Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Trying New Things


Have you ever tried using black gesso to start a painting? Not me. But last week I was the proud finder of a bright yellow 45% off (your entire order!) Michael's coupon. All morning, I couldn't stop singing the golden ticket song from Charlie and Chocolate Factory. I practically skipped through the fake flowers, styrofoam wreaths, and cake decorations to my happy place at Michael's... the Golden paints. I used my golden ticket coupon to load up on Golden products that I've always wanted to try.

My first effort was a canvas that I had previously covered with random fabric and paper scraps. I covered everything with the gesso and then started adding layers of paint. As the paint skimmed over the textures created by the fabric and paper pieces, the black gesso added a great contrast. I then scratched shapes into the layers. It was fun to see what colors popped up.


For the next one, I painted a black rectangle in the middle of a paper-covered canvas board.  I used the same scratch-thru technique to create a funky night scene.


Next I went on to try something completely new for me... faces. Very scary. I always avoid faces, especially realistic ones. Perhaps the golden ticket coupon made me feel lucky. Maybe the black gesso was less intimidating than an empty white canvas. Whatever the reason, I decided to give myself the opportunity to see what might happened if I tried. I promised myself to be nice and encouraging. I put the inner critic in the closet.

I am happy with the first guy. I don't know who this is. I am reading a book about a woman hiking the Pacific Crest Trail right now (Wild, by Cheryl Strayed - love it!) so perhaps I was imagining a mountain man when I painted him. Or perhaps I thought the bushy hair, mustache, and beard would easily cover up mistakes.


So, feeling confident, I tried another one. She turned out to be more zombie-like than I had planned. But she was more difficult to paint since I decided to turn her head. I also made the mistake of putting some turquoise behind her head, causing an eerie green glow to permeate the piece.


I know... she's got issues. But, I put her up on my mantle and am trying to treat my efforts with more kindness, more gentleness, to see the good things in my attempt. I am happy I pushed myself to do it and I am encouraged to keep trying. 

Like the author's hike in the book I am reading, the point is the making, the journey of it. Not really the end result.




19 comments:

  1. The shadow effect the black gesso makes is wonderful. The piece looked pretty darn good to me before you added more, but sometimes done is never done. Faces, yeah they intimidate me too. Yours are soft and free painted, nice creative juice... xox

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  2. Love the effect of black gesso on your artwork. I'm going to look for a Micheal's golden ticket so, I can buy a jar. ~:o)

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    1. Thanks Mia. Yes, you need to try it or another one of their amazing textured mediums. One could really dump a load of money on the stuff! (not me, of course)

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  3. I bought my first black gesso last month and love it though I've left more of my black showing. I like the idea of scratching thru - might try that next. And faces? Wow you're much braver than me...yours are great and appealing and full of personality (even if it's zombie personality-ha). Thanks for sharing your journey!

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    1. Isn't it fun? I really intended to let more black show, but I just couldn't help myself. I think I want to keep working with it. Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. I haven't tried black gesso yet--I already wanted to, and now I want to more! I like the thought of scratching through to the dark. Like the faces, too! I occasionally feel an urge to paint faces, then lose the urge as soon as I try one ;)

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    1. You should definitely try it! And you should try some faces. I think you have to adopt an attitude of ... hmmm... I wonder what faces will appear? Then you'll feel more accepting of whoever shows up on your canvas!

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  5. black gesso, huh? I didn't know such a thing existed! I am wondering how that might look on a floorcloth... I will also use a coupon to michael's and check that out! I love your art, by the way... the people are great! I don't attempt faces, so I am impressed! keep it up. :)

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    1. Thanks Julie! I think the black gesso on floorcloth would be wonderful. You should definitely try it. I can really see the colors with black edging showing through on the sides. Post it if you try it!

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  6. These are all terrific Jenny. I'm so impressed by your artistic skills, of which you have many! I especially like Mountain Man, though it's a toss up between him and Zombie Woman. They're both great! Good for you for finding the golden ticket. It's so much fun to play around knowing you're not risking expensive supplies.

    Loulou

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  7. These are wonderful! I LOVE the blank look in the second portrait- it's like she's on pause- I wouldn't call the turquoise a mistake- it looks really cool and gives the painting some subtext. I have the black gesso that I got at Micheal's- it's just sitting there as I don't really have the technique knowledge to use it just yet. The first two pieces are fascinating- love the color gradients and pop you are getting! Thanks for the thought provoking post.

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    1. Thanks for your encouraging words! You need to play around with that black gesso. You don't need any more "technique knowledge"! You've already got plenty. Just start painting!

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  8. Love how you used the black gesso Jenny!! I do have it and actually just used some-but only to paint over a magazine clipping:) I'm starting a new art journal so I just may have to paint a page black and see what happens and where it takes me. Your faces are great! As soon as I saw the man I saw Van Gogh in him, and then upon seeing the woman I saw Frida Kahlo. Thanks for more inspiration!

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    1. You should definitely do some black pages. You will love it. Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo! I love it! Thanks for the encouragement! (I love Frida... kinda want to dress up like her for Halloween - wouldn't that be a fun costume with the eyebrow and all?!)

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  9. Nice one! Aah one day someone will think to bring 'micheals ' to Australia! Sigh. Love the idea of imaginary family portraits.
    Black gesso - really adds a lovely depth.

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    1. I cannot imagine not having a Michael's. It is kind of a frustrating store (way too much clutter - and I like clutter1), but it sure is helpful and only 5 minutes away. Kind of a dangerous place though...!

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  10. Love the paintings! and Yeah to you for being brave and painting faces. They look great! I have just bought some black gesso, and must give it a try! Oh I have so many things I want to try!

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