Solo Art Exhibit Revisited

Nov 01, 2017

After several attempts for a title for this exhibition, Embracing Uncertainty made its way into my head.  It resonates with so many areas of my life which includes my art and my creative process.  I need to be fearless when starting a new piece. Not every painting works and I have to let it (the painting) evolve layer by layer. Sometimes I use gesso to white out what is not working and begin anew.

I recently came across a quote that hints to my frame of mind as I begin a new painting; "A blank canvas is full of opportunities." This quote describes the beginning of my creative process when presented with a blank canvas.  I don't have a preconceived idea or plan when I begin paintings using my current technique. In a nutshell, the process has several steps.  I begin by laying and adhering the texture to the canvas.  I use a multitude of materials, eg., paper, fabric, sand, glue, wall paper, and/or spackle which create the texture and composition.  When dry, I use a neutral powdered pigment, i.e., slate gray, to see where the very inky pigment will settle in the crevices and thus begins the color journey to see where or how each painting emerges. This layering of pigment technique falls under the realm of glazing. Most often, 99% of the time, I let each layer dry before adding another layer of paint.  Many paintings have 5 to 10 layers of paint! I title the paintings after they are completed and after I find what has emerged.

I hope this post gives you an idea of my process using powdered pigments and acrylic paints on highly textured surfaces that push the limits of 3D on a 2D surface.

Please feel free to leave comments, ask questions and make suggestions on future topics. And by all means enjoy the video.

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