Monthly Archives: February 2020

Techniques

Pattern Fields

close up of Orchids without pattern/with pattern

I just read about a technique I’d like to try in Nancy Reyner’s book Acrylic Innovation. She calls it “Pattern Fields” pg. 96.  I’m naturally drawn to pattern. I think I’ve been consciously avoiding it, assuming it was “crafty, wallpaperish, gimmicky” even though it’s one of the principles of design. I’m embracing my inter-pattern love! 

Here’s some tips I’ll keep in mind to incorporate pattern in my next piece.

  1. organize patterns in asymmetrical areas
  2. use spatial effects (i.e. overlap, size and scale) to create the illusion of depth
  3. contrast (i.e. color, texture, opacity, solid vs patterned areas)
  4. vary the repetition
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Inspiration

What contemporary painters do you admire? Why?

This is one of the questions we are asked to answer for our Painting II Outline class assignment. Over the semesters I’ve added to my list as I learn about new (to me) contemporary artists. At my teacher’s suggestion I‘ve added Shinique Smith. She creates highly expressive paintings combining paint, collage and assemblage. She is a great inspiration to break the picture plane and go all out with color and ideas. I’m excited to explore this method with my newest piece “recovery is a journey not a destination”. Lets’s see where this takes me!

“recovery is a journey not a destination” in progress
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#paintsundaycolors

#paintsundaycolors

2/2/20 Blue Moon Navy

I’ve always been captivated by a consistent practice. Whether it’s exercise (ugh!!!), affirmations, reading, sleep, contentment, gratitude, writing, connections, most of all art practices. They are transformative. I’ve been searching for one that would click for me. On Saturday, November 2, 2019 I saw the exhibit Byron Kim: The Sunday Paintings at moCa Cleveland. On Sunday, November 3, 2019 I posted my first #paintsundaycolors on Instagram. I chose “colors” to strengthen my color range and kick me out of my go to palette. I followed his idea of writing a sentence or two about my day. Nothing profound, just an observation. I have completed thirteen weeks of #paintsundaycolors. I’ve only missed one week, early on, when I was traveling. I use inexpensive 8” x 8” canvases, acrylic paints/mediums and Prismacolor Ebony pencil. This is a satisfying, manageable practice that I’m throughly enjoying! Visit my portfolio to view all #paintsundaycolors.

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