Monday, July 13, 2009

Abstracts




At my recent workshop at Cheap Joe's, watercolorist and collagist Jerry Brommer started us out on a mini design course--really helpful! We discussed three types of composition, then he described the process he wanted us to follow to create two paintings in each style. We painted bridge, T, and cruciform compositions by first painting the basic shape and colors, then collaging over it with a variety of washi papers glued down with matte medium. When that dried, we were to go back over the papers with watercolor paints, applied with a dry brush. We layered paint until we felt done, making sure that our strokes of paint and additional collaging led the viewer's eye to the focal point. The papers caused the paint to adhere and run in ways the artist could never plan which, of course, I liked a lot!

10 comments:

Saundra Lane Galloway said...

Elizabeth, I was going to say before I read what you wrote that I loved the pieces like they were! Awesome work on composition, and beautiful application of collage papers! It sounds like you really enjoyed your experience!

Kathleen Krucoff said...

These are GREAT Elizabeth. What fun!!

Jean Spitzer said...

What a terrific thing to do. Thanks for sharing--these are great ideas for working when you're feeling overheated and under-inspired, as I am.

Gwen Bell said...

Oh MAN! These are gorgeous! That red one is fantastic. Love those abstract shapes. Looks like a lot of fun!

Gwen Bell said...

Oh..forgot to tell you I have an award for you on my blog.

Dan Finnegan said...

The middle piece reminds me of a Johnny Johnson composition...lovely.
Only three 'benevolent dictator-free' weeks left. Make the most of it!

ariel freeman said...

Love these little gems of composition, texture and color.

Tracey Clarke said...

These are wonderful, Elizabeth...love the organic look and feel.

r garriott said...

Hi Elizabeth, these are refreshing and bright! Very nice. Thanks for your comment on t-shirts refashioned as transport bags for paintings. Great idea, as they'd be so soft.

Bella Sinclair said...

Dear Elizabeth,

Your paintings are incredible! I love the colors and the animals. Congratulations on having a wonderful show.

Thank you, also, for leaving a thoughtful and warm message for me earlier this summer. I appreciated your kindness and the comfort it brought.

xoxo
bella