Where the Magic Is

This is something I started for my sister-in-law for her birthday, then decided to do something else for her.  I had all but the calligraphy done and finally finished it today.  I just love the quote... although I would maybe suggest that whatever it is we have inside ourselves IS magic.  Just something for you to chew on this morning :)

This is around 8x10 (I think?) watercolor and ink on 140 lb. paper and might be for sale at some point; I haven't decided.

Then I thought I'd work on a new acrylic henna impasto... I was dreaming about dragonflies last night so I decided that's what I'd do.

 I got the grass lines filled in but didn't feel like mixing a couple more cones of paint for the other colors I want to use.  The gel medium I'm using is opaque; I think I'd prefer a clear one for mixing with my Pearl-Ex powders.  This will have high-flow washes done over it when I'm finished with the lines.

Day One: Night Falls

Yay, it's Day One of Artists Helping Artists Podcast's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge!   I had the groundwork laid out for this one and since it's going to be a busy day I thought I'd finish it off.  

"Night Falls" 4x4 Acrylic on Hardwood Panel $30  - Click Picture to Purchase

This was done in acrylic in the reverse of the henna impasto style I use in oil; i.e., the textured henna part was painted on first, and then I used Golden High Flow acrylics thinned with water to get the watercolor-y effect.

The nifty thing about this is that I could probably get one done in a single day, although in this particular instance I painted on the texture and left it sit for a couple of days before I finished it this morning.  Or, I could theoretically finish one and start another.  When I paint in oils I can almost never finish a painting in one day even if it's small, because I don't paint alla prima.

While I like this technique, I've decided I don't care much for acrylics for traditional painting and I think for my spirit animals series I'm going to go back to oils, after the bison is done.

Anyway, I'm pretty excited to be doing this again this month... I was kind of surprised at how much I've blogged since January because it didnt' feel like as much as it was, but at the same time, it sure is nice to get into the studio every day, even if you don't finish something every day.  So this is just the kick in the pants I needed.

If you're doing the challenge and you drop by, please leave a comment so I can reciprocate the visit... one of my favorite things about doing it is getting to see what everyone else is doing!  Happy September!

Arbor Vitae

This is a first layer of one of another acrylic "henna impasto" style painting.  It made my hand cramp.  Next layer tomorrow.

It has kind of a nifty texture :)

Impulse

6x6 Acrylic on panel, $40 --  Click to purchase

I wasn't entirely happy with this, mainly because the brown horse and purple background seemed to blend into one another from a distance.  So I darkened his face, added some detail to his mane and some highlights and shadows.  Much better, I think.  This is a new technique I think I will be playing with some more.

PtesanWi

"The medicine of Buffalo is prayer, gratitude and praise for that which has been received.  Buffalo medicine is also knowing that abundance is present when all relations are honored as sacred, and when gratitude is expressed to every living part of creation."  -- Jamie Sams

Bison Spirit Animal Painting, Work in Progress

I want to do a series of Spirit Animal paintings.  Buffalo is not one of my animals, but because she symbolizes abundance, she has some meaning in my life at the moment, and this is where I was inspired to begin.  A few months ago I sketched this with detailed notes about the meaning of Bison as a Spirit Animal.  To the Lakota, there is no animal more sacred than a white buffalo.  It was a symbol the Great Spirit was taking care of them.  They have a legend about White Buffalo Calf Woman (PtesanWi) that I will relate with the next (last?  maybe..) layer of this painting.

This is acrylic on 8x8" panel.  I think for the next one I will return to oils... definitely like the way they move around on the canvas better, even though I bought an extender to use with the acrylics.  Sure is nice to have the layers dry so quickly, although I have a feeling it's not going to make me paint any faster because once I'm done with a layer I feel kind of done for the day.  I got the background pretty much done here, just have to put detail on the buffalo, and the circle, which will be painted with impasto designs.  

I'm Playing Hooky

I'm supposed to be typing. I'm also supposed to be finishing jewelry orders. But...

... I got new toys. YESTERDAY. And didn't have time to play.

So I transferred this image onto a panel..

Sort of. What the heck, transfer paper?

And then loaded molding paste (acrylic) into a henna cone. Because henna can be messy I feel a little bit more comfy with an acrylic medium on the other side of that cellophane.... way less toxic.

And here he is henna-fied, white on white. Gosh, I kinda like him just in white... The base coat now needs to be touched up but once the molding paste dries (this stuff holds texture!) I'll go back in with the high flow paints and either try a wash or fill in some color.

And hey, there's not a thing to clean up right now, and if it wasn't bedtime I could finish this guy today!! Which is awesome because a new painting a day challenge is looming on the horizon! I'm excited!

Back in the Studio

Remember this? Playing with it again. I thought I'd add a quote to it but my calligraphy skills are very rusty.

So, some practice is in order.

But then I remembered that the new Golden High Flow acrylics I ordered last week can be used as ink. I may wait to do the actual lettering till I get to play with them. Can't wait!

I've been canning and making jewelry and it hasn't left me much time to get into the studio. But I've got the itch, which is good because September kicks off another daily painting challenge. And also because I may have a commission. :D

On to the next project, then... This started out in my sketchbook several months ago, too.

And here's the rough-in. This is the first time I have tried working with acrylics. Definitely will take some getting used to... I'm used to bobbing all the oil paint I think I'm gonna need for a painting on my palate, but acrylics are drying too fast for that. I have a retarding agent coming with my other goodies!

Hopefully I can sneak back to the studio tomorrow.