Thursday, May 29, 2008

THE SURVIVOR

A few weeks ago I came across an old painting, a small, unsuccessful attempt at a collage, and immediately covered it with gesso. Afterwards I applied and blotted multiple layers of acrylic washes until I had a "background" that satisfied me. Then once again I began the mental search for a subject, and once again I settled upon a tree. The first rendering with charcoal and one color pastel was OK, but lacked oomph. It was improved with a lighter color on the foliage but still fell short, so I tried some oil pastels that resulted in disaster. My last act was to apply a turpentine wash which to my great surprise and satisfaction produced the image I was seeking.

This modest mixed media painting affirms for me that making art is as much fun as it is stressful.


mixed media 11x14 $275

4 comments:

Peanut said...

I like it. That is why I am not an artist. I don't need more stress in my life.

Rachelle

timerulesmylife said...

Cool stuff oh wise neighbor~!

madre-terra said...

I love that!
It always amazes me to hear the artist process.
In my projects..I always know what I want the outcome to look like. It's the 'my dad was an engineer' in me.
I just love that tree!

dog face girls said...

Ah Bill, I knew you could do it.