. When the gesso was dry I began with the pastel work.
I knew beforehand that the surface would be rough because of the gesso and the strokes going here and there, but it's always interesting to watch how it goes on. In some places I rubbed it into the grain with my finger. In other places I just let the pastel sit on the top (pressed in with my finger but not rubbed in.) It's a very textured piece, but I like that effect for this one. Oranges are rough, right?
The difficult part was actually getting a photo that truly represented the painting. The heavy texture wanted to "sparkle" in the lens and getting the lighting correct was hard. Alas! I did my best.
Up for auction at DailyPaintworks. Click right here.
This one is very nice. I wish I could really chew on that texture up close! You found a lot of different colors that are really harmonious too. The piece has a photographic/luminous quality to it somehow-in a really nice way.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Libby. I think the luminous quality comes from the texture created by the gesso. In places the pastel stick only touches the top of the raised bits created by the brush and leaves some of the white of the paper showing. Thus, the luminosity/sparkle. It's fun to experiment!
DeleteBeautiful painting, Carol....love the process...the texture from the gesso is amazing!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Hilda. I think process is really what this painting is about. Kind of, "Let's just see what happens if...?" I enjoyed doing it.
DeleteBeautiful painting, Carol! The texture is really effective and Libby's word "luminous" to describe it, is perfect. Your color sense, as always, is also perfect.
ReplyDeleteLovely vibrant painting,I've never tried clear gesso, it's really fun to experiment.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of the texture, Carol. The results are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAre you enjoying the summer?
Lovely glowing oranges and a big congratulations for finishing in the top 19 of the Daily Paintworks contest. Your dove was so beautiful, every feather!
ReplyDeleteShirley, thank you very much! I was very honored and amazed! I appreciate you commenting.
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