Sunday, January 23, 2011

Grungy Love . . .

mixed media on 6x8 inch canvas board

Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday! Last night I finished this piece. I used a photo of a heart I drew in the sand at the beach. I sanded the photo and added some distress ink the details of which are lost under a layer of white gesso but I do like how it came out. So I used black crayon to bring the heart shape back out.

The layer of paint I started with was a wash of crimson. I hated it. I didn't think it went with the sepia tone of my photo. So I went with my old standby . . . payne's gray. And it felt better to me. The stamping I added after staring at it for a couple of hours wondering what was missing. It is actually white gesso I put on my stamp because of the dark background. The stamp was what I needed to complete the piece.

It looks kind of grungy to me and I like it! I went to bed last night with visions of my photos scrolling through my head. I am wondering which one I will try next!

Tomorrow I begin a new online class with Traci Bautista. Its called "Fashionista" and incorporates faces, collage, digital photos, and graffiti backgrounds. I will be sure to share some of my creations from the class with you!
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17 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 23, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    Oooh, I'm very drawn to this one! Very beautiful, fantastic piece!

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  2. NicolaJanuary 23, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    Hi Cathy I've just been catching up on your last few posts, sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling well I'm sure that had something to do with you feeling out of your artistic groove. But I can see now that you weren't out for very long. My goodness I just LOVE the last two pieces, so creative and just gorgeous, I think my favourite was the tree one but this is gorgeous too! I love the texture and the tones and the fact that you have used your own photos! Wow your artistic journey is taking you to so many places!!!

    I know how you feel about getting out of your artistic groove from time to time, I'm forever questioning myself and my direction and I'm my own worst critic but I guess that can be said for all of us!

    Love this new work and look forward to seeing what comes next!!! :0) x

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  3. DebbieJanuary 23, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    Nice piece Cathy! I'm looking forward to seeing what you make in your new class!

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  4. Rona GregoryJanuary 23, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    Cathy is there no end? What are you going to try next? You are like a human sponge soaking up every little tip and tutorial and then just running with it! These are great! Can't wait to see what you try next LOL!

    Ro xx

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  5. PoetessWugJanuary 23, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    Very cute, Cathy!! It doesn't look grungy to me though...Look forward to what you learn in your new class too. Maybe more eye detail, huh?! :-)

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  6. FranzJanuary 23, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    really nice, you are very creative!
    Ciao my friend:-)

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  7. ManonJanuary 23, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    Really pretty, Cathy. Paynes Gray is always nearby me...lol. I love that color!

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  8. hmuxoJanuary 23, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    So unique Cathy! Love it!

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  9. wandamarie.blogspot.comJanuary 23, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    waht a wonderful wonderful turn out...i ALWAYS love your colors!

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  10. wandamarie.blogspot.comJanuary 23, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    that was "what"...i'm sure you knew!

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  11. MarleneJanuary 24, 2011 at 6:20 AM

    Cathy, this is wonderful. I really like this new style you are developing and look forward to seeing more. (Payne's gray is one of my favorite colors also)

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  12. chrissyJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    cathy...i am LOVING your new style. it is so great. i love that you are using YOUR own photos in some of your pieces...so wonderful!
    keep sharing.
    c

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  13. DianeJanuary 24, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Love this look!! Have fun in Traci's class--let us know what it's like.

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  14. jgrJanuary 24, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    I love your heart piece, the color (or lack of) is very lovely and soothing. Can't wait to see some work from Traci's class-I know it will be great!

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  15. UnknownJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    I love the mystery of this piece....it draws you in....wonderful work Cathy!!!!

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  16. pinkglitterfaeJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    I like it! the white stamping finished the piece perfectly...great idea to use gesso too.
    I was thinking of taking one of Traci's classes, but I don't think I can handle any more workshops, I'm already behind. Looking forward to seeing what you learn in the class.

    thanks for stopping by my blog. You don't need to worry about losing any progress, it ebbs and flows. Sometimes we are filled with great ideas, and are productive, other times, it comes a bit harder.
    As to the Pan pastels, I find them completely different from the regular pastels. I too don't like the dustiness of them, or getting my fingers dirty. For the pan ones you use an applicator, which comes in different sizes, and you use that to paint with. It's a totally different look, you should check out youtube for some idea of what it's like.
    have fun
    xoxo

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  17. Ashley January 26, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Cathy, I just want to tell you, I really think you have found your mark my dear friend. Your art work just keeps getting better and better.From your big eye girls, abstract to mixed media....I love them all! I am a pretty big abstract kinda girl, guess because that is what I do the most of, but I really love the girls you have worked on over the past year. You have a great collection of them. I can't wait to see more of your mix media as well as abstracts!

    I love seeing on facebook what you have done new! Oh and sorry to here you been sick...

    happy paintings my friend,
    ashley :)

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