Monday, March 08, 2010

Be kind. This painting was one of my first acrylic paintings. Most likely my first painting on a canvas. I did it back in either my sophomore or junior year of high school. We had just studied Georgia O'Keefe and our assignment was to paint a part of a flower as Georgia did, in a similar style. So I used the acrylic with a watercolor effect to simulate her beautiful blending of color. I remember that I loved painting this piece. I loved mixing the color and applying the paint. The way the brush felt on the canvas.
This one was done the same year. I didn't enjoy this one as much. Figures and faces aren't my thing. But even still there were some things about it that I did enjoy. I am not even sure why I had to have these paintings back and why I needed to show them here. Except that I said I would and maybe it is a full circle moment for me.
Acrylics are kind. In the way that if you "mess up" you can always paint over them. Oils do that, probably better since the drying time is so much slower and you just wipe it off. Watercolors aren't so forgiving.

I stretched my canvas and primed it over the weekend. It was staring at me so today I applied a very watery mix of burnt umber and cadmium yellow with a brush and took a wet paper towel and removed some of it. I have an idea of what I will do next but I don't want to have too much of an idea if you know what I mean.

I hope you had a great weekend! We spotted our bulbs we planted in the fall peeking up through the dirt and surrounded by snow. I couldn't have been more excited!

9 comments:

Concetta said...

Looking at work you did years ago is a bit like looking at old photos - fondness, nostalgia and a bit of "ugh, how could I ever thought those clothes were cool!". I like your flower a lot though! I have been given a big tub with big tubes of acrylic - did a table with cartoon images of the kids with it a year ago (here http://glitteringshards.blogspot.com/2009/06/drawing.html ) then...nothing so hope to get some inspiration from you!

Regina said...

I wish I knew where some of my old stuff was. I was really into drawing extremely realistic and detailed portraits. Your paintings do feel nostalgic. I great way to start fresh is to look back a bit.

Have fun painting. I love getting lost in my paints & canvas.

Louise Gale said...

Ahhh so good to look at old paintings...i did the same when i was back in the UK last September...really motivated me. I love the flower Dana! Colours are beautiful. Have a great week honey xx

AG Ambroult said...

yes! we spotted a crocus yesterday! At this time of year, it's the little things.
Your high school paintings are great! thanks for sharing them...I have mixed feeling about some of my "early work".
I am getting excited for your new works in acrylic :)

Lila said...

Hi, Dana!
looking forward to see your new work "compared" with your previous ones! One day i will post some of mine too {mixed media}. I have not touch a single paint brush or knife in 3 years...
have a good week!

Kolleen said...

love seeing your past creations...thank you for sharing!!

looking forward to what comes of your burnt umber and cadmium yellow!!!

so happy you are seeing sweet little glimpses of springtime!! yippee!!!!

xoxox
k

jacqueline said...

WOW i adore the painting you did a while back! It's really nice to be able to have a peek at your old creations! They are gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing. SO happy that spring is on it's way to you! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!

Wini said...

Hi Dana, I love your first acrylic painting of the flower, and I love the fresh colours used. I'm excited to hear that you're inspired by Georgia O'Keefe. She is one of my favourite artists!! I like your portrait too... its so nostalgic and charming :))

Fruitful Fusion said...

That first painting, the acrylic, is beautiful!