Saturday, August 25, 2012

Playing with Texture #1

I love texture in all types of forms - visual or tactile; on fabric and other surfaces. 

Have you ever played with modeling paste or joint compound? Joint compound you can buy at home improvement stores thus paying a lower price than you would for molding paste (Golden) or modeling paste (Liquitex).

 I have played with/experimented with both of these mediums with great success on canvas.

This textured painting is one of my first ones playing with molding paste. I had it on hand one day at the studio and started out just trying out different textures with various materials around the studio. Here are some before and after pics of the piece before it was painted: (click on photos to see larger image)


     I used the end of a paintbrush to create the swirl that became the sun. Then painted with acrylics I had on hand and rubbed gold paint onto the piece once it was dry.


I dragged a hair pick through the paste to create what became the river. I did not plan the outcome, just kept trying various tools.


One of my favorite texture tools is punchinella, the stuff left over when sequins are created. It usually comes on a roll like a ribbon and can be used like a stencil to apply the paste through. The blue section I simply used a palette knife similar to the way you would create texture with frosting, with an up-and-down motion.

The little squares you see next to the tree branches was done by using a very open-weave fabric. Place the fabric on the canvas and push the paste through the squares, then pull away. It creates a very raised surface.  
I have more texture paintings/techniques to share. Let me know in the comments if you ever use this type of technique. I would love to see what you have done and will link back to your blog or website if you provide the link.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Playing with Clay

Working at an art studio gives me the chance to play around with a variety of mediums. One of my favorites is clay. I like the clay that is grey when unfired and turns white when fired.

One of my most recent works-in-progress is a kind of free-form bowl that I built from a slab of clay and textured with various items that were available to me that day.

I'm calling this my rose bowl, hee hee. I have been practicing making clay roses and get better each time I try. 

I love experimenting as often as I can. It keeps the creative juices and ideas flowing. Even though I am a novice, I know that experimenting and playing around with mediums will always lead to improvements and new ideas.

What mediums do you allow yourself to experiment with?

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