Monday, August 15, 2016

Tropical Vibe 18" X 18" Pastel and ink crystals

                                                              
I continue to work in an abstract direction 
along with the more representational style that seems to surface in all that I do.
This piece is mostly about color and shapes
presented in a "grid" format composition.
I've used this exact color combination before in another "abstract" work
described in an earlier post. I've always been a blue/green kind of girl
for whatever reason. 

The process was lots of fun as much of the background is 
spontaneous and does it's magic mostly out of my control. I used UArt 400 paper
for pastel which allows for a wet wash.
With a large brush I wet the surface and sprinkled three different 
colors of "Brusho" ink crystals over the wet surface. 

The crystals react to water in exciting ways similar to what watercolor
 does when you drop alcohol on top. Here's a photo of my UArt paper 
after it dried.
You can see how the wet crystals (powder) spreads, merges and blends.
The only control I have is the amount put on, the direction it flows
(you can tilt the paper as it reacts,) and blotting it if you wish to modify
the depth of color or rework that area.

As I said above I used a grid composition and marked the spaces 
where the pastel circle (positive and negative) could go if I decided to place one there. I do think this method has many possibilities for different kinds of backgrounds or texture patterns.
I placed a mat over the painting just to see what it would look like
if it were to be framed. Please forgive the darkness of this photo. I took it
 in less than ideal light.
Click HERE to see on my DailyPaintworks page.

20 comments:

  1. Super abstract and love the wip photos and description, really inspiring. I too have started painting some abstracts, also using similar colours too, must be something in the air! I'm using acrylic paints though.

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    1. I think this is one color combo that's loved by many. I saw it used the other day in some sporting venues at the Rio Olympics. (in walls, flags, shirts, etc.)
      I'd love to see your abstract work, Diana. Perhaps you'll post some on your blog. I'm glad you're delving into this style as well. Thank you for writing!

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  2. Dear Carol love your choice of colors for this wonderful abstract. I gravitate towards those lovely greens and blues. Such a soothing feel. So glad you shared. Hope you are having a super day. Hugs!

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    1. Soothing is a great word, Debbie. Reminds me of beaches, travel and tropical activities like swimming. Loved your "Singin' in the Rain" video. Brought a smile to me as my grandmother and I used to sing it all the time.
      Take care and have a great week, Debbie!

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  3. When I look at this work I think of two words. Nature and essential. The colors are harmonious and found in nature and the order of your grid needs to be just what it is. You put lots of thought into this one and it shows. Love it.

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    1. Thank you so much, Helen, for your thoughtful comment. It IS amazing the different color harmonies found it nature. It truly blows me away. Nature has so much inspiration. I loved your recent work of the tree where you focused on color. Talk about color harmony!

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  4. What a fabulous painting. Graphic and soft areas - what could be better! Your choices of colors in the spots/circles make this one move into the higher level of art. I will say it again...FABULOUS!

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    1. You are very kind, Julie, with your words. I'm tickled that you like this one as in my mind it is a mixture of looseness (background) versus precise (circles and grid)like you described as graphic vs. soft. I'd like to do one with complementary colors sometime. Seems as though that would be lots of fun! Your flower paintings are striking! The top one looks like its glow comes from the inside (so pretty, and I loved the analogous colors you chose for the second one.

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  5. Beautiful choice of colors Carol!!! I love the design and you can see the gorgeous texture !!! Excellent piece ....I hope you paint more abstracts !!! I wouldn't even know how to start painting one. Lol

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    1. Thank you, Hilda! I appreciate your enthusiasm...and encouragement! I get that feeling, too, of not knowing where to start. I think because this one was based on a grid it was a bit easier to see where I was going.

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  6. This is really great , love the color choice and the pattern , so different from your usual style, but super ! Would be beautiful as a scarf :-) xx

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    1. I like the idea of a scarf, Jane! Excellent possibility. So glad you are settled in and back blogging. Have missed your beautiful works. Welcome back!

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  7. Oh WOW!!! Truly gorgeous with such great color and texture. I would love to see this 6 feet x 6 feet to dominate an entire wall. Keep exploring! A scarf would be beautiful! You are a blue green girl—your profile photo is striking with those colors.

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    1. Hi Lorraine, and thank you for such a nice comment! I appreciate so much your ideas and insights. Am hoping you might post some of the paintings you did for your daughter's wedding. Would love to see them, but maybe they are a secret until the wedding. :)

















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  8. Beautiful graphic geometric piece. Love the colors. Really enjoyed the most recent posts and the Christmas present is tops!

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    1. So nice to read your post, Sherry, and I greatly appreciate such a nice comment! Congratulations on your marriage and new job! Your painting was delightful!Great texture on the padlock and wood!

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  9. This is so very pretty! Nice work ♥

    summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

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    1. Summer, I thank you for such a nice comment. I really enjoyed the process as it was relaxing, and I got to "play" with my favorite colors. I am loving YOUR blog! So many good ideas and great photos. I'd like to use some of them for my home! :)

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  10. Lovely! I love reading about your process! This is really wonderful! Graphic, beautifully composed!

    And thank you for the kind words!, Much appreciated

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    1. I really appreciate you taking the time to post a comment, Suzanne. The background wash with the powders went rather quickly, while the circles took a bit longer. It was all a lot of fun and relaxing, too! Thank you again!

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