Acrylic Work

Last month I completed a slime mold/fungi-inspired abstract work using acrylic paint and glitter.  Though I was pleased with the result I was frustrated with the paint.  I used molding paste by Golden to make the shapes more three-dimensional.  The problem was applying the paste with a brush.  I really struggled to form the shapes smoothly. 

I consulted a friend who is an acrylic master, who suggested cake decorating bags and tips.  Why didn’t I think of that?  After a trip to Michael’s Art Supplies I’m armed with my tools.  I’m a little nervous about trying them.  I guess I’m just afraid of failure.  Check back with my blog for updates.  I think I’m going to have a lot of fun!

Below are images of stage one and two of a painting I’m working on.  It’s an abstraction of a type of lichen.  In the first photo you’ll see the molding paste (under-painting), and in the second photo the painting I did over it.  I’m not happy at all because the paste is so lumpy and uneven.  I plan to use my new pastry decorating tools on this painting first.  Can I fix it?  We’ll see.

Stage 1 (Molding Paste Under-Painting)

Stage 2

Glitterama!

"Orange Lichen", acrylic on canvas, 10 x 10", 2012

I finished the painting I started yesterday.  Inspired by orange lichen, it has become much more.  It was fun to paint, and refreshing to work on something abstract after years of realism.  It contains several shades of glitter, microbeads, and the tiniest seed beads.  Some might be thinking “Why all the glitter?” and the answer is; I just don’t know.  It’s fun and sparkly.  I needed it.  In fact I need to start another glitter lichen/fungi painting now! 

(The painting looks even better in person.)  

detail

detail

Myco Drawing

Clay Pendants in Progress

I’ve been working with ceramics lately, learning what I can on my own.  I want to create something new for my Etsy site that is inspiring, and unique.  So I formed a handful of clay shapes and bisque fired them.  Over the past few days I’ve been drawing on these forms with a ceramic under-glaze pencil.  Much of my inspiration comes from nature.  These drawings are of microscopic slime molds, lichen, and fungi.  I love the forms, beautiful, abstract, and 100% non-fiction!  I’m very happy with how they look.  My next step is to coat them with a clear glaze and fire them again.  If they look good I might make more, next time focusing on ocean fauna and flora.  Stayed tuned!

Lichen

Slime Mold

Slime Mold