I guess it's the teacher in me, but I enjoy showing you the process I go through when painting. First, before I start anything I have brainstorm sessions. I had a session last night with the sketchbook and am literally jumping up and down at the new ideas! I have a nice hardback sketchbook that I make little thumbnail drawings and notes. On one page there might be 8 mini drawings. I really do not like to draw, so these are quick sketches that basically just get the idea out of my head and onto paper. I also have started trying to come up with my own words to add to the paintings, so those go in the book too.
Meanwhile, I've prepped the wood canvases with black gesso. This is a fairly new technique for me. I love the texture paintings (where I put the putty on and carve), but was needing a new technique that wasn't quite so time consuming, but had the same outlined look. I love black outlines.....
I use a white colored pencil to lightly sketch in the composition. Then using HEAVY body acrylics, I paint the first layer of paint on really quickly. I BIG puffy heart my heavy body acrylics. This first layer is painted in a hurry and really loosely. I leave a gutter around all the images to give it a natural outline.
After the first layer dries I start layering the paint. I love to mix wet paint right in the canvas. And yes, I use colors right out of the tube. I never mix on the palette, just right on the canvas. Once the paint has dried the collage elements are added and last but not least, the words. So that's about it in nutshell folks. At this point my head is so spinney with ideas it's crazy. I've got about 20 paintings to go for my show and I have a feeling those paintings will flow seamlessly from the sketchbook to the canvas. Look for more postings on how they all unfold!
11 comments:
I have some black gesso, I'm going to have to give it a try. I usually use white gesso.
Your work is lovely and inspiring, as usual. :)
I love this jenni. Your posts and painting are always so calming and inspiring to me. Thanks for sharing. Do you stamp your words?
I really enjoy your blog, Jenni... especially this post in particular. It was really cool to see/read about your process. The thumbnail sketching is a great idea - that way you don't get too bogged down with the drawing part and can let the brainstorming flow. Thanks for sharing!
thanks for sharing your process. i find it so interesting that you paint within a frame. i'm a messy painter, so i would never be able to keep the frame clean. I love your style! Happy painting!
Jenni,
I like it very much. Your style is interesting with the blending of paint right on the canvas. Again I enjoyed your use of the pattered paper. I love the feel of acrylics, so smooth and thick and soft. They are great!
Absolutely LOVE this piece! Thanks for sharing it and the technique!
Love this work and technique! So the black 'lines' are actually the black gesso? And guess what! I mix my paint right on the canvas too!
So generous of you to share your process--thank you! I think it is the most interesting thing--how artists go about their work! I especially love how you incorporate the letters--very natural and organic.
Thanks again and Happy 4th of July!
Love this! and the words are so heartfelt....
I love the collage elements in the nest, and I love how you make the black outline. How did you make the words?
you frame the canvas first? Wow. I never knew there was black gesso -- cool! also, do you use a varnish or other medium to protect your collage elements? Thank you for showing us your process! :)
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