So this is a work in progress, but I thought I’d share because the process has been fun. I know, the painting – so far – is much darker in tone than what I usually paint. But I think it’s good to get out of one’s comfort zone every so often. This painting is taking me in a different direction.
I started with a 12 inch by 12 inch canvas board and painted a grayish background, then splattered it with rubbing alcohol to create some subtle water drop effects.
Next, I mixed some matte black acrylic with a bit of water in a bowl, then dropped in a few marbles and rolled them around to get them coated. I placed an empty picture frame on the canvas and dropped the paint-covered marbles on the board and moved it around a bit. This left random trails of black paint. I may have to capture this on video when I start my next canvas.
After retrieving the marbles, I dragged the frame across the board that created this sort of creepy – and unintentional – silhouette. From there, I’ve been slowly adding paint to see what develops.
It’s a fun experiment and I have no idea where it’s going to lead me. But after working on this, I do feel a need to paint with some brighter colors and patterns.
Let me know what you think of either the painting or the process.
RB
There’s definitely a story in that painting.
I think so, too, Michelle. Perhaps when I feel it’s finished I’ll try to write something to accompany it. 🙂
Spontaneity worked out well in this session. In my opinion, you should leave well enough alone and continue your experiment on another canvas.
Funny you note that, Swabby. I’ve been staring at it for almost a week now and I’m not sure what my next steps will be. I’ll set it aside for a few days to clear my head and return to it later. But you may be right…this may be it. 🙂
The process sounds fascinating and quite fun to see what emerges! Definitely a creepy vibe to this one, I wouldn’t want to meet this stranger in a dark alley.
Same here, Dawn!
It’s been fun playing around with a new technique and I plan do see what else I can do. 🙂
I saw a stranger before I saw the title you had given it. This strikes me as an early evening silhouette. The red on the left keeps it calm rather than foreboding. I love the movement being suggested.
Oh, thanks so much, Jasper. I love that different commenters are seeing different things in this piece. I appreciate it, my friend.
Richard,I see a soldier guarding the border amid concertina wires.
That is imagination,let us see what it is actually when you complete it.
Oh, that’s fascinating, Nusrat. I’m glad that different people are seeing different things in this canvas. I’ll be sure to post it once it’s complete. Thank you.
What fun! Love both.
Thank you, Sheree.
Surreal.
I used to think painting is only with brush and colours
Thank you, my friend! I like to use various tools to apply paint. It gives me more options than just brush strokes.
You knew I was going to love this!
And I totally do!
I see the grim reaper walking away from a crime scene.
And honestly, I have lately been listening to a lot short horror story audiobooks… and this painting would be great as for cover!
Detailed enough to give us a clue what direction it going in. Mysterious enough to make us guess.
Also love your idea of using marbles! It shows the creative soul you really are!
LOL…I sort of assumed you would, Andrea. 🙂
The shadowy figure is doing something, or has done something. I’m not sure which, but I think there’s more for me to discover with this one. I hope I can complete it by Halloween. 👻
I appreciate it, my friend!
Love it Richard, you could look at it for hours. Love the contrast of the red with the dark colours, it’s giving me “woman scorned” vibes but there could be many interpretations.
Thanks so much, Wayne! I’ve been taking this slow because I see so many options. I’ll post it again once it’s finished.
Look forward to it Richard.
A very interesting picture. Good luck with the painting.
Thanks, Pat. 🙂