Hello and Welcome to Orange Spiral Arts!
I always find it interesting to see all of the layers that go into making a painting, so today I am going to share the step-by-step photos of my recent painting, "Free Flow".
I started this painting on a canvas panel, and my goal was to play with the new DecoArt Media Crackle Paste. I recently wrote a blog post for artistcellar.com, where I use many of the fun mixed media products Lisa sells on her site. You can see that blog post about crackle paste right here.
When it was time to publish that post, I was not yet done with the painting. As a way to stay accountable to myself, I suggested that I would complete the painting and share it here on my Orange Spiral Arts blog. So, that's what I am doing today; sharing the completed painting, as well as the steps it took to get there. I hope to inspire you to explore a variety of mixed media products, perhaps in non-traditional ways, or in any way that feels fun to you!
The Beginning
My first layer involved covering the entire canvas panel with red acrylic paint. See below. The first image is for your reference on the type of panel I am using.
And here's the red paint.
Next, I applied crackle paste with a palette knife.
The Middle Layers
Then, I added a little light blue and some neon orange acrylic paint.
I experimented with the Koi Brush Pens on top of the crackle paste. I was really impressed with the color saturation, and I love the transparency of the marker over the crackle paste.
I had a lot of fun with the Ranger Re-inker in the COFFEE color. The re-inker spread right into the "crackle" and helped deepen the appearance of the cracks.
In the next two pictures below, I am experimenting with yellow and green Dye-Na-Flow liquid color.
Next, I added some watered down Dina Wakley heavy body acrylic paint in Blackberry.
You may or may not know this about me, but I adore stencils. I love how you can add just a part of a stencil to an art journal page or a painting. My typical process is to apply acrylic paint with a cosmetic wedge through the stencil.
Final Layers
In these final layers, I am doing a lot of canvas turning and squinting to look for areas that need to be further developed. I am adding color and contrast, as well as imagery and/or words.
I am into pattern these days, so that goes into the final layers, as well.
I experimented with using a Pilot Parallel Pen on top of the dried painted layers. It worked! You may not be surprised, but it worked like ink. It took some time for that pen ink to dry.
Below you can see more dark and light layers being added for contrast. And of course, there is a spiral and some circles that were added with the Pilot Parallel Pen.
Sometimes it's hard to cover things up that you've already done, but I am learning that that's part of the process. You have to be okay with covering over parts, as all of the layering is what makes a rich painting. Flora Bowley is a fantastic teacher regarding this layering process. I highly recommend her e-course Bloom True. (I am an affiliate, and I only recommend things I truly believe in. By using my affiliate link, it costs nothing for you, but will help me keep my art supplies stocked! Thank you in advance for considering this!)
Below, you'll see that I added the words "Free Flow".
Just a little more contrast and variety for the eye to see is now added, and we're almost done!
The final step involves signing your work. I suggest that you sign everything you do that feels like a finished piece. It's good practice, it helps you own your art in more ways than one, and you did it!
Briana G.
Free Flow, 2016
Mixed media on canvas
9 in x 12 in (22.8 cm x 30.4 cm)
Unframed original art
$45 USD + Shipping
I would like to express my gratitude for your presence here. I appreciate you! Also, you and your creativity matter. Give yourself some time to simply play with art supplies! It's good for your health!
Until next time . . .
Blessings and Peace to you,
Briana
