Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Abstract


Here's something you probably didn't expect to see from me. I belong to a group called "Loosen Me Up" on Gary Reef's Ning Group. He recently posted the first exercise which was "painting to music".

I really enjoyed this exercise. There were a few firsts for me. One, take a tip from Gary - do it outside next time! Two, I actually used my easel for the first time ever - I bought it years ago with good intentions of taking up painting! Three - my first ever abstract.

I used colours that would go with my studio. I used a canvas that I had started a folk art painting on many, many years ago and never finished. It always bothered me to see a half completed painting just sitting there, now I don't need to be bothered any more! I debated on what to do the painting on - should I waste! a canvas, should I used poster board, butcher paper - what? Ultimately I am happy with the choice I made - I really like my painting and intend hanging it on the wall of my studio as a reminder to be more loose and free when I paint.

Oh, the music that I painted to in case you were wondering was ABBA Gold - haha, showing my age now. I used a very wide brush to start with (probably 4" wide) and then grabbed a brayer which was lying nearby which happened to have rubber bands wrapped around it, some bubble wrap and then finished off with a paste brush to flick paint everywhere (and I mean everywhere - I had a bit of cleaning up to do). Having said all that - I still have to loosen up a lot more which I look forward to doing as Gary's Ning group exercises continue.

13 comments:

Trish said...

I love this!! It's totally right up my alley:) I was thinking I didn't have anyplace to work outside (live in an apartment complex) but I guess I could spread something out on the balcony and paint there? The other night I was flinging paint splatters in my art journal, and didn't realize until hours later, I flung it all over my newly painted wall:(
So outside would be good-
Thanks for showing this, look forward to seeing more !
take care!
Trish

Trish said...

Brenda, I just read your comment, thank you-I have neglected my blog this week, but I've just been in a weird mood. I was just telling someone else on here, I don't think I could do this job for years, it's just hard to lose someone you spend every day with (hard to lose someone you don't spend everyday with too, of course)
ok, well, I'm going to go do another art journal page, that's what I've been doing the last few days, it helps:) but I do have a good interview ready to go whenever I get back to the blog, I just wanted to try to write a book review with it....
take care and have a good evening!
Trish

Chavah Kinloch said...

It looks great! Better to put the half used canvas to use than leave it forever. I love the ABBA Gold album haha. I listen to it too:) Painting to music is a GREAT therapy.

Kaili Ittensohn said...

Oooh sounds like you had fun! I so need to do some loose and fun art, I think its good for the soul. I find myself always being such a perfectionist and frankly it can be restricting sometimes. Thanks for the inspiration xx

MLBetterly said...

Hello Brenda! I should join that group as well! I really need to just loosen up myself. Great job on your first abstract! Thanks for following my blog and I'm returning the favor on yours! Keep up the great art!

Lisa Lectura Creations said...

Hi Brenda! Love your abstract painting! Looks like you had a great time creating it to ABBA. Also, congrats on using your easel for the first time. That must have been so exciting. And as far as canvases, I tend to have tons of unfinished ones laying around.

Thanks so much for coming to visit! I really appreciate all your sweet comments! Have a wonderful week!

Hugs,
Lisa :)

DJ said...

Brenda! So glad I found your blog...I'm from the Coach Creative Space Ning Group. Looks like you had fun painting to music. Working to ABBA sounds good to me - and if we're showing our age, who cares? I'm just glad to have gotten this far. lol~

~*~Patty S said...

It looks like you had a wonderful time, I am imagining you the wild painter waving your brush to the music....great colors and textures!

ANNETTE HUSBAND said...

Love it Brenda


hhhmmm maybe you are our next "blue Poles" artist in the making LOL.So glad I missed all the rian when I was just over there
hugs
Annette

The Bodhi Chicklet said...

No wonder you suggested doing this outside! I can hear the music blaring, you dancing around flinging paint everywhere. What fun that must have been!