Friday, February 15, 2013

Hearts . . . New Painting

"Love Inspired"
mixed media on 11x14 canvas

I had a canvas with an unfinished painting.  I no longer felt connected to it so I decided to create something totally different.  And I am so glad I did.  It is pretty liberating to cover over an old idea with something new.  

My new favorite colors are magenta and blue as you can see.  I was surprised I had the patience to layer!  I am slowly learning that if I can add more layers the painting has lots more depth.  I really enjoyed creating this one.  

Here is the first layer.  I used phalto blue and phalto green.  I applied the paint with my hands and a sponge brush which I have never used but love the feathery effects you can get with it .



 I fell in love with the first layer but knew I had to keep going.  
I love to add letters so I sprayed through my alphabet stencil and also added some white circles.  
In the background of this image you can see a larger painting.  That is something I am working on for Flora Bowley's "Bloom True" online course which I am in the middle of.  (more on that to come!)


I knew I wanted to incorporate hearts so I added that next.  
I also used the magenta which is transparent to cover some of the blue.  That was pretty scary for me.  Silly but true.  I get so attached to my layers that I really struggle to let go and cover stuff up.  
Once I did I liked that I could see the white peeking through from underneath.  



Initially I was upset I covered over the letters on the right side so I brought them back.  I also added a stamp on the heart which reads "when I want to see love defined I look at you".  I felt like it was a nice finishing touch to this piece.

I will be adding it to my etsy shop soon! 

Linking up today with Paint Party Friday.  If you haven't joined us yet be sure to check it out!  Lots of great art to be seen!

xo

17 comments:

  1. There is a feeling of "what if I..." when one colour is added over another...of what am I losing...and it takes time to re-think to "what am I gaining" -- I'm glad you let the magenta go over the blue -- it adds more impact doesn't it?

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  2. Lovely creation ~ dynamic colors and blending with words ~ ^_^

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  3. very fun-layers are great! floras class is amazing too........have fun

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  4. I really love the balance in this one, Cathy.
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  5. Terrific canvas Cathy.
    Happy PPF, Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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  6. It looks as though you are getting lots out of the course and I look forward to reading more about what you have learnt... and this is quite lovely... it still has that great grungy edge that you do so well... but the colours are fabulous...xx

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  7. really like the colours you have used here

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  8. Oh this is beautiful!! I love the blue-green background. Love the heart, too.

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  9. Gorgeous, Cathy!! I am just working on another painting where I don't like the first layer at all. I have to really force myself to keep going and not just gesso over it. It's so hard for me to not see these progress layers as "finished" and judge them either good or bad. Your piece is an inspiration to me!! xoxo, Silke

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  10. The more layers the better. And, using an old canvas adds more to the beautiful story that unfolds. Flora's class was a huge inspiration for me. I felt that it lifted me to a whole new level in my art. I hope you find the same inspiration there. Beautiful work. Looking forward to seeing more.

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  11. Love seeing your prgress and the end result is fantastic!

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  12. Love you truly inspired. Saludos

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  13. I love it...I also enjoy how you only use a few colors...beautiful!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  14. This is fabulous! Love the dripping, the colors and the layers. Swoon! HPPF!

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  15. You are the inspiration! Love what you have done here with an old canvas...Wonderful palette.

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  16. i really like this piece. great colour choice and it's really interesting to see the layers as the painting progresses. and I agree it's great to cover up something you no longer have a use for to create something new!

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