One of the ways I do this when I'm building my layers at the beginning of a painting is to embed the work with drawings, words, shapes, colour, and collage that has direct relevance to my life at that moment. Watch the Vlog to see this process demonstrated in my work, and stick around to the end to see bossy old Ginny.
When I start my paintings I begin with play. I had to learn to play with the paint and the tools and whatever else I had to use just like a curious kid. "What happens if I use this?" "What happens if I do that?" I recorded it, so you can see what it takes to play if you are like I was and sometimes find it hard to let go, forget about what you're making, and just get lost in the MAKING. Watch the Vlog.
One of the questions I ask myself when I'm trying to nut out my paintings is "What is this painting all about - where are my heroes?" When I get this figured out it's so much easier to know what needs to be done next. Sometimes the hero can get lost in the crowd - so once I've identified what are the heroes, I can clear away the distractions and make some space for the main players to shine.
In this week's Vlog, I continue with the progress of the painting which I started last week. I'm adding the layers and building the surface using different tools to apply paint and get a range of effects. Watch as I share with you the process of building my current work as it's starting to get exciting.
Express yourself with this inspiring mix of collage, drawing, and painting. Endless fun while exploring design! Here's what I used to make these collages:
- 110gsm paper previously prepared with paint
- Collage detritus and other papers prepared with paint
- Acrylic paint
- white, black and a couple of colours
- stencils
- Water soluble crayons
This week my Vlog is an exploration in line in my sketchbook. I've been updating one of the activities in my stARTs course and it's got me really interested in a couple of things - big shapes and delicate lines. I've always been a sucker for these two, but I feel like I'm going BIGGER with the shapes and more explorative with the line.
Adding.... adding..... adding.... more... more.... more.... until something gives me an idea or there's something that I like the look of that gives me a feeling of certainty that I'm onto something. I'm sure you know the feeling. Then once I've found the 'thing' or group of things then it's time to apply LESS IS MORE. So I'll start to edit and take away what I don't need. This is basically the process I use in all my work: Add, add, add... then subtract.
Many of my students decide their paintings are too busy but then get stuck editing them. In this video I demonstrate the thought process in deciding what to take away and what to leave behind and how it’s all based on DIFFERENCES. Creating differences and then deciding which areas you like the best and reducing distractions around these areas, leaving them to be the focal areas in the painting. By doing this successfully you calm the painting and it becomes less ‘busy’.
Who doesn’t love flowers? In this demonstration I show you how to paint florals without getting hung up in petals, stamens, leaves and stems. Do you want your painting to convey the FEELING of the flower? Through combining a looseness of line and paint you can easily create gorgeous florals that are vibrant and fun.
In this video I lead you through a process of creating simple shapes that can be repeated in your abstract composition. When you repeat shapes you create a structure and cohesion in your painting which helps to eliminate that “chaotic, too-busy” feeling that can happen in abstract work. Follow the simple steps shown in this video using shapes that resonate with you and I’m sure you’ll be pleased with the outcome.
Sometimes we can just put way too many colours on our palette and end up with a big muddy mess. Follow me as I use a limited colour palette to create a HARMONIOUS painting using beautiful colour contrasts and colour pairings that work together. With 3 warm, 1 cool colour and black and white you can create depth and luscious colour combinations. In this abstract painting the end result hints at a wonderful land of shapes with linear details with warm colour contrasting with subtle cool shades. Watch the video and try this exercise yourself to see what you can create.
One of the biggest problems that stops artists from beginning is a feeling of overwhelm. When faced with a blank canvas, the options seem endless and terrifying: where do I even start? What if I end up with something hideous? How do I know what to paint at all? This video will give you 2 techniques for getting started when you have a new canvas, that are fast and effective and will help to kickstart your creative process so that you can begin your painting easily and with beautiful and exciting results.
