Foothills Depth

Since I've been spending a lot of time this summer working on learning Alcohol Inks, I've neglected my work with mixed media acrylics.  I did, however, get one that I really like, but previously did not get a very good picture of it to post.  While I had my big camera and detachable flash unit out, I decided to try to get another shot of this one and it does show the depth this layered painting has.  This one is finished with a "deep pour" using Golden Paint Company's GAC 800.  This finish too nearly 10 days to fully dry but I do like the end result and will probably have the patience to try the process again!

Here is Foothills Sunrise.

New Alcohol Inks

Some new inks to show you.  My focus has again shifted to doing more with ceramic tiles and frames for them. 

In the process of figuring out what was possible with tiles, I discovered that black ceramic tiles are elegant and dramatic in their appearance.  Add color to them and they sparkle.  In "Cactus Trio" above, I have use 3" X 6" tiles, each painted separately and at different times.  After I'd done each of the tiles on the ends, I saw that they were very bright and very "busy," and needed a calmer space in between them.  They are all done with a special mixative ink called "Snow Cap" which makes the color show up and varigates them so they have texture.  In the process of dealing with these odd size pieces, I soon discovered that frames for them were NOT readily available.  My solution to that was learning to use my husband's power mitre saw and router to make exactly what I wanted from 1" X 2" pieces of pine and routing them as "floater frames," meaning the tiles are in set on the front side of the frame. 

My next project used a white 6" tile and inks applied with a small paint brush, then sealed with UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel).  This frame was not an odd size so was purchased unfinished.  I used thinned fluid acrylics to paint the frame, then used the UTEE to coat the frame as well to get a unified look. 

Finally,  a couple more 3" x 6" tiles, one white and one black, one framed and one yet to be framed.  All of these will be on display at the Village Art Gallery in Yuma, Arizona in about 3 1/2 weeks!

Doodling with digital art

 "Sail Around the World"

 "Light Show"                                              and   "Pueblo"

For the past 3-4 weeks I've been doing some work with digital art platforms on my I Pad thanks to some instruction from compatriot Alexis Bonavitacola.  I have a few of these now that I think are worthy of posting here.  The two programs are Procreate and ArtRage and are available as I pad apps and ArtRage is also available for desktop computer.  Fun Stuff!  Procreate has better brushes, but ArtRage is the best program for excellent texture.  On some paintings I've been using both programs by using my photo program as a bridge.  Hope you enjoy these!

Digital Art

For the past couple of weeks, I've been playing with a couple of digital art programs on my I Pad and getting what I think are some nice results.  This impression of Bryce Canyon was done with both of these programs:  ArtRage, which is a program that creates beautiful texture, and Procreate, which has an excellent and expansive variety of brushes.  Will upload more of these later today!