This is the first time I have worked on a canvas board. The size is 5x7 and it started out as a bit of an experiment for adhesives. Up to now I have used gel medium to adhere my papers in my mixed media pieces but I find it very thick, especially now that my container is coming to an end.
My son is taking Gcse Art at school and he is doing a mixed media piece for his final piece of work when he goes back after the end of term break. Even though he chose it as one of his options he is not enjoying it and is not looking forward to doing his final piece. So to save him struggling with the thick remnants of my gel medium I wanted to see if he could use PVA glue, hence the experiment. But as I thought, when the paint was applied the paper lifted in parts so it's off to the shops to purchase some 'thinner' Matt Medium.
However, for me, this has resulted in what's called 'a happy accident', because after sketching in the figure and painting it in gesso the lifted piece formed an interesting shape for the nose.
I find that very exciting when something like that happens. It is like the figure is already in the painting trying to get out. If I hadn't followed its lead I probably would have painted a very different face.
There is a hidden 'little secret' in this piece and if you look really close you may see the early stages of it. I will reveal the secret and share the reason behind it when I post the finished painting.
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Thank's for visiting x
Love the story of the nose, and it will make the painting extra sepcial! Valerie
ReplyDeleteAren't happy accidents fun! I love the rich red textured background. I can't wait to see how the figure (with the wonderful nose) emerges. Is she wearing an interesting headpiece? ;-)
ReplyDeleteHappy accidents are the best. She is shaping up to be such a cool figure! Can't wait to see how she evolves!
ReplyDeleteI love it when THEY tell YOU what they want to be! It's so exciting!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever tried modge podge?....I love it for under and over projects!! I get sparkly for cards I make! This really is a happy accident...I love how it's turning out and can't wait to see the finished piece!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
I <3 those happy accidents too!
ReplyDeletegood turn out, have a nice weekend
ReplyDeletemuch love...
I love secrets and happy accidents. the nose is perfect and now I'm intrigued to revealing her mystery. Nice work. Hope your finger is doing better and your son succeeds with his project.
ReplyDeleteAnnabelle : )
I have been experimenting with canvasboards too, and I've also found that the best way to attach papers is gel medium, or matte medium, it doesn't have to be gel. Other glues don't work as well. But it's good that you got a happy accident out of it. It's so much nicer to let the canvas tell you what to paint. She's looking so cute .... Wonder whether the secret has something to do with that shape on her head ....
ReplyDeleteloving it already. Happy PPF, Annette x
ReplyDeletehttp://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/
One of my WIPs had part of her face peeled up. I gesso'd over it and it added part of her nose and cheekbones. Isn't it great when our mediums show us how to fix and add to the project. Tell your son to try and have fun with his final. Maybe seeing what happened will inspire him. Have a great weekend, Rasz
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love mixed media? It's so full of happy accidents! Love how it was the nose that poked out - very serednipitous! I hope your son finds his way with mixed media and ends up enjoying it as much as we do.
ReplyDeleteGel mediums do tend to get a bit gloopy and thick after a while... I think I shall try putting a piece of cling film over the surface before screwing on the lid because that might stop it evaporating into the jar when you've used a lot and there's more space.
Many thanks for your visit and your lovely comment - dyeing does take up the whole table and you need the sink nearby, so it really is essential to have a dedicated space. Update - I've been dyeing all afternoon (am practically dead now lol!!) and have made up new stock solutions and dyed two lots of gorgeous dark chestnut coloured yarn for my knitting! It's still cooling ready for washing.
So sorry to hear you are still suffering with your thumb. I am always concerned when I hear of the sufferings and frustrations of a fellow artist, especially when it prevents you from doing what you love most! I do hope the hospital will be able to come up with something to speed your recovery, but in the meantime, I think you are absolutely incredible to be able to do so much with your non-dominant hand! You'd never know there was a problem!
Have a great weekend.
Shoshi
That nose is wonderful - I love happy accidents too - sometimes they happen when I'm painting as well. (some are not so happy - the reason for the existence of gesso lol) I am very interested to see this work completed. I use matte medium for all my collage pieces.
ReplyDeleteI love the different textures in her face. What a happy accident indeed. I'm looking and looking and can't see the secret so I look forward to seeing that!
ReplyDeleteSo far so great!!! I love the texture you used in this piece. The red background is amazing.
ReplyDeleteNicole/Beadwright
I love this! And I love the colors. Thanks for joining my blog. Look forward to seeing more of your work as well.
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