Thursday, February 24, 2011

Textured work

Have lately been exploring texture in paintings.  It all came via my interest in collage and the alterations it makes to the surface of a work.  While I have no trouble loading the canvas with patterns of modelling paste, I have trouble then relating that surface to a finished work.  If perseverance is worth anything then I must be getting somewhere.

I am a great believer that the best learning comes from solving problems.  No painting should ever be tossed out simply because it 'doesn't work' or 'you don't like it'.  Have a good look and consider what is actually wrong with it.  Using all the knowledge you have gained from previous work you should be able to decide.  Is it out of balance, the colours too raw, no variety of tone or shape?  Is there a lack of movement? 

If all else fails, turn it upside down and correct these things before you restore it to the correct way up.  You might be surprised at the difference.  One gets bogged down in the 'known' at the risk of enlightenment.  Be adventurous.

My ventures into texture are still works in progress and, as yet, unsigned.  I might not go any further. Then again I might.

Other Worlds
Could be 'Alien Encounters' or 'Space Odyssey'?

After the Fire
I'm quite happy with this and will probably leave it alone

After The Fire - detail

3 comments:

  1. Hi Jo,
    Thanks for sharing these beautifully rich textural paintings! And for your comments on my blog. The International Collage Exhibition and Exchange sounds way fun! Thanks for the reference. It's a little too short notice for this year, but I'll keep it in mind for next year. Keep up the fine work!

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  2. Oh I love both of these! Texture is one of my favorite things EVER. Your work is lovely. Thank you for your comment and for this fine inspiration!

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  3. Thank you both for your positive comments. It certainly motivates me to continue exploring texture.

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