I like the very beginning of a project.
Nothing has gone wrong yet. No frustrations. Just possibilities.
And the pleasing getting-things-ready stage feels like a building block: everything else that occurs in the work will rest on the beginnings.
I am starting two different works that will depict physical buildings. So, creating the fabric that will comprise these architectural forms are physically building blocks. I will build the building shapes from what I create.
I’m beginning with some simple fabric painting. Here is my set-up:
The fabric I am going to paint is taped down to a one-third sheet of 4’x8’ plywood. I’ve placed a vinyl piece behind the fabric so it does not adhere to the wood. My mixing colors are in place. A few brushes. To the left, I’ll use a blank area on my board as the palette. It’s scrap vinyl taped down over a white sheet of paper. (The diagonal lines in the palette are just odd marks I had on the scrap paper. Pretend they are not there.)
How much paint? How to mix? From experience, I am guessing about three teaspoons of paint will paint the yardage I am working on, which is about 24” x 36”. I have dolloped about a spoonful each of three paint colors onto the palette: Alizarin Crimson, Phthalo Blue plus Burnt Sienna. I want to make some deep purple. I’ll dip my big brush in the water, mix up the colors with the damp brush, and apply straight to the fabric, working pretty fast and wet.
A few minutes later the base coat is done. I’ve covered up the leftover paint on the palette with plastic wrap so I can come back and use it a bit later.
Now to add some pattern. I have randomly applied overlapping patterns with a foam roller and hand-cut stencils from my stencil stash.
I’ll add more later, introducing some other subtle colors and enhancing the feel of a rough stone texture.
For now, the first building block is in place.
. . . . . .
It’s down to the last week of my exhibit at the Museum of Art DeLand. This has been a wonderful experience. THANK YOU to the many visitors, those who came on their own and those who met with me in groups. I am very grateful for your support and encouragement. More information about the Museum and the exhibit at moartdeland.org
. . . .
For all of us: focus each day
on the good that needs to be done in the world.
Be part of doing it.
Thank you for reading. I always enjoy questions and comments.
--Bobbi
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