Saturday, January 22, 2011

Finding Comfort In Photography . . . New Mixed Media Piece

untitled
mixed media on 6x8 inch canvas board

So not long after my whining rant yesterday I started flipping through Mixed Emulsions by Angela Cartwright and was inspired. I bought this book way before I ever picked up a paint brush. I think I was drawn to it because of my photography. And then I never tried any of the techniques as I really wasn't into art yet. If you are looking to incorporate your photos into your art this is a great book.

I ventured into my studio to try and create by late afternoon. I knew which photo I wanted to alter and could see the background. I actually gessoed over my failed attempt at painting from last week! I already had molding paste on the canvas board and used carbon black for the background with some micaceous iron oxide along the side over the paste. I altered my photo with sandpaper and distress ink. I completed the piece using a white paint pen to draw the extension of the image into the painting.

I really love how it turned out! I do find that what I am loving the most is using my photography in a mixed media piece. There is something comfortable about that for me.

And to those of you who commented on yesterday's post thank you for your kind words! By last night I was feeling better. I just hope it lasts!

12 comments:

  1. There's a lot of depth to the piece. I see the flowers too! :-)...Keep on learning and growing. Everything else will take care of itself.

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  2. This is amazing, great piece. The perspective is wonderful, it makes the photo look like a recessed window or door. Great job.

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  3. Photography in mixed media is a strong combo. This piece is WONDERFUL~~if I was picking from the work you've posted for one to really represent *you*---this would be it. Because both the painting and photography are present and it is a visual piece that just flat out grabs the attention.
    MORE! MORE!

    XXOO~~♥
    Anne

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  4. It's beautiful Cathy. I love the darkness/stillness of the outside of the picture and yet, the photo speaks. Sort of like....Alive in Darkness. Excellent. Have a great weekend. Glad you are feeling a little better.

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  5. This is fantastic, saw yesterday on your facebook album! I bet it's really fun to do and would make extra special gifts for friends instead of 'just a photo' sort of more personalised if you know what I mean.

    Glad you are feeling more chipper keep it up! xx

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  6. Cathy WONDERFUL!! Great job!

    Brava!! :-))
    Have i nice weekend!

    Ciao!

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  7. I love it!! I think you are finding your style my dear! xo

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  8. i am in love with it! this is a magnificent piece, cathy. every single thing about it!

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  9. oohhh, Cathy, this is brilliant! I love it! It's completely different from your other pieces. It's great to experiment...so keep on experimenting. This turned out lovely.

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  10. I absolutely LOVE this piece as well. It is filled with solitude, which I am always drawn to.

    I would love to experiment with mixed media sometime, when I am a bit more brave to venture outside my comfort zone. I am definitely going to check the book out though.

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